Ram Gopal Varma thought AR Rahman had gone mad, found ‘Rangeela’ music horrible at first: ‘It was slow poison’

Ram Gopal Varma initially doubted AR Rahman’s compositions for ‘Rangeela,’ particularly ‘Haaye Rama,’ deeming it unsuitable for an erotic scene and ‘Spirit of Rangeela’ as horrible. Rahman defended his culturally rooted approach, confident in its appeal. Varma eventually recognized Rahman’s genius as the songs became hits, acknowledging the unique, slow-burn effect of his music.