Musician Muthu on His Latest Track, ‘Theeraa Theeraa’, and Turning Life Experiences into Songs

For musician Muthu, music has been a lifelong companion, deeply intertwined with his personal experiences and observations. Growing up in Kollam and later relocating to Kochi, he found solace in crafting songs that reflect the people and events surrounding him, drawing inspiration from themes of romance, nature, and even historical occurrences. His journey in music began with street performances, where he sang his original compositions, captivating audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and melodies.

Latest Release: ‘Theeraa Theeraa’

His latest track, Theeraa Theeraa, emphasizes the themes of longing and heartbreak, showcasing Muthu’s evolution as a songwriter. The song, which features vocals and compositions by Parvatish Pradeep, also highlights the talents of Noel Alexander and Niranjana in its music video. The track is a melodious addition to Muthu’s catalog, which already includes popular songs like ‘Madhana raavukal’ from the film Dhoomakethu and ‘Asalayavale’ from the Prithviraj-starrer Khalifa.

Reflecting on his collaboration with Parvatish, Muthu shared, “I have been in touch with Parvatish since my first film, ED: Extra Decent, where I wrote the song ‘Machinmele’. When he approached me for a love track following his collaboration with Think Music India, I was excited to contribute.” Parvatish is well-regarded for his compositions in the biographical films Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys and its sequel.

A Journey Through Music

Muthu’s journey into music has evolved significantly since his debut track, ‘Atharaanu nee’, sung by Akbar Khan four years ago. “Before that, I sang for my friends who enjoyed my music. A neighbor who appreciated my songs produced my first track, which gave me the confidence to pursue more,” Muthu explained.

A pivotal moment in his career came with the release of Ilakozhiye from the film Thalavara, which debuted in 2025. “When Electronic Kili got the opportunity to compose, he invited me to join him. The song received substantial attention, eventually catching the ears of composer Jakes Bejoy. I had previously worked with him on Paathirathri, which further solidified my musical career,” he noted.

His song ‘Asalayavale’, performed by Sid Sriram, has amassed over 17 million views on YouTube. Muthu revealed the dedication behind its creation, stating, “I had to work hard on that song, revising the initial lyrics multiple times in discussions with director Vysakh.” He prides himself on being able to write a complete song in a mere 15 to 30 minutes, depending on his inspiration and context.

Songwriting Process

Muthu elaborates on his creative process, explaining that he approaches songwriting by immersing himself in various narratives and emotions. “On days when multiple songs, especially romantic ones, are required, I embody the characters and strive not to get fixated,” he shared. “Once I finish writing a song, I detach from that emotional state and move on.”

Inspiration Behind His Music

Raised in a devout family in Kollam, Muthu cultivated his musical roots through religious training, serving as a prayer leader at a mosque. His great-grandfather, Syed Sulaiman al Qahiri, a poet in both Arabic and Tamil, profoundly influenced Muthu, igniting his passion for poetry and storytelling through music. “He inspired me with his travels and poetry throughout his life,” Muthu recalled fondly.

During his life, Muthu has lived in various regions of India, including Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, where he penned Sufi songs while studying religious studies in Ghosi, Uttar Pradesh. He often rode his bicycle to a distant dargah, where he would share his songs with people drawn to the spiritual site. Observing their stories and interactions became the essence of his songwriting.

Additionally, Muthu draws from personal experiences for inspiration. The humorous track ‘Sunnath kalyanam’ from Vaazha 2 reflects a comical episode in his life regarding his circumcision, presenting a lighthearted twist on a typically serious topic.

Exploring Different Musical Styles

In the music industry, Muthu seamlessly navigates between film soundtracks and independent projects. He described the differences: “In independent projects, the creative direction is purely driven by our vision. In contrast, film songs require alignment with the director and composer’s vision.” He emphasized that by the time a song is presented to him, it often has an established framework that needs a fresh interpretation to give it life.

Looking Ahead

Muthu’s future projects include titles such as Disco, Prempaattta, Orijinal, and Titans, hinting at his ongoing commitment to songwriting and musical exploration.

Theeraa Theeraa is currently available for streaming on all music platforms, marking yet another milestone in Muthu’s burgeoning career as a versatile and introspective artist.