Music composer AR Rahman has responded to criticism surrounding the music of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, drawing on a quote attributed to Apple co-founder Steve Jobs to explain his approach to public opinion.

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Addressing the debate, Rahman quoted the line, “If you want to satisfy everyone, go sell ice cream.” The remark reflects the challenge of creating music that appeals to different audiences, particularly when a project carries the expectations associated with a major cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana.

The discussion follows criticism of Mangal Rang, a song associated with the upcoming film. The composition has prompted questions about its musical style and treatment, with listeners expressing differing views on how the soundtrack should interpret the story’s cultural and religious significance.

According to the supplied report, Rahman encouraged patience, suggesting that audiences may better understand the wider thought process behind individual compositions with time. His response points to the possibility that a film’s music may need to be experienced in the context of the larger project rather than judged entirely through an individual song.

The music of Ramayana: Rise of a Legend is under particular scrutiny because the epic holds a significant place in Indian cultural traditions. Expectations around its cinematic adaptation extend beyond performances and visuals to include the soundtrack, making creative choices a subject of public discussion.

Rahman’s reference to Jobs highlights a familiar dilemma for artists: whether to shape creative decisions around immediate audience approval or remain committed to a broader artistic vision. The response does not necessarily end the debate, but it underlines the differing expectations that emerge when established musicians take on culturally significant stories.

As anticipation builds around the film, audience reactions to its music are likely to remain part of the wider conversation about how the Ramayana is interpreted for contemporary cinema.