AR Rahman is facing criticism on social media following the release of ‘Mangal Rang’, a wedding song from Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film Ramayana. Sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, the track celebrates the wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. However, instead of focusing solely on its melody, several listeners have started comparing the composition with Rahman’s earlier songs, including ‘Kun Faya Kun’ and ‘Enna Solla Pogirai’.
Starring Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi, Ramayana has generated considerable interest because of its mythological subject and ambitious cinematic presentation. The music has consequently attracted close attention, with some listeners questioning whether ‘Mangal Rang’ captures the traditional and devotional atmosphere they expected.
The controversy revolves around the song’s musical arrangement, its perceived Sufi and qawwali influences, and the expectations surrounding music for a film based on the Indian epic. Here is everything you need to know about the debate.
Mangal Rang Song Controversy: 5 Key Details
The discussion surrounding the song can be summarised through these key points:
- Film: Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari.
- Lead cast: Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi.
- Playback singers: Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal.
- Music composer: AR Rahman.
- Lyrics: Kumar Vishwas.
- Main controversy: Social media comparisons with Rahman’s earlier songs, criticism of the musical style, and demands for a more traditional devotional sound.
The central question: Does ‘Mangal Rang’ offer a fitting musical interpretation of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita’s wedding, or were listeners expecting a more traditional approach?
Why Is AR Rahman Facing Backlash Over Mangal Rang?
Following the song’s release, some listeners took to social media to express dissatisfaction with its melody, chorus and overall arrangement. Several users said that portions of the track reminded them of previously released compositions.
Others questioned the use of musical elements they associated with Sufi music and qawwali. They argued that a wedding song from a mythological film should feature a stronger connection to traditional Indian musical styles.
However, reactions have not been uniform. Musical preferences differ, and some listeners may appreciate a contemporary arrangement for a story rooted in ancient Indian tradition.
It is important to note that the criticism reflects individual opinions. No musical similarity cited in these reactions should automatically be treated as proof of plagiarism.
1. Mangal Rang Compared With ‘Enna Solla Pogirai’
One social media user compared ‘Mangal Rang’ with AR Rahman’s Tamil song ‘Enna Solla Pogirai’, featured in the 2000 romantic drama Kandukondain Kandukondain.
The film starred Ajith Kumar, Mammootty, Tabu and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Its soundtrack remains part of Rahman’s earlier musical catalogue.
According to the user’s interpretation, the repeated word ‘rang’ in the new song’s chorus and certain guitar arrangements brought to mind the qawwali ‘Aaj Rang Hai’. The user also suggested that some musical elements resembled ‘Enna Solla Pogirai’.
Why is the comparison gaining attention?
- The discussion focuses on the song’s chorus and musical arrangement.
- Some listeners believe the similarities are noticeable.
- Others may interpret the resemblance as a matter of musical style rather than direct copying.
These comparisons are subjective observations made by listeners. Establishing whether two compositions have been copied from one another would require a more detailed musical assessment.
2. Why Are Fans Comparing Mangal Rang With ‘Kun Faya Kun’?
Another major point of discussion is ‘Kun Faya Kun’, the popular track from the 2011 film Rockstar, starring Ranbir Kapoor. AR Rahman composed the music for that film as well.
Some social media users believe that ‘Mangal Rang’ shares aspects of the musical atmosphere or style they associate with ‘Kun Faya Kun’. The comparison has prompted criticism of Rahman’s creative approach to the Ramayana soundtrack.
One critic argued that Rahman was not the right choice for the project and suggested that composers such as Ajay-Atul or Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy might have been more suitable.
Key facts behind the comparison:
- ‘Kun Faya Kun’: From the 2011 film Rockstar.
- Music composer: AR Rahman.
- Reason for comparison: Listeners' perceptions of similarities in musical style and atmosphere.
- Alternative composers suggested online: Ajay-Atul and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
The criticism highlights a larger debate about the musical direction of mythological cinema. Some audiences prefer a traditional devotional sound, while others are comfortable with modern arrangements.
