"Arabic Kuthu" is a 2022 Indian song and the first single in the soundtrack of the Tamil-language film Beast, directed by Nelson.
[10] This film marks Anirudh's third collaboration with Vijay after Kaththi (2014) and Master (2021), and with Nelson after Kolamaavu Kokila (2018) and Doctor (2021).
[21] The music video, a direct clip from the film itself, features Vijay and Pooja Hegde dancing in an Arabian set.
[28] In the context of the film, the music video is placed during a wedding in which Preethi (Hegde) meets Veera (Vijay) and describes him as the ideal partner she wished for.
Composer Anirudh wants to make a point that as long as the music is enjoyable, people don't sweat over incomprehensible lyrics.
"[45] Asuthosh Mohan of Film Companion called it as an "interesting fusion of Arabic and kuthu styles, repurposed to his (Anirudh's) own sensibility" and concluded that the track "works as a no-frills earworm that promises to get better with the visuals and choreography".
Mohan explored the similarities of the track to that of "Mettalaa Hajbo" by Moroccan artist Karima Gouit, in terms of mood and rhythm.
[46] Khushboo Ratda of Pinkvilla reviewed: "Vijay's swag, Pooja Hegde's dance moves and Anirudh's music makes it a party anthem".
[44] Many celebrities such as Shilpa Shetty, Jacqueline Fernandez, Rakul Preet Singh,[48] Katrina Kaif,[49] Samantha Ruth Prabhu,[50] Keerthy Suresh,[51] Rashmika Mandanna, Varun Dhawan,[52] Atlee,[53] Sivaangi Krishnakumar,[54] Jai, Amritha Aiyer,[55] Yashika Aannand,[56] Krithi Shetty,[57] Vedhika,[58] and Anupama Parameswaran[59] recreated the music video by performing the song's iconic hook step.
The "Arabic Kuthu Challenge" video had a cultural impact on several sportspersons including cricketers Devon Conway, Narayan Jagadeesan, Chezhian Harinishanth,[60] Washington Sundar, Abhishek Sharma, Priyam Garg,[61] Jagadeesha Suchith and Subramaniam Badrinath,[62] all of whom recreated the viral hook step via social medias.
Players of the English association football team, Manchester United F.C., additionally took part in the challenge and performed the aforementioned step.
[79] On 8 April 2022, Pooja Hegde, Anirudh and Nelson performed the song at a press meet held at Hyderabad for the film's promotion.