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Muthirai
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| Muthirai | |
|---|---|
![]() Poster | |
| Directed by | Srinath |
| Written by | Aneez Tanveer Jeeva |
| Produced by | Vikram Bhatt Surendra Sharma Amita Bishnoi Bhagwanti Gabrani |
| Starring | Daniel Balaji Nithin Sathya Lakshmi Rai Manjari Phadnis |
| Cinematography | Saleem |
| Edited by | Anthony |
| Music by | Yuvan Shankar Raja |
Production companies | ASA Production & Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. Vision Jeeva Studios |
Release date |
|
Running time | 132 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Muthirai (transl. Stamp) is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written by Aneez Tanveer Jeeva, wife of late director Jeeva, and directed by actor Srinath, starring Daniel Balaji, Nithin Sathya, Lakshmi Rai and newcomer Manjari Phadnis, whilst Kishore and Ponvannan play important supporting roles and Bollywood actress Rakhi Sawant makes a special appearance. The film was launched in May 2008,[1] and was released on 19 June 2009.[2]
Plot
[edit]Politician Azhagar Adhiyaman's party wins in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His brother Azhagar Thondaiman, the senior party leader Aadhikesavan, and Azhagar Adhiyaman discuss the posts to be held. Discussions turn into gunfire, during which all three of them get shot. Azhagar Adhiyaman dies, Azhagar Thondaiman falls into a coma, and Aadhikesavan is left with an injury. The state is brought under temporary Governor's rule until their party chooses the new CM.
Sathya and his accomplice Azhagu are highly successful petty thieves. Azhagu marries Kavyanjali once for money (under the mass-marriage programme). Kavya's father tries to make money with his daughter. Azhagu realises his mistake and tries to convince Kavya. Sathya cheats a woman named Aarthi by saying he is a CBI officer and makes her fall in love with him. Sathya and Azhagu stay in an apartment opposite to where Krishna stays.
The commissioner is appointed as the investigating officer for the case, and he finds that Krishna knows some information about the firing where Azhagar Adhiyaman was killed. He traces where Krishna stays and chases him. At the same time, in the opposite apartment, Sathya, Azhagu, and Aarthi host a birthday party for Kavya for Azhagu and Kavya to get together again. Krishna enters their house to escape from the police, and all five of them start running away from the police. While the police chases them, Azhagu, Kavya, Sathya, and Aarthi try to escape. Krishna also tries to get in the car and drops his laptop in their car.
Four of them flee and seek refugee in a hideout. They take out the laptop to find that Aadhikesavan has shot Azhagar Adhiyaman and his brother, and he shoots himself. Azhagu calls up the commissioner to hand over the witness, which fails because Aadhikesavan's men come and attack them in their hideout, and Azhagu thinks that it is the commissioner's men. Later, he calls Aadhikesavan and demands a ransom in exchange for the laptop. He also checks the commissioner's credit card transaction and mobile phone calls and finds that the commissioner has been getting a lot of money illegally from Azhagar Thondaiman, and he is appointed by him.
In the climax, Sathya comes to collect money from Aadhikesavan, where the commissioner also turns up unexpectedly. Azhagu comes with Azhagar Thondaiman, who was in the hospital. Azhagar Thondaiman explains his side of the story, that he also tried to kill his brother and had worn a bulletproof jacket to avoid getting shot. Krishna was a man appointed by him to take videos of incidents happening. The commissioner kills Aadhikesavan. When Sathya and Azhagu try to escape with the money, other police officers encounter them. They shoot the commissioner and arrest Azhagar Thondaiman. In the meantime, Sathya and Azhagu escape with the money and wish the other police officers good luck with their careers.
