Thaman Reveals Why Lenin Dropped Its Planned Item Number
Music director Thaman reveals why Lenin dropped its planned item number, highlighting the team's focus on story and emotional depth.
Dumtika Editorial
July 29, 2026 · 1 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Thaman confirms Lenin's item number was dropped before filming began.
Several top actresses were considered but never approached for the song.
The decision aimed to keep the film's narrative focused and emotionally strong.
Lenin received positive feedback for avoiding unnecessary commercial elements.
Thaman Opens Up About Dropping Item Song in Lenin
Music director Thaman has shared new insights into the making of Lenin, a film that recently marked a strong comeback for Akhil Akkineni. Thaman revealed that the team initially considered including a special dance number, commonly known as an item song, but ultimately decided to remove it to preserve the film’s emotional core.
According to Thaman, the idea for the song was discussed in the early planning stages. Several prominent actresses, including Pooja Hegde, Rashmika Mandanna, Kayadu Lohar, and Preity Mukhundhan, were considered for the number. However, none were officially approached, as the plan was dropped before the song reached production. Thaman stated, "the decision was taken even before the song went on floors."
He also mentioned that news of the proposed song had already circulated within internal WhatsApp groups, leading to leaks and speculation. Thaman admitted feeling frustrated by the premature discussions and chose to exit those groups. After further deliberation, the team concluded that adding an item number would distract from the film’s narrative, so they opted to leave it out entirely.
Lenin, directed by Murali Kishor Abburu, has been praised for its focused storytelling and emotional depth. Many viewers appreciated that the film avoided unnecessary commercial elements, a choice that contributed to its positive reception post-release.
