Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Zubeidaa Turns 25: Rahman's Music Key to Recovery
Zubeidaa is a movie that came out 25 years ago.
It was about a woman named Zubeidaa and was part of a series of movies about Muslim women.
The movie had music by A.R. Rahman, which helped the makers get back some of their money.
The writer, Khalid Mohamed, said that Rahman's music was very important and helped the movie become popular, especially with women.
The movie had a hard time getting shown in theaters because it was about a woman, but the producer, Farouq Rattonsey, didn't give up.
Later, the movie was put on YouTube for people to watch.
The writer also mentioned that he wrote a sequel, but it didn't get made because no one wanted to pay for it.
Zubeidaa, directed by Shyam Benegal, completed 25 years since its release.
A.R. Rahman's music was crucial in helping recover part of the film's investment.
The film was part of a trilogy on Muslim women, written by Khalid Mohamed.
Distributors and exhibitors were hesitant to back the woman-centric film.
The film eventually found a streaming outlet on YouTube after initial rejections.
- Who
- Khalid Mohamed, A.R. Rahman, Shyam Benegal, Farouq Rattonsey, Karisma Kapoor
- What
- Celebration of 25 years of Zubeidaa's release and discussion on its impact
- When
- 25 years after its release, with specific mention of the film's 2001 release
- Where
- India, with focus on theatrical and streaming platforms
- Why
- To highlight the significance of A.R. Rahman's music in the film's success and recovery of investment
- Film Title
- Zubeidaa
- Release Year
- 2001
- Director
- Shyam Benegal
- Music Composer
- A.R. Rahman
- Writer
- Khalid Mohamed
- Producer
- Farouq Rattonsey
- Lead Actress
- Karisma Kapoor
- Trilogy
- Part of Benegal's trilogy on Muslim women