Draft:Ilaiyaraaja (film)
 | Please note: This draft should not be submitted for review or moved to the mainspace until filming has begun, per WP:NFF. |
| Ilaiyaraaja | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Arun Matheswaran |
| Screenplay by | Arun Matheswaran Kamal Haasan |
| Produced by | Sriram Bakthisaran C. K. Padma Kumar Varun Mathur Ilamparithy Gajendran Surbabh Mishra |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Nirav Shah |
| Music by | Ilaiyaraaja |
Production companies | Connekkt Media PK Prime Production Mercuri Movies |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
| Budget | ₹93 crore[1] |
Ilaiyaraaja (also marketed as Ilaiyaraaja: The King of Music) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language biographical drama film[2] directed by Arun Matheswaran, who co-wrote the screenplay with Kamal Haasan. The film is jointly produced by Connekkt Media, PK Prime Production and Mercuri Movies. It is based on the life of Ilaiyaraaja and Dhanush portrays the composer. Bharathiraja appears in a supporting role.
In late 2021, Dhanush expressed interest in portraying Ilaiyaraaja in a biographical film. Various directors were reported to be in talks, before Arun was finalised. The film was announced in March 2024 in addition to its official title, Ilaiyaraaja. The film will have music composed by Ilaiyaraaja himself and cinematography handled by Nirav Shah.
Cast[edit]
Production[edit]
Development[edit]
During the promotion for Atrangi Re in late 2021, Dhanush expressed interest to portray either actor Rajinikanth or composer Ilaiyaraaja in a biographical film, and stated he "admires both of them" as the reason.[3] R. Balki, while promoting Ghoomer in 2023, also expressed interest to direct a biographical film of Ilaiyaraaja with Dhanush portraying him.[4] Kamal Haasan also expressed his interest portraying Ilaiyaraaja; but that November, Dhanush was reportedly finalised to portray the composer under the direction of Balki, marking the director and actor's second collaboration after Shamitabh (2015).[5] However, Balki denied the reports of him being a part of the project in February 2024, stating "How can I make film on someone whom I am so close to, and whom I hero-worship?".[6]
The same month, Karthik Subbaraj was reported to be in talks to direct the venture; however, Dhanush showed interest for Arun Matheswaran to direct it.[7] The following March on the 20th, a launch event was held. With the presence of Ilaiyaraaja, Kamal Haasan, Dhanush, and Arun Matheswaran, the project was officially announced. The project was jointly funded by Varun Mathur and Surbabh Mishra's Connekkt Media, C. K. Padma Kumar's PK Prime Production, and Sriram Bakthisaran and Ilamparithy Gajendran's Mercuri Movies.[8] The following day, Haasan announced that he would be a part of the screenplay writing crew.[9]
Casting[edit]
Bharathiraja, when promoting for Kalvan in early 2024, announced that he would appear in the biopic.[10] In late March, it was reported that R. Madhavan would appear as director Mani Ratnam, Silambarasan as composer A. R. Rahman, and Vishal as lyricist Vairamuthu.[11]
Music[edit]
The music and background score is composed by Ilaiyaraaja himself, in his maiden collaboration with Arun Matheswaran.[12]
References[edit]
- ^ Frater, Patrick (10 November 2023). "Dhanush to Star in 'Ilaiyaraja,' First Production From Connekkt Media and Mercuri's $110 Million Joint Film Slate". Variety. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Ilaiyaraaja biopic: Arun Matheswaran directorial; Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan cameo; a biographical drama". The Times of India. 27 February 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ Ram, Shree (28 December 2021). "Dhanush Wants To Act In Biopics Of Two Biggest Stars". Gulte. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Bollywood director plans Ilayaraja biopic with Dhanush — DEETS". IndiaGlitz.com. 1 August 2023. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Dhanush to portray Maestro Ilaiyaraaja in R Balki's unnamed biopic". NewsTAP. 11 November 2023. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "R Balki is not directing the Ilayaraja biopic; says, "How can I make a film on someone I am so close to?"". Bollywood Hungama. 29 February 2024. Archived from the original on 1 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Arun Matheswaran to direct Dhanush in the Ilaiyaraaja biopic?". Only Kollywood. 27 February 2024. Archived from the original on 28 February 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Ilaiyaraaja biopic launched! First look feat. Dhanush out". MovieCrow. 20 March 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Kamal Haasan will make an important contribution to Ilaiyaraaja's biopic". The Times of India. 21 March 2024. Archived from the original on 21 March 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ^ "Ilaiyaraaja – Bharathiraja confirms being part of Dhanush-starrer; spills key details about the biopic". OTTPlay. 27 March 2024. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
- ^ "Simbu to Madhavan: Actors who are expected to be part of Ilaiyaraaja's biopic starring Dhanush". The Times of India. 28 March 2024. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ "Ilaiyaraaja to score music for his biopic featuring Dhanush. See 1st look-poster". India Today. 20 March 2024. Archived from the original on 20 March 2024. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
External links[edit]
- Ilaiyaraaja at IMDb