The soundtrack features score and 6 songs composed by A. R. Rahman, with lyrics in the Tamil language by Vairamuthu. This soundtrack was revolutionary in that it changed the face of Tamil Film music in 1992, announcing the arrival of Rahman as a potent force in the Indian music scene. He used many instruments and grand arrangements to generate an epic sound to the songs. Songs such as "Rukkumani" had a loud thumping feel and became ingrained in pop culture.

Also many new singers were introduced to the Tamil music scene. Time magazine's noted film critic, Richard Corliss stated that the "astonishing debut work parades Rahman's gift for alchemizing outside influences until they are totally Tamil, totally Rahman. Including the album on a list of Time magazine's Top 100 soundtracks of all time in 2005, he admitted to failing to properly check facts on a lyrics website when describing two songs using dubbed Hindi titles on his article. The soundtrack also found success in its many dubbed versions released in subsequent years.
Released on Lahari, the soundtrack for Roja proved immensely popular.