Muthu(1995)
Muthu is a 1995 Indian Tamil-language masala film directed by K. S. Ravikumar and produced by Kavithalayaa Productions. The film stars Rajinikanth in a dual role alongside Meena, Sarath Babu, Radha Ravi, Senthil, and Vadivelu. It follows a loyal charioteer named Muthu who works for a zamindar, and the romantic complications that arise when both men fall for the same woman. The story also involves a hidden identity, family betrayal, and a journey of self-discovery. The film was a silver jubilee hit at the box office and earned Rajinikanth the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor. It gained international fame after its Japanese release in 1998, where it became the highest-grossing Indian film in Japan at the time. The soundtrack was composed by A. R. Rahman with lyrics by Vairamuthu. Muthu was released on 23 October 1995 during the Diwali holiday.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Prime Video, Sun Nxt, ShemarooMe, Airtel Xstream Play, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 23 October 1995
- Director
- K. S. Ravikumar
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 48m
- Rating
- 6.1/10
Storyline
Muthu is a loyal charioteer serving the wealthy zamindar Raja Malayasimman. When Raja falls in love with an actress named Ranganayaki, he sends Muthu to rescue her. During their escape, Muthu and Ranganayaki fall in love, creating a conflict between duty and desire. Meanwhile, a greedy uncle schemes to take control of the estate, and a long-hidden secret about Muthu's true identity threatens to change everything.
“A pearl of a story about love and loyalty.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Muthu
Cast reunions in this film: Senthil & Radha Ravi (18 films together), Senthil & Pandu (15 films together), Vadivelu & Radha Ravi (14 films together), Vadivelu & A. R. Rahman (13 films together), Vadivelu & Senthil (12 films together), and Senthil & Ponnambalam (12 films together).
Trivia
- The film's climax was shot in a single day at a palace in Mysore to save costs.
- Rajinikanth performed his own stunts for the famous dance sequence on the moving jeep.
- The song 'Oruvan Oruvan Mudhalali' was originally written for another film but reused here.
- Muthu was the first Tamil film to be fully dubbed and released in Japan, where it became a cult hit.
- Director K.S. Ravikumar wrote the script in just 10 days after the original director left the project.
- The character Raja Malayasimman was loosely inspired by a real-life zamindar from the director's hometown.
- Meena, who played Ranganayaki, was only 15 years old during filming but played an adult role.