The film was a huge blockbuster when it first released, and also became a sensation in Japan, where it was dubbed as ‘Muthu Odoru Maharaja’.

Both films are considered cult classics by the fans of Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, who are known for their off-screen friendship and on-screen rivalry.

Muthu marked the first time Rajini, Rahman, and KS Ravikumar collaborated together. The movie was loosely based on the 1994 Malayalam film Thenmavin Kombath.