AR Rahman and Hans Zimmer Score Ramayana Epic 

AR Rahman discusses the universal values and global ambition of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana.

AR Rahman discusses

Can an ancient epic, deeply rooted in Hindu tradition, be the key to dissolving modern “small-mindedness”?

According to Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman, the answer lies in the universal frequency of virtue. As Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana prepares for its historic release, the conversation has shifted from mere “movie news” to a global cultural phenomenon.

With a staggering budget exceeding ₹4,000 crore, this project is not just a film; it is a collaborative manifesto featuring a Muslim composer (Rahman) and a Jewish titan (Hans Zimmer), both working to translate an iconic Hindu story for a worldwide audience.

Terrifying Excellence and the Art of “Unlearning”

Collaborating with Hans Zimmer is a dream for many, but for Rahman, it is “terrifying.” The reason is simple: when you score the Ramayana, you are scoring the heartbeat of a civilization.

Rahman recently told The Hollywood Reporter India that the process requires “unlearning.”

In film scoring, the temptation is to lean on modern, aggressive orchestral swells. However, for a story of this magnitude, Rahman and Zimmer are searching for a “timeless quality.”

This involves stripping away contemporary tropes to find the primal, spiritual resonance of the culture. It is a sonic experiment in humility—finding the music that existed before “music” became an industry.

The “Brahmin School” Perspective

Many observers get caught up in the “religious optics” of a Muslim man composing for a Hindu epic.

Rahman offers a refreshing, counter-intuitive take: his education in a Brahmin school wasn’t a clash of cultures, but a foundation of knowledge.

Key Takeaways from Rahman’s Philosophy:

• Knowledge is Borderless: Wisdom should never be confined by religious identity.
• Virtue as a Universal: The story of Ram is essentially a study of human “ideals” and “radiance.”
• The Global Export: Rahman views the film as India’s “love letter” to the world, proving that stories of goodness transcend geography.

The Visual and Financial Scope: A ₹4,000 Crore Odyssey

The scale of this project is unprecedented in Indian cinema. The two-part saga, scheduled for release in Diwali 2026 and 2027, aims for a level of authenticity and cinematic scope that takes years to refine.

The Cast of Icons:

• Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram: Transitioning from contemporary roles to the ultimate symbol of virtue.
• Sai Pallavi as Sita: Bringing a grounded, emotive depth to an iconic figure.
• The Powerhouse Ensemble: Including Yash, Sunny Deol, and even a nod to history with Arun Govil.

Beyond the Screen: Rising Above Narrow Thinking

Rahman’s most poignant message isn’t about the music or the money; it is about “elevation.” He argues that society is currently trapped in “small-mindedness and selfishness.”

By focusing on a character who represents the highest human ideals, the film aims to help audiences “become radiant.” It is a call to move past the arguments and focus on the “good things” that any tradition can teach.

Summary: 

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is shaping up to be a bridge between the ancient and the modern, the local and the global. With Rahman and Zimmer at the helm of its soundscape, the film promises to be a masterclass in how universal values can unite the most diverse creative minds in the world.