Draft:Ilaiyaraaja (film)

Ilaiyaraaja (also marketed as Ilaiyaraaja: The King of Music) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language biographical drama film 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

 * Dhanush as Ilaiyaraaja
 * Bharathiraja

Development
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. R. Balki, while promoting Ghoomer in 2023, also expressed interest to direct a biographical film of Ilaiyaraaja with Dhanush portraying him. 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). 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?".

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. 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. The following day, Haasan announced that he would be a part of the screenplay writing crew.

Casting
Bharathiraja, when promoting for Kalvan in early 2024, announced that he would appear in the biopic. 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.

Music
The music and background score is composed by Ilaiyaraaja himself, in his maiden collaboration with Arun Matheswaran.