The other day, we reported about legendary music director AR Rahman facing flak for his comments about lack of opportunities in Hindi cinema. Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Rahman said that there might be a communal reason why he has been getting far less offers to work in Hindi cinema over the last eight years. The composer also called Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava a "divisive film" and suggested that it polarised opinion because of its propagandist elements. While many criticised Rahman for his comments, others have come in his defense, especially after the composer's clarification earlier today. One of those to throw his weight around Rahman is composer Kailas Menon, known for his work in Malayalam films, such as Theevandi, Ittymaani: Made in China, and Dear Vaappi, to name some.
According to Kailas, AR Rahman's naysayers "are missing a basic point," which pertains to freedom of expression. "He spoke about how he felt. That is his right. You may disagree with him, but you cannot deny him the freedom to express his experience," the composer wrote.
Kailas argued that the internet backlash that the Oscar-winning composer faced has "gone far beyond disagreement and entered the space of abuse and character assassination." He elucidated his argument by pointing out how the critics called Rahman "a disgrace," while "questioning his faith, mocking his recent works, and reducing his lived experience to a 'victim card.'"
According to Kailas, the backlash amounts to more than just criticism. "It's hate speech presented as opinion," he described. Kailas also highlighted Rahman's work that has put him and India on the world map and suggested that his contributions do not suddenly become invalid just because the legend expressed his opinion.
"Freedom of speech applies to Rahman as much as it applies to his critics. Criticism is fine, but outrage without respect says more about us than about him," Kailas concluded.
