The debate around Vicky Kaushal’s historical drama Chhaava has intensified after music composer A. R. Rahmandescribed the film as “divisive” in a recent interview. Rahman, who composed the film’s soundtrack, said that while he felt honoured to work on a story based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, he acknowledged that the film had split audience opinion.
His remark quickly went viral, prompting a measured response from the film’s writer Rishi Virmani, who defended the project while addressing the larger issue of how cinema influences society.
Writer’s response to ‘divisive’ remark
Reacting to Rahman’s statement, Virmani said that a film alone cannot change an entire mindset in a few hours, suggesting that audience reactions are shaped by pre-existing beliefs rather than a single piece of storytelling.
He emphasised that Chhaava was created with the intention of presenting a historical narrative and evoking emotion, not to create social or political division. According to the writer, cinema often reflects society’s complexities instead of reshaping them instantly.
A larger conversation on history and cinema
The discussion around Chhaava is part of a broader debate about historical films in India and how they are interpreted by different audiences. While the film performed strongly at the box office, it also generated polarised reactions, particularly around its portrayal of historical events and characters.
Rahman’s comment that the film was “divisive” was seen by some as an acknowledgment of these reactions rather than a direct criticism of the filmmaking itself. Others, however, viewed the remark as surprising given his involvement in the project.
Box-office success amid controversy
Despite the debate, Chhaava emerged as a major commercial success, with Vicky Kaushal’s performance receiving praise from critics and audiences alike. The film’s scale, music, and dramatic storytelling contributed to its strong theatrical run.
Industry observers note that the situation highlights a recurring trend: films that deal with historical or cultural subjects often generate intense discussion, which can amplify both their popularity and scrutiny.
Cinema’s influence remains complex
Virmani’s response underscores an important point about the relationship between cinema and society, while films can spark conversations and influence perspectives, they rarely transform deeply held beliefs on their own.
The exchange between Rahman and the Chhaava writer has therefore moved beyond a single film, evolving into a broader discussion on artistic intent, audience interpretation, and the responsibilities of historical storytelling.
