A. R. Rahman's ‘Yethu’ goes viral, celebrating Tamil music on the world stage

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* 

Good news for Tamil music lovers—the Mozart of Madras is back in the Tamil music industry with his song “Yethu” from the film “Moonwalk.” The track has climbed international charts, once again placing A. R. Rahman on the global stage.

The “Yethu” music video has taken Instagram by storm, emerging as a dance sensation that is rapidly going viral worldwide. Within two weeks of the film’s release, the song crossed 1.2 crore views on YouTube. On social media platforms, the video has reportedly garnered over 10 crore views, reflecting its growing global appeal.

The trend, which began last year with the release of “Moonwalk,” has continued to gain momentum this year. There are no signs of the viewership slowing down in 2026, as the video continues to attract new audiences across continents.

Beyond dancers and instrumental enthusiasts, the song is being recreated and adapted in different languages around the world. “Yethu” has found a global audience, with viewers in parts of Africa, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, the UAE, France, and Sweden engaging with its vibrant video content.

“Hypers Kids Africa,” a popular dance group in Africa, created a recreation video of “Yethu,” further amplifying its viral wave. Rahman responded to the African children’s performance on Instagram, writing, “Thank you for the love. You guys are terrific.”

Tamil cinema fans have another reason to celebrate with the return of iconic dancer Prabhu Deva to the screen. Often hailed as the “Michael Jackson of Tamil cinema,” he has once again set the silver screen ablaze. In the “Yethu” video, Prabhu Deva appears markedly different from his earlier looks in songs like “Urvashi Urvashi” and “Muqabla.” In this number, he sports a clean-shaven look and a slightly heavier frame.

Many have praised the way Prabhu Deva effortlessly executes some of the song’s most challenging steps. His high-octane performance, backed by Rahman’s thumping score, injects infectious energy into the track. The slick shooting and sharp editing further enhance the song’s visual appeal, making it a treat for viewers worldwide.

“Yethu” is steadily evolving into a global dance anthem—celebrating rhythm, unity, and creative expression across borders. Its high-energy beats and entertaining choreography retain the soul of Tamil music while appealing to a worldwide audience.

The global momentum generated by “Yethu” recalls the impact of “Jai Ho” composed by Rahman for Slumdog Millionaire. That iconic song resonated across international audiences, transcending language barriers and winning fans worldwide.

Similarly, “Yethu” reinforces the idea that music knows no boundaries and unites people through cultural expression across the globe.

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*Journalist based in Chennai