‘Hypocrisy’: AR Rahman slammed for teaming up with POCSO case accused Jani Master on Ram Charan’s Chikiri Chikiri

Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman is facing criticism online after collaborating with choreographer Jani Master, who is currently out on bail in connection with a sexual assault case involving a minor.

The controversy erupted following the release of the song Chikiri Chikiri from Ram Charan’s upcoming film Peddi, which Jani choreographed. Many social media users accused Rahman of hypocrisy, pointing out his earlier decision to stop working with Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu, who faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment.

Rahman’s collaboration with Jani

On November 9, Jani shared photos on Instagram with Rahman and Peddi director Buchi Babu Sana, celebrating the song’s creation.

He wrote, “We grew up watching and dancing to Legendary @arrahman Sir’s songs and I can’t believe I choreographed this chartbuster #ChikiriChikiri in his composition. Thank you for your kind words of support Sir… Grateful for the opportunity Mega Power Star @alwaysramcharan Anna #BuchiBabuSana garu @rathnaveludop Sir & entire @peddimovieoffl movie Team .”

Online backlash

The post quickly drew widespread backlash. Many users questioned why Rahman would collaborate with someone accused of such a serious offence.
 

One Reddit user commented, “It's hard to believe that he doesn't know about his allegations.” Another added, “The entire film industry doesn’t give a flying f**k about sexual assault, just recently Mari Selvaraj and Nivas decided to work with Vedan despite all his allegations and nobody called them out for it.”

Further comments read, “The film industry is rotten,” and “How is Jani any different from Vairamuthu? If ARR outright rejected Vairamuthu, why doesn't he do the same to this pdf?”

Others expressed disappointment, saying, “Posing with an ex felon. A lot of celebs have selective amnesia but I truly didn’t expect this from ARR,” while another wrote, “So due to the lack of good men, we are now recycling pedophiles, rapists and molesters?”

One user summed up the sentiment by writing, “Never expected this from Rahman. He stopped working with talented Singer Karthik. I respect his principle. But why is he comfortable working with Jani? Might as well Collab with Karthik as well. Say no to hypocrisy.”