AR Rahman was not sceptical about composing the music for Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh

Although Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh shows the story of Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi's assassin, AR Rahman wasn't worried about being associated with it. Here's why...

A R Rahman with Rajkumar Santoshi

Oscar-winning music director who has composed the music for Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh explains why he was fearless when it came to composing music for a film that shows the story of Nathuram Godse, the man who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation.

Rahman was addressing the media during the song launch of Vaishnava Jan To, which is a devotional hymn loved and popularised by Gandhiji. He rearranged the song musically, and Sherya Ghoshal has lent her voice to sing the song.

Asked if he had any concerns about being associated with the film on Gandhi and Godse, Rahman said, "I thought that this man (referring to director Rajkumar Santoshi) is courageous. He was attempting to be truthful and risky without jeopardising the story he wanted to tell. Then, I saw a part of the film that he had already shot — a chunk of it, actually. I think he dealt with the narrative and some of the insights about both personalities (referring to Mahatma Gandhi and Nathuram Godse) very intelligently. He has reimagined history responsibly."

Besides emphasising the power of storytelling, Rahman also explained why such a film is important. "I think in today's time, we have to bring back the charm of storytelling. I believe in India and humanity. I believe a lot in the people of India, and that is why, for me, this is a very important film," he added.

After the release of the trailer of the film, some people raised their voices against the film, as they thought that the film attempts to glorify Mahatma Gandhi's killer, Nathuram Godse. So, Rahman was asked if he was ever concerned that it would seem like he was making a political statement through the film.

He said, "Look, no one has watched the film. After watching the trailer, people may assume that the film is taking a side, but the movie is made in a very different way. I can't reveal anything. All I will say is watch the film to understand it."

Gandhi Godse Ek Yudh stars Deepak Antani, Chinmay Mandlekar, Pawan Chopra, Anuj Saini, Sharad Singh and Arif Zakaria, and releases in theatres on Republic Day.

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