4 minutes of readingNew DelhiJanuary 29, 2026 05:05 pm IST
The recent AR Rahman note about getting less work in the Hindi film industry, due to “communal” bias, it generated a lot of controversy. Despite issuing a clarification about his statement on social networks, several celebrities spoke out against him. Amid the dispute, Imtiaz Ali supported the composer and called his comment “poorly constructed”. And now, the filmmaker has announced his next film, with music by Rahman. The film, starring actor-singer Diljit Singh, will release in June this year.
Described as a “charming story of love and longing”, the untitled film, which also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari, was supposed to hit theaters earlier in April but has now been postponed. Imtiaz Ali will mark his second collaboration with Dosanjh, as the duo worked together in the 2024 Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila, also starring Parineeti Chopra. It received much praise from critics and audiences. AR Rahman worked on the music for his acclaimed film.
In an Instagram post, the filmmaker announced the film in a collaboration post with producer Applause Entertainment. “Upcoming from Imtiaz Ali, a charming story of love and longing releasing in theaters on June 12, 2026. Applause Entertainment presents, a Window Seat Films production. Starring: Diljit Dosanjh, Vedang Raina, Sharvari, Naseeruddin Shah,” the caption read.
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He further added, “Directed by Imtiaz Ali. Music by AR Rahman. Lyrics by Irshad Kamil. Produced by: Applause Entertainment, Window Seat Films, Mohit Choudhary.” “This film has a big heart. It has a big canvas but it is very personal. It is the story of a boy and a girl, but also of a country,” Imtiaz said in a statement.
Imtiaz Ali supports AR Rahman amid dispute
While speaking to India Today in an earlier interview, Imtiaz said he himself has not faced any communal prejudice. in the film industry. “No, I don’t think there is communal bias in the film industry. I have been here for a long time and I have never seen it, and AR Rahman is one of the brightest figures I have met in the film industry,” he said.
The filmmaker added: “I actually don’t think he made all the comments attributed to him, or perhaps they were misinterpreted. In fact, I know he didn’t say exactly what is perceived. Furthermore, I don’t remember any incident where there was any prejudice or communal animosity.” AR Rahman has composed music for many Imtiaz Ali films including Rockstar, Highway, Tamasha and Amar Singh Chamkila.
What did AR Rahman say?
During an interview with BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman spoke about prejudice in Bollywood and said, “Maybe I never got to know about this, maybe it was hidden but I didn’t feel any of this. Maybe in the last eight years because a power shift has happened and non-creative people have the power now. Maybe it’s a communal thing too… but I’m not clear.”
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He continued, “I get like Chinese whispers that they hired you, but the music company went ahead and hired their five songwriters. I say well, I have more time to relax with my family. I’m not looking for work. I don’t want to go looking for work. I want work to come to me; my sincerity to earn work. Whatever I deserve, I get.” Along with Imtiaz Ali, several other celebrities like Paresh Rawal, Varun Grover, Chinmayi Sripaada and Rahul Dholakia supported Rahman during the controversy.