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3. AR Rahman Criticised Over Alleged Sufi and Qawwali Influences
The controversy has also expanded into a discussion about the musical traditions associated with ‘Mangal Rang’.
Some social media users have accused Rahman of relying too heavily on Sufi and qawwali influences. A few have also referred to the music of Chhaava while discussing their concerns about the new track.
These reactions have moved the conversation beyond the song’s melody and into questions about cultural representation and religious identity.
However, claims about the religious intentions behind a composition cannot be established simply by identifying a particular musical influence. Sufi music and qawwali are musical traditions, and their perceived presence does not, by itself, demonstrate that a song is unsuitable for a particular film.
The debate is therefore best understood as a disagreement over artistic choices and audience expectations rather than a proven allegation of religious intent.
4. Why Do Some Viewers Want Traditional Indian Music in Ramayana?
A section of the audience believes that a film based on the Ramayana should make greater use of traditional Indian instruments and devotional musical elements.
Some viewers have suggested that instruments such as the following could help create the atmosphere they expect from a mythological wedding song:
- Veena: Associated with Indian classical music.
- Sitar: A prominent instrument in Hindustani classical music.
- Mridangam: A traditional percussion instrument associated with Carnatic music.
- Tabla: Widely used in Indian classical and other musical traditions.
Listeners have also questioned the lyrics, with some suggesting that more Sanskrit vocabulary and devotional expressions could have strengthened the song’s connection to the epic.
Others may prefer a modern musical treatment that blends traditional and contemporary sounds.
The disagreement ultimately comes down to artistic expectations: Should a mythological film prioritise classical and devotional arrangements, or can it reinterpret an ancient story through contemporary music?
5. What Makes the Mangal Rang Controversy Significant?
The debate surrounding ‘Mangal Rang’ illustrates how music for culturally significant stories can attract strong reactions even before audiences experience it within the film.
Three major factors are driving the discussion:
- Comparisons with earlier songs: Listeners have drawn parallels with ‘Enna Solla Pogirai’ and ‘Kun Faya Kun’.
- Musical identity: The perceived presence of Sufi and qawwali influences has divided opinions.
- Cultural expectations: Some viewers want a stronger emphasis on traditional instruments, devotional lyrics and classical influences.
These points explain why the conversation has extended beyond whether listeners simply like or dislike the song.
At the same time, online criticism should be distinguished from independently verified findings. Similar-sounding musical elements do not automatically establish plagiarism, and opinions about cultural suitability remain subjective.
Ramayana Movie: What to Expect From the Soundtrack?
With Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi in the lead roles, Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is attracting attention for its portrayal of one of India's most well-known epics.
The wedding of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita is an important part of the story, making the musical treatment of the occasion especially significant for viewers who value its devotional and cultural dimensions.
The response to ‘Mangal Rang’ suggests that audiences have different expectations for the soundtrack. Some favour a traditional approach, while others may welcome a contemporary interpretation.
The remaining songs and their placement within the film may influence how audiences assess the overall musical direction. Until then, the debate surrounding ‘Mangal Rang’ remains largely centred on individual reactions and interpretations.
Final Verdict: Is Mangal Rang Facing a Social Media Backlash?
Yes, ‘Mangal Rang’ has drawn criticism from some social media users, particularly over its perceived resemblance to AR Rahman’s earlier compositions and its musical style. Comparisons with ‘Kun Faya Kun’ and ‘Enna Solla Pogirai’ have become key talking points, alongside calls for a more traditional sound in Ramayana.
However, the online reactions do not establish that the song has copied another composition. Nor do they prove claims about the religious intentions behind its musical arrangement.
Ultimately, the controversy reflects the challenge of creating music for a story that holds deep cultural and religious significance for many people. Whether ‘Mangal Rang’ works within the film’s larger musical vision will depend on the soundtrack as a whole and the audience’s response.
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