AR Rahman laughs off viral post mocking "anti-national" comment on Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga'
Mumbai, June 18
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has reacted to the social media debate surrounding Imtiaz Ali's latest film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', dismissing criticism that branded the movie "anti-national" with a laughing emoji on Instagram.
The film, which has been steadily gaining momentum at the box office through positive word-of-mouth, recently became the subject of online discussion after a section of social media users questioned its portrayal of Pakistan.
Rahman responded with an emoji on Wednesday after coming across a satirical Instagram post that mocked claims that the film was promoting an "anti-national" narrative.
The post carried the headline: "Anti-National? Movie dares to show Pakistan without terrorists and secret agents."
Rahman shared a screenshot of the satirical post on his Instagram Stories and reacted with a laughing emoji.
'Main Vaapas Aaunga' marks the fifth collaboration between Rahman and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali after 'Highway', 'Rockstar', 'Tamasha' and 'Amar Singh Chamkila'.
For 'Main Vaapas Aaunga's soundtrack, Rahman reunited with lyricist Irshad Kamil
Released theatrically on June 12, 2026, 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' is a Hindi-language period romantic drama directed and co-written by Imtiaz Ali.
The film stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari Wagh in a multi-generational story centred on the 1947 Partition of India.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I don't see anything anti-national in showing Pakistan without caricaturing it. Partition was a shared tragedy, and we need films that explore that complexity. But I do wish the film had more balanced representation—just showing one side isn't enough either.
I'm an American who loves Indian cinema. This controversy is fascinating to me. In the US, we'd celebrate a film that humanizes another country. The fact that AR Rahman has to defend showing Pakistan without terrorists is surreal. Art should transcend politics.
Honestly, I'm tired of this "anti-national" tag for everything. Imtiaz Ali and AR Rahman have given us classics like Rockstar and Tamasha—they deserve trust. But let's also not forget that there are legitimate concerns about whitewashing history when it comes to Partition films.
From Canada here. It's sad that artists have to justify showing basic humanity. The laughing emoji is perfect—some criticisms truly don't deserve serious responses. Can't wait to watch this film! AR Rahman's music is always magical. 🎶
Well said, AR! The hypocrisy is unreal—we happily watch Hollywood films that show India in all sorts of ways, but when our own filmmakers show nuance, suddenly it's anti-national. Art is meant to challenge perspectives, not just pander to jingoism.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.