MUMBAI: The night was electric, the beats were thunderous, and the legend himself, A.R. Rahman, took center stage for a grand musical celebration. The much-anticipated Chhaava album launch turned into an unforgettable spectacle, blending history, emotion, and melody. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under Maddock Films and directed by Laxman Utekar, the historical epic Chhaava is set to hit cinemas worldwide on 14 February 2025.
With an ensemble cast featuring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, the event was graced by Utekar, Vijan, and the entire creative team behind the film. But the real showstopper? Rahman’s signature blend of soulful melodies and powerful arrangements that took the audience on a sonic journey through time and Maratha pride.
The launch was nothing short of a musical blitzkrieg. Each song from the Chhaava album was brought to life with Rahman’s spellbinding performance, amplified by a dynamic dance troupe that infused the stage with unrelenting energy. The atmosphere was charged, the audience enthralled, and the beats—sharp as a warrior’s sword—pierced through the air, keeping everyone hooked. The event also featured a candid conversation between the cast and Rahman, offering a deeper glimpse into the soul of the Chhaava album.
Rahman shared his excitement, stating, “Some movies aren’t just stories—they are the roar of a beating heart. Chhaava is one of them. I thoroughly enjoyed composing the score, BGM, and songs with the incredible team of Laxman Utekar, Dinesh Vijan, Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and my amazing music team. To all the fans, I hope you enjoy this music as much as we enjoyed creating it. And I can’t wait for you to experience our performance! Chhaava releases on February 14 in cinemas near you.”
Kaushal, overwhelmed by the experience, said, “It’s truly an honor to be part of Chhaava, especially with the legendary A.R. Rahman sir composing the music. This film marks my first collaboration with him, and watching him perform these beautiful tracks live has been an unforgettable experience I will cherish for the rest of my life. Now that the album is launched, I’m incredibly excited for audiences to experience these songs, which are so powerful, and I hope they resonate with each one of you.”
Mandanna added, “Vicky and I are in awe of the honor it has been to collaborate with the unparalleled A.R. Rahman sir on Chhaava. Every song in this album carries a piece of history—stories of love, sacrifice, and duty—woven together so beautifully. Watching Rahman sir bring the emotional depth of the film into the music has been a surreal experience and truly one of the most defining moments of my career. Being part of such a monumental film is a privilege I’ll forever cherish.”
Lyricist Irshad Kamil, who intricately crafted the words for Chhaava, reflected on his artistic pursuit, stating, “Writing the lyrics for Chhaava was an artistic pursuit. Every word had to do justice to the warrior’s journey, capturing the essence of sacrifice, valor, and honor. My intent was to honor the relentless spirit of the Marathas—celebrating their courage and unwavering commitment. These songs were crafted with the same precision as a sword strike, not merely telling a story but conveying the immortal bravery of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Working on this album was not just a task, but a duty that I was honored to fulfill.”
With Rahman’s music as the soul of the film, Chhaava promises to be a storytelling marvel. Kaushal embodies Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with unmatched intensity, while Akshaye Khanna steps into the formidable role of Aurangzeb, setting the stage for an epic historical clash. Mandanna adds grace and strength as Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale, the queen of Swarajya, showcasing resilience and elegance.
Presented by Sony Music Entertainment India, the Chhaava soundtrack is set to captivate audiences far and wide, much like the warrior’s tale it brings to life.
