The exclusion of the song “Muththa mazhai” from the final cut of Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life has sparked widespread discussions among fans and industry insiders. Composed by A.R. Rahman with vocals by Dhee, the track was prominently featured in the film’s promotional content and audio launch, leading many to expect its appearance in the movie.
By watching the film, the song might have been intended for Indrani’s (Trisha) character after the disappearance of Sakthivel (Kamal Haasan). The storyline briefly explores a romantic thread between Kamal and Trisha’s characters. After Amaran (Silambarasan) tells Indrani that Sakthivel is dead and won’t return, she is forced to remain with Amaran. Meanwhile, Indrani misses Sakthivel, and this is where Muththa mazhai could have fit emotionally. However, the song was removed entirely, except for a brief humming version.
On social media, debates have emerged comparing singers Dhee and Chinmayi, leading to speculation. Some users suggest that industry politics or controversies may have influenced the decision to remove the song, while others believe Muththa mazhai was simply an album track created to promote the film. So far, there has been no official comment from director Mani Ratnam.
Despite the various theories, the song’s absence likely stems from a creative decision. It’s not uncommon for directors to remove songs or scenes during final editing to maintain the film’s pacing and narrative flow. In this case, Muththa mazhai might have been excluded to preserve emotional rhythm and continuity.
Interestingly, singer Chinmayi Sripaada performed Muththa mazhai live at the audio launch event, earning widespread praise and reigniting conversations about her unofficial ban from the Tamil film industry. Her soulful rendition added emotional depth to the song, keeping it in public attention.
Even though it wasn’t featured in the theatrical version, Muththa mazhai continues to resonate with fans, thanks to its streaming release and Chinmayi’s heartfelt performance. The track remains a memorable part of the film’s promotional journey.
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