October 24, 2025: When AR Rahman returns to Hyderabad 8tgh November, it won’t just be a performance, it will be a reimagining. With a setlist that promises both nostalgia and novelty, the maestro is set to breathe new life into beloved classics while unveiling fresh sonic surprises. As the city readies itself for a night of immersive soundscapes at Ramoji Film City, Rahman’s upcoming concert stands poised to bridge decades of musical evolution with the pulse of the present.
The music maestro describes his set for Hyderabad as “carefully arranged for nonstop excitement,” a lineup that has been tested across more than 20 shows and now arrives in Hyderabad with fresh energy. “We are proud of the set,” Rahman says, expressing confidence that Hyderabad audiences will feel the thrill.
Rahman’s connection to Hyderabad runs deep. “I grew up playing for Telugu movies,” he reflects. “From early works during 1993 & 1994 to Ye Maaye Chesave to recent collaborations with Ram Charan, it is a full-circle moment. It’s going to be an interesting phase as we have a lot of Telugu songs now,” he adds, hinting at a vibrant phase ahead.
Don’t Miss AR Rahman’s Surprise-Filled Sonic Spectacle in Hyderabad
While nostalgia tempts many artists, AR Rahman remains future-focused. “I don’t have time to go to old compositions,” he admits. However, he is experimenting, remixing classics like Roja in Atmos for a new sonic experience. “It’s cool,” he says.
On bridging global acclaim with regional love, Rahman shares, “Music is global, music passes from soul to soul. No one knows which language people are listening to, somebody from France listening to Telugu or Tamizh or Hindi or Punjabi, which I too do. For me, newness and clarity in the music is important, the kind of emotion it triggers is important, more than anything else.”
He adds that over the years, the team has reduced the number of gimmicks and focused more on a one-to-one relationship with the music—the harmony, the vibe, the stops and starts.
This marks Rahman’s second consecutive concert with Hyderabad Talkies. “It’s going to be a brand-new show with new creative,” he says, curated and organized by Hyderabad Talkies, alongside Eva Live and Xora.
As for the setlist on 8th November, AR Rahman teases, “Yes, there are many surprises.” He hints that one song is cleverly disguised. “I think Hyderabad is going to enjoy it.”
With a blend of old hits and new vibes, Rahman’s upcoming concert promises to be more than a musical event, it’s a celebration of sound, sentiment, and the spirit of Hyderabad.
Sainath Goud Malkapuram, Founder, Hyderabad Talkies, said, “I’m excited to curate and collaborate with two legendary Oscar-winning artists this year, first MM Keeravani in March, and now AR Rahman.”