Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has released the original soundtrack for 'Baab', a psychological fantasy-thriller in Arabic directed by Nayla Al Khaja — marking his first-ever foray into Arabic-language cinema. The 10-track album dropped on Friday, 19 June across all major streaming platforms.

A Landmark First for Rahman

The soundtrack is available worldwide through Rahman's own music label KM Musiq, with global distribution handled by Divo. The release signals a significant creative milestone: after decades of scoring for Hollywood, Bollywood, and international productions, Rahman has now extended his reach into the Arab world's film industry.

Speaking about the project, Rahman said, 'What drew me to Baab was its emotional complexity and the unique world Nayla had created.' He added, 'To stay authentic to the film, we explored a different soundscape, and it was a rewarding creative journey and a meaningful first step into Arabic cinema for me.'

What 'Baab' Is About

The film centres on Wahida, played by Shaimaa El Fadul, who discovers cassette tapes hidden behind a green door that gradually unravel the truth about her twin sister's death. The cast also includes Huda Alghanem as Umi Fatma, Meera Almidfa as Amal, Mansoor Alnoamani as Tariq, Sabiha Majgaonkar as Surooji, and Elham Al Marzooqi as Lulwa.

Behind the camera, Rogier Stoffers served as cinematographer and Sebastian Funke as editor, lending the film a distinctive visual and narrative texture.

Rahman's International Footprint

Over a career spanning roughly three decades, Rahman has composed for acclaimed international productions including the Academy Award-winning 'Slumdog Millionaire', '127 Hours', 'Couples Retreat', the Chinese epic 'Warriors of Heaven and Earth', and 'Pelé: Birth of a Legend'. His work on 'Baab' represents the latest chapter in a global discography that continues to expand genre and geography.

Notably, 'Baab' has already drawn critical attention as a psychologically layered fantasy-thriller — a genre that demands a score capable of sustaining tension while navigating cultural authenticity. Rahman's decision to explore a 'different soundscape', as he described it, suggests the album may diverge from his more familiar orchestral signatures.

Where to Listen

The 'Baab' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack — comprising 10 compositions — is now streaming on all major platforms globally via KM Musiq and Divo. With this release, Rahman becomes one of the rare composers to have scored films across Indian, Hollywood, and Arabic cinema.