Cast
[edit]- Daniel Balaji as Azhagu
- Nithin Sathya as Sathyamoorthy
- Lakshmi Rai as Kavyanjali
- Manjari Phadnis as Aarthi
- John Vijay as Salman Bhai
- Kishore as Commissioner Muthuselvan
- Munnar Ramesh as Thangapandi
- Saravanan as Azhagar Adhiyaman
- Ponvannan as Aadhikesavan
- Anand as Azhagar Thondaiman
- Kadhal Dhandapani as Arivazhagan
- Chetan as Krishna
- Ajay Rathnam as Dhanraj
- Cochin Hanifa as Kavya's father
- Riyaz Khan as Aadhikesavan's assistant
- Nellai Siva as MLA
- Singampuli as Subbaraj
- Prajin as Police Inspector
- Chaams as Traveller
- Rakhi Sawant in an item number "The Night is Still Young"
Production
[edit]This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (February 2025) |
Muthirai is the first film produced by Vision Jeeva Studios.[3][4][5][6][7]
Soundtrack
[edit]The soundtrack was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, and released on 7 May 2009 at Sathyam Cinemas by director Gautham Vasudev Menon.[8] One of the female leads, Manjari Phadnis, a Maharashtrian by birth, sang one of the songs, the first time in Tamil.[9][10]
| Song | Singer(s) | Lyricist | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Om Shanthi Om" | Neha Bhasin | Na. Muthukumar | 4:44 |
| "Azhagana Neeyum" | Naresh Iyer, Manjari Phadnis | Snehan | 5:06 |
| "Night Is Still Young" | Krish, Benny Dayal, Preethi | Pa. Vijay | 4:42 |
| "July Madhathil" | Mohd. Aslam, Rahul Nambiyar, Tanvi Shah, Priya | Na. Muthukumar | 4:21 |
| "Uyire Uyire" | Javed Ali, Madhushree | Snehan | 5:08 |
| "Nenjukulla" | Shweta Mohan | Snehan | 2:32 |
| "Om Shanthi Om" (Remix) | Neha Bhasin | Na. Muthukumar | 5:11 |
| "Night Is Still Young" (Remix) | Krish, Benny Dayal, Preethi | Pa. Vijay | 4:35 |
Critical reception
[edit]Pavithra Srinivasan of Rediff.com wrote, "Halfway through the film though, you begin to realize that despite a rather nice cast, comedian-turned-director Srinath seems to have lost track of whatever Hollywood screenplay he burglarised and settled down with a half-baked desi version."[11] Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu wrote, "For a better impact, the unravelling of the plot could have been more comprehensible and spaced out".[12] The New Indian Express wrote, "On the whole, Muthirai is a film that promised a lot and lived some what on paper".[13] Sify wrote, "Antony seems to have lost his magic touch as an editor. Still the film is engrossing in bits and pieces – Srinath has a winner due to his packaging and slick styling".[14]
References
[edit]- ^ "Stamping a Muthirai!". The Times of India. 4 May 2008. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
- ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (19 June 2009). "The stamp of will". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 22 June 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
- ^ Warrier, Shobha (22 January 2009). "'Item songs are necessary for all films these days'". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ Warrier, Shobha (22 January 2009). "'For now, I will make Tamil films and will only move towards Hindi films later'". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ Warrier, Shobha (22 January 2009). "'Rakhi Sawant didn't know who Jeeva was'". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ Warrier, Shobha (22 January 2009). "'Everything begins and ends with Jeeva for me'". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ Warrier, Shobha (22 January 2009). "'I never really had any ambition or aspiration for myself; it was all Jeeva and his career for me'". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ "Mutthirai audio launch was short and sweet!". Sify. 7 May 2009. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2009.
- ^ Raghavan, Nikhil (22 May 2009). "Singing sensation". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
- ^ Mukherjee, Shreya (29 April 2017). "Manjari plans to release her debut single". HT City. Archived from the original on 1 August 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2025 – via PressReader.
