‘Gondhal’ folk song ‘Chimana’ blends rustic Maharashtrian sounds with Badshah’s hip-hop energy as the acclaimed thriller prepares for a multilingual release. Traditional folk music from Maharashtra is getting a contemporary spin, and this time, it comes with the unmistakable rap stamp of Badshah.
The rapper has lent his signature style to ‘Chimana’, a reimagined version of the traditional folk number ‘Ek Chimana Chivchivala’ from the award-winning Marathi thriller ‘Gondhal’. The newly released track brings together the earthy character of Maharashtrian folk music with contemporary hip-hop beats, creating a sound that bridges the gap between regional roots and today’s digital-first music audience.
Featuring Divya Kumar, Badshah, Nagesh Morvekar and Neha Khan, ‘Chimana’ retains the essence of the original composition while giving it a distinctly youthful makeover. The song has already started gaining traction and is currently trending, adding another talking point to the growing buzz around ‘Gondhal’.
For Badshah, the collaboration is also about taking India’s diverse folk traditions to a younger audience.
“India’s regional music still carries the true essence of its soil. Our effort is to take Gondhal and similar folk traditions to the new generation through desi hip hop,” says Badshah.
The song’s journey is particularly significant given its roots. ‘Ek Chimana Chivchivala’ draws from Maharashtra’s rich folk tradition and has now been reinterpreted for a generation more accustomed to streaming platforms, hip-hop and contemporary pop sounds. Badshah’s rap portions bring an urban energy to the track without taking away from its regional identity.
The collaboration comes at a significant moment for ‘Gondhal’, which has emerged as one of the more acclaimed Marathi thrillers of recent times. The film has had an impressive awards run, including six Filmfare Marathi Awards in 2026 from 19 nominations, besides being part of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, in 2025. The film has also earned an IMDb rating of 9.0.
Having made its mark in Marathi, ‘Gondhal’ is now gearing up to reach a wider audience with a release planned in Hindi and four other languages. The multilingual expansion, coupled with the Badshah-led musical collaboration, is expected to introduce the film and its rooted storytelling to audiences beyond Maharashtra.
Directed by Santosh Davkhar, who has also written the story, screenplay and dialogues, ‘Gondhal’ is set against the cultural landscape of Maharashtra and revolves around obsession, tradition and betrayal.
The story follows Suman, a young bride trapped in a suffocating marriage, who exploits her lover Sarjerao’s obsession with the Gondhal ritual. What begins as an attempt to manipulate an age-old tradition gradually turns into a dangerous game of desire, devotion and deception. The film uses the ritual and its cultural significance as the backdrop for an unpredictable thriller.
Adding another layer to the film’s musical identity is veteran composer Ilaiyaraaja, who serves as its music director. His score complements the film’s rooted setting while adding emotional and dramatic depth to the narrative.
Produced by Davkhar Films, with Diksha Davkhar as co-producer, ‘Gondhal’ features Kishor Kadam, Ishita Deshmukh, Yogesh Sohoni, Nishad Bhoir, Anuj Prabhu, Madhavi Juvekar and Aishwarya Shinde in key roles.
With ‘Chimana’, ‘Gondhal’ is now finding a new way to connect its deeply Maharashtrian identity with a younger, pan-Indian audience. The track’s folk-meets-hip-hop approach not only gives a traditional composition a contemporary sound but also puts the spotlight on the versatility and reach of India’s regional music traditions.
