Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has taken another major step in his international career with his first-ever Arabic film project. The celebrated musician recently unveiled the soundtrack of Baab, a critically acclaimed psychological fantasy thriller directed by UAE filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja. Released through Rahman’s music label KM Musiq in partnership with global distributor Divo, the soundtrack is now available on all major streaming platforms. The track is currently viral on social media.
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The album marks Rahman’s debut in Arabic-language cinema, adding a new chapter to a career that has already spanned more than three decades and crossed multiple continents. The Baab soundtrack features ten original compositions composed by Rahman. Known for blending emotion with cinematic scale, the composer has created a score that reflects the film’s themes of grief, trauma, memory, and the supernatural. The music plays a central role in shaping the atmosphere of the story, helping bring its mysterious and emotional world to life.
Speaking about the project, Rahman said he was drawn to the film because of its emotional depth and the unique vision of director Nayla Al Khaja. “The team worked on a new musical style to stay true to the film’s narrative and it was both rewarding creatively and an important milestone in my journey as a composer,” he said. Baab tells the story of Wahida, played by Shaimaa El Fadul, a woman struggling to deal with the loss of her twin sister. While grappling with painful memories and unanswered questions, she embarks on an unusual journey through the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. The mystery deepens when she discovers hidden cassette tapes behind a green door, leading her closer to the truth about her sister’s death.
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The film also stars Huda Alghanem, Meera Almidfa, Mansoor Alnoamani, Sabiha Majgaonkar, and Elham Al Marzooqi. The technical team includes cinematographer Rogier Stoffers and editor Sebastian Funke. Rahman’s entry into Arabic cinema further expands an already impressive global portfolio that includes acclaimed international films such as Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours, Couples Retreat, Pele: Birth of a Legend, and Warriors of Heaven and Earth. With Baab, the composer continues to push creative boundaries and reach new audiences around the world.