- ^ Srinivasan, Pavithra (19 June 2009). "Muthirai: Wasted potential". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 27 November 2024. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (26 June 2009). "Sudden shift in gear -- Muththirai". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
- ^ "'Muthirai' fails to impress". The New Indian Express. 20 June 2009. Archived from the original on 17 February 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
- ^ "Mutthirai". Sify. Archived from the original on 22 June 2009. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
External links
[edit]Muthirai
View on GrokipediaPremise and Plot
Synopsis
Muthirai is a 2009 Tamil-language action thriller film that centers on two small-time thieves, Sathya (played by Nithin Sathya) and Azhagu (played by Daniel Balaji), who inadvertently become entangled in a high-stakes political conspiracy. A man being pursued by police leaves a laptop with the duo, which contains incriminating video evidence of the assassination of Chief Minister Azhagar Adhiyaman, along with attacks on his brother Azhagar Thondaiman and aide Aadhikesavan. This revelation implicates a web of corruption and betrayal within Azhagar Adhiyaman's inner circle, leading to the state being placed under temporary Governor's rule.[1][3] As the duo examines the laptop's contents, they uncover details of the murder and related intrigue, thrusting them into a moral quagmire. Sathya, the more reluctant and ethically conflicted of the pair, grapples with the weight of the evidence and urges Azhagu to destroy it or turn it over to authorities, but Azhagu, driven by opportunism and ruthlessness, sees it as leverage for personal gain. Their discovery quickly spirals into a relentless pursuit: corrupt police officers seeking to suppress the truth and antagonists closing in on the thieves across the city's bustling streets and back alleys. Tense chase sequences ensue, with the protagonists dodging threats in crowded areas and evading checkpoints. Along the way, romantic subplots develop, with Azhagu reuniting with his love interest Kavya (Lakshmi Rai) and Sathya falling for Aarthi (Manjari Phadnis), who mistakes him for a CBI officer.[4][1] The narrative builds to a chaotic confrontation involving shootouts and twists, where the protagonists navigate betrayals within the political circle. Ultimately, the evidence leads to the exposure of the conspiracy, allowing Sathya and Azhagu to escape the pursuit. Nithin Sathya and Daniel Balaji deliver compelling portrayals, capturing the contrasting dynamics between hesitation and boldness in their characters.[3][4]Themes
Muthirai examines central themes of political corruption and assassination conspiracies, depicting intense power struggles within a political family in Tamil Nadu. The story opens with the assassination of Chief Minister Azhagar Adhiyaman, implicating his brother Azhagar Thondaiman and aide Aadhikesavan in a web of intrigue and betrayal aimed at seizing control.[5][3] This portrayal underscores the conspiratorial nature of political maneuvering, where familial loyalties clash with ambitions for dominance.[5] The film also explores the blurred lines between crime and justice for ordinary individuals caught in extraordinary circumstances. Protagonists Azhagu, a sophisticated conman, and Sathya, a petty thief, find themselves in possession of a laptop containing crucial evidence of the political murder, forcing them to navigate a perilous chase involving police and antagonists while questioning trust and morality.[5][1] As anti-heroes operating outside societal norms, they challenge systemic injustice, highlighting how criminals can inadvertently serve as catalysts for accountability in a corrupt framework.[6] Symbolic elements in Muthirai include the titular "muthirai" (stamp or seal), representing the enduring imprints of power and corruption on individuals and institutions. This is evoked through Azhagu's tattoos, symbolizing personal marks of identity amid the broader political "seals" of authority and deceit.[3] The protagonists embody anti-heroes who defy these indelible structures, using their illicit skills to confront entrenched wrongdoing.[6] Released in 2009, Muthirai reflects the social context of 2000s Tamil Nadu politics, characterized by public distrust in authorities and prevalent election-related violence, mirroring real-world concerns through its narrative of political killings and institutional betrayal.[5][3]Cast and Crew
Principal Cast
The principal cast of Muthirai features Daniel Balaji in the lead role of Azhagu, a slick conman and petty thief who operates with calculated precision alongside his partner, driven by personal loyalties and opportunistic heists.[7] Azhagu's arc involves navigating a web of deceit after acquiring incriminating evidence against a powerful political figure, forcing him to balance his criminal instincts with unexpected alliances.[8] Nithin Sathya portrays Sathyamoorthy, Azhagu's reluctant accomplice and fellow petty thief, depicted as a runaway with a knack for cons who grapples with moral dilemmas amid escalating dangers.[7] His character arc highlights an internal conflict as he impersonates a CBI officer to pursue leads on the conspiracy, seeking a path toward redemption through the film's central conflict.[9] Raai Laxmi plays Kavyanjali, Azhagu's love interest and ally, a bar dancer who defies societal pressures and wealthy suitors to support him, embodying empowerment through her bold choices and risks in the face of threats.[7] Manjari Phadnis appears as Aarthi, Sathyamoorthy's romantic interest and a journalist pivotal to uncovering the political scandal, with her arc involving personal risks and assertive confrontations that drive the narrative forward.[9] In supporting roles, Kishore portrays the police commissioner, a determined law enforcement officer investigating the case and clashing with the protagonists.[10] Ponvannan plays Adhi Kesavan, the antagonist aide to a prominent politician, whose scheming adds tension to the power struggle.[7] Rakhi Sawant makes a special appearance as a dancer, contributing to the film's vibrant ensemble dynamics.[8]Production Team
