AR Rahman Says Ramayana Is His Biggest Film Project
Rahman has worked on numerous acclaimed films throughout his career, but he says the scale of Ramayana has presented a different kind of challenge. The composer described the project as the most exciting one he has undertaken, highlighting the time and effort invested in developing its music.
According to Rahman, the team has spent approximately three and a half years working on the soundtrack. With around 70 per cent of the album reportedly released, listeners have already had an opportunity to hear some of the music, including the track Jai Jai Ram. Rahman said the response so far has been encouraging and hinted that additional releases would bring further surprises.
The composer’s comments suggest that the soundtrack has been developed alongside the film’s wider production process. Rather than treating the music as a separate element, the team has had to coordinate its work with the film’s visuals, different language versions and evolving edits.
Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman Join Forces
One of the most notable aspects of Ramayana’s music is the collaboration between Rahman and Hans Zimmer, the internationally recognised composer known for scores for major Hollywood productions. Their professional connection dates back to 2009, and Zimmer previously invited Rahman to perform at the Academy Awards in 2012.
Reuniting for Ramayana gave the two composers an opportunity to work together on a large-scale cinematic project. Rahman recalled a friendly atmosphere when he returned to Zimmer’s studio, adding that Zimmer was excited that they were finally collaborating directly on a film.
Their work took place across several international locations, including London, Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi. The geographical spread reflects the scale of the production and the coordination required to bring together different creative teams.
Rahman has indicated that audiences will better understand the amount of work involved when they experience the finished film. While the complete score has not yet been revealed, the partnership between the two composers has become a significant talking point surrounding the project.
Complex Recording Process Involved Multiple Revisions
Creating the music for Ramayana was not a straightforward process. Rahman explained that some compositions went through as many as 13 versions before the team returned to an earlier idea. He described the process as exhausting at times, but ultimately rewarding.
The challenges extended beyond composing melodies. The soundtrack had to accommodate multiple dubbed versions and languages, while changes in computer-generated imagery and other visual elements affected how the music fitted into the film.
Rahman said he wanted to help the production move forward rather than become an obstacle by resisting the changes. His approach involved adapting to the needs of the film and working with the wider team as the project evolved.
The final three months of work were particularly demanding, with the composer travelling frequently between Los Angeles, London, Budapest, Mumbai and Chennai. He recalled periods when the team managed only three or four hours of sleep while working to complete the score.
Ramayana Aims to Take Indian Culture to Global Audiences
Despite the demanding schedule, Rahman said he feels proud to be part of a film that aims to introduce Indian cultural storytelling to audiences around the world. He also praised the visual material he had seen from the production, describing the footage as impressive.
The project’s visual effects are being handled by DNEG, a company known for its work on major international productions. Rahman said the early footage he watched left a strong impression on him.
The film is being positioned as a large-scale international release, although its eventual reach will depend on distribution arrangements and audience response. Rahman expressed pride in contributing to a project that seeks to bring a story rooted in Indian tradition to a global audience.
AR Rahman’s Wonderment Tour Continues in November
Alongside his work on Ramayana, Rahman is preparing for his Wonderment tour, with performances scheduled in Mumbai on November 1 and New Delhi on November 21. The shows will give fans an opportunity to experience his music live.
Rahman has also incorporated music from Chhaava into his recent setlists, and audiences may be eager to hear more from his latest projects as his tour continues.
For now, the composer’s description of Ramayana’s music is direct: he expects it to be “epic”. With years of work behind the soundtrack and a collaboration between two internationally recognised composers, anticipation will continue to build as more details emerge.