A.R. Rahman Laughs Off Absurd ‘Anti-National’ Trolling of Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga

The Social Media Spark

Following its theatrical release on June 12, 2026, Imtiaz Ali’s Main Vaapas Aaunga enjoyed positive critical reviews. It also maintained steady box office momentum. However, the film recently became the target of an online debate among a section of social media users. These users strongly criticised its nuanced portrayal of Pakistan.

The controversy peaked when a viral, satirical Instagram post mocked the critics with the headline: “Anti-National? Movie dares to show Pakistan without terrorists and secret agents.” Rather than issuing a lengthy defensive statement, A. R. Rahman shared a screenshot of this satirical post to his Instagram Stories, appending a single laughing emoji to dismiss the manufactured outrage.

A Film Rooted in History, Not Politics

Main Vaapas Aaunga is a multi-generational, Hindi-language period romantic drama that explores themes of love, loss, memory, and migration, drawing inspiration from real-life accounts of families affected by the 1947 Partition. The film features a massive ensemble cast including Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh, and Vedang Raina.

The film’s themes are heavily rooted in shared cultural memory rather than political hostility. Ironically, the team recently organized an event at the Attari-Wagah border where Rahman performed a heartfelt musical tribute to Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, highlighting the project’s patriotic undertone.

The Rahman-Imtiaz Legacy Continues

This project marks the fifth monumental collaboration between A. R. Rahman and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali. The duo has previously delivered iconic, culturally definitive soundtracks for Indian cinema:

• Rockstar (2011)
• Highway (2014)
• Tamasha (2015)
• Amar Singh Chamkila (2024)

Reuniting with long-time lyricist Irshad Kamil, Rahman has crafted a widely praised soundtrack for Main Vaapas Aaunga, featuring chart-topping tracks like Kya Kamaal Hai, Maskara, and Ishq Mastana. Commenting on the album’s release, Rahman stated that the score attempts to “listen to the silence within the story and give it a voice.”

Conclusion

By addressing the internet’s “anti-national” labels with quiet humour rather than confrontation, A. R. Rahman effectively neutralised a brewing controversy, redirecting focus to the art itself. The lighthearted response has earned praise from fans who appreciate the veteran artist’s refusal to engage in bad-faith online discourse. As Main Vaapas Aaunga continues its theatrical run, the focus remains firmly on its emotional depth and stellar box office performance.