Muthirai was directed by Srinath, who made his directorial debut with this action thriller.[11] The screenplay was penned by Aneez Tanveer Jeeva, the wife of the late cinematographer-director Jeeva, who had passed away in 2007, and the project marked her entry into screenwriting.[12] Srinath, having apprenticed under Jeeva, brought a hands-on approach to the film's action sequences, emphasizing tense confrontations central to the thriller's narrative.[11] Aneez Tanveer Jeeva also produced the film under her newly established Vision Jeeva Studios, representing the banner's inaugural production venture as a tribute to her husband's legacy.[13] The production was a collaboration with ASA Productions and Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., alongside Bollywood producers Vikram Bhatt, Surendra Sharma, Amita Bishnoi, and Bhagwanti Gabrani, aligning with a low-to-mid budget framework typical for urban thrillers of the era.[12] This partnership facilitated a blend of Tamil and Hindi industry resources, though specific budget figures remain undisclosed in contemporary reports. Key technical roles included cinematography by Saleem, a former associate of Jeeva, whose work was commended for imparting a glossy, stylized look to the urban Chennai settings and high-stakes sequences.[5] Editing was managed by Anthony, whose cuts were described by reviewers as choppy at times, contributing to uneven pacing in the final assembly despite maintaining overall momentum.[4] The development process began post-Jeeva's death, with scripting finalized around 2008 amid announcements of the project's launch, reflecting Aneez Tanveer Jeeva's commitment to realizing concepts from her husband's unfinished works.[14]Music
Soundtrack Composition
The soundtrack for Muthirai was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, a prominent figure in Tamil cinema renowned for his innovative and energetic scores that often blend contemporary rhythms with melodic depth in thriller genres.[13] His approach to the film's music emphasized a fusion of electronic and synth-heavy elements to heighten the urban crime thriller's tension, incorporating thumping beats and hip-hop influences alongside acoustic and electric guitar riffs for dynamic energy.[13] Traditional folk rhythms were subtly integrated into romantic tracks, providing contrast to the pulsating, groove-oriented sequences that underscore the narrative's fast-paced conspiracy and action elements.[13] The composition process took place in 2009, aligning with the film's production timeline, and featured a mix of modern production techniques to suit the thriller's suspenseful atmosphere.[15] One original song, the duet "Azhagana Neeyum," was notably sung by Manjari Phadnis alongside Naresh Iyer, showcasing her vocal contribution to a lively, romantic melody with clean guitar strains.[16] Technical aspects included sound design focused on rhythmic builds for chase and confrontation scenes, using trendy backgrounds and rockish orchestration to amplify the plot's intensity without overpowering the dialogue-driven suspense.[13] The audio launch event occurred on 7 May 2009 at Sathyam Cinemas in Chennai, marking a key promotional step ahead of the film's theatrical release.[16] Overall, Raja's score tailored hip-hop-infused folk rhythms to the urban crime theme, creating leitmotifs that recurrently signal escalating conspiracy and pursuit moments, such as the central theft sequence.[13]Track Listing
The soundtrack of Muthirai consists of eight tracks, all composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, with lyrics primarily penned by Na. Muthukumar and additional contributions from Pa. Vijay and Snehan.[17][16] Released on May 7, 2009, the album incorporates a mix of upbeat rhythms, melodic duets, and remixes that underscore the film's themes of rebellion and fate through evocative wording.[16] The tracks are woven into the narrative, appearing in sequences such as energetic introductions, romantic montages for character development, and dance numbers during pivotal rally scenes.[18] Key tracks highlight Yuvan Shankar Raja's stylistic variety, including the high-energy opener "Om Shanthi Om," the tender romantic "Uyire Uyire," and the thriller-infused "Night Is Still Young."[16][19]| No. | Title | Singer(s) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Om Shanthi Om | Neha Bhasin | 4:44 |
| 2 | Azhagana Neeyum | Naresh Iyer, Manjari Phadnis | 5:06 |
| 3 | Night Is Still Young | Krish, Benny Dayal, Priya | 4:42 |
| 4 | Nenjukkulla | Shweta Mohan | 2:32 |
| 5 | July Madhathil | Mohammed Aslam, Rahul Nambiar, Tanvi Shah, Priya | 4:21 |
| 6 | Uyire Uyire | Javed Ali, Madhushree | 5:08 |
| 7 | Om Shanthi Om (Remix) | Neha Bhasin | 5:11 |
| 8 | Night Is Still Young (Remix) | Krish, Benny Dayal, Priya | 4:34 |

