Musical Magic Under the Stars
Hyderabad witnessed an unforgettable night of musical brilliance as legendary composer AR Rahman's Wonderment tour descended upon Ramoji Film City on Saturday night. The concert transformed into a spectacular celebration when Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor made a surprise appearance, joining the maestro on stage to the delight of thousands of cheering fans.
Record-Breaking Attendance and Electrifying Performances
An estimated 28,000 people gathered at the massive venue, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and nostalgia. The concert featured a perfect blend of Rahman's timeless classics and recent hits, spanning both Telugu and Hindi cinema. The evening marked a special moment as the newly released single 'Chikiri' from the upcoming film 'Peddi' was performed live for the very first time.
Rahman expressed his affection for the Telugu language during the concert, stating, "Telugu is one of my favourite languages of the south. I love it and I keep speaking it in my studio with my friends." This personal connection resonated deeply with the Hyderabad audience, who sang along to every number from classics like 'Chinni Chinni Aasa' from Roja to contemporary favorites.
Star-Studded Stage Moments
The crowd erupted in cheers when Rahman welcomed Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor onto the stage. Ram Charan shared his excitement, saying, "It has been my childhood dream to collaborate with AR Rahman, and I'm so happy it's happening for a film as special as Peddi." His co-star Janhvi Kapoor impressed the audience by speaking in Telugu, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to work on the film and hoping fans were enjoying their first single 'Chikiri'.
Attendees described the production as visually stunning. Dimpy Singh, a 22-year-old content creator, noted, "The concert featured some of Rahman's most iconic songs across decades — from the 90s right up to now. The crowd was singing along to every number, and the entire experience felt beautifully curated."
Traffic Nightmare Mars Musical Excellence
Despite the musical perfection on stage, the event was plagued by significant logistical challenges that left many concertgoers frustrated. Massive traffic jams stretched for over four kilometers on the Vijayawada highway, with vehicles stranded for hours. The situation inside the venue was equally chaotic, with inadequate facilities and poor crowd management.
Gaurav Lalchandani, a 31-year-old DJ and event curator, expressed his disappointment: "It took me over an hour to enter from the Ramoji Film City gate and another 40 minutes to park. There was no free water and hardly any seating. For a ₹5,000 platinum ticket, it felt disappointing as production and crowd control were poor."
Another attendee, Divya Setia, shared her exhausting experience: "We left home at 5:15 pm and entered the venue only at 8:45 pm. The traffic was terrible. With no buses for drop-off, we had to walk a couple of kilometres. Easily my least favourite concert this year."
Visual Spectacle and Lasting Impressions
Despite the organizational shortcomings, Rahman's musical genius shone through. Kankana Deka, a business execution consultant, described the magical atmosphere: "The visuals, music and live instruments created a surreal energy. The fireworks synced perfectly with the beats, and the lighting transformed the whole venue into a dreamscape."
The concert setlist included beloved numbers like 'Nee Singam Dhan', 'Mustafa Mustafa', 'Kun Faya Kun', and the showstopper 'Chikiri Chikiri', creating an emotional journey through Rahman's extensive musical legacy. While the event demonstrated Hyderabad's immense love for AR Rahman's music, it also highlighted the need for better event management for large-scale concerts in the city.
