Ram Gopal Varma claims that the film industry ‘only cares about money’

The filmmaker rejects the communal bias claim after AR Rahman’s remarks and also stated that the industry prioritises commercial success.

Composer AR Rahman recently stirred debate with his comments on communalism while interacting with BBC Asian Network, which didn’t sit well with a section of the audience and even members of the film industry. He had suggested he got less work over the past eight years and hinted that growing communalism within the Hindi film industry could be a factor. Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) has now weighed in on the issue.

Ram Gopal Varma offers a blunt and business-driven perspective on the issue.

Speaking on a podcast, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma dismissed the idea of communal bias influencing professional opportunities, stressing that commercial success alone drives industry decisions. Varma said, “I don’t really want to comment on the communal aspect because I don’t believe that. The film industry is only about making money. Whoever makes money for them, they will go after that. They don’t care about caste, religion or where you’re from.”

RGV clarified he was not dismissing Rahman’s personal experiences.

Clarifying that he was not dismissing AR Rahman’s personal experiences, RGV said, “I can’t speak for Rahman because I don’t know what he has gone through. It could be something specific that happened to him. Without knowing that, I can’t make a judgment.” He added that filmmakers gravitate toward those who consistently deliver box-office hits. Supporting his point, he cited the example of legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam’s success in Hindi cinema. He recalled how the singer was chosen for Maine PyaarKiya and Hum AapkeHainKoun because the songs worked with audiences.

In an interview with BBC Asian Network, AR Rahman was asked if he had faced prejudice in Bollywood as a Tamil composer. He replied, “The past eight years, maybe, because a power shift has happened, and people who are not creative have the power now. It might be a communal thing also… but it is not in my face.” Rahman also criticised the film Chhaava, accusing it of capitalising on divisiveness.