The heartwarming strains of ‘Kanmani Anbodu’ from the classic film ‘Guna’ set the stage as revered music director Ilaiyaraaja, along with celebrated actors Dhanush and Kamal Haasan, assembled to unveil the highly anticipated biopic of the musical maestro. The gala event on Wednesday morning in Chennai was a confluence of cinema and melody, marking the official launch of Ilaiyaraaja’s biopic that will feature National Award-winning actor Dhanush portraying the iconic composer.
Renowned for his prolific and emotive compositions, Ilaiyaraaja has shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for decades, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural fabric. Now, his life and legacy are set to be immortalized on the silver screen with director Arun Matheshwaran at the helm. Matheshwaran, known for his work on ‘Captain Miller’ featuring Dhanush, promises a narrative steeped in musical heritage, with Ilaiyaraaja himself providing the score for the biopic.
Embodying the role of Ilaiyaraaja, Dhanush shared his deep connection with the composer’s music, which has been a pivotal influence throughout his acting career. “I firmly believe in the mantra of ‘Ennam pol vazhkai’ (What you think, you become). While many have been lulled by the melodies of Ilaiyaraaja, I have spent countless nights pondering over his life’s journey, and the aspiration to embody him has come to fruition,” Dhanush expressed, portraying his reverence and dedication to the role.
Dhanush’s ambition to bring to life two legendary personalities—Ilaiyaraaja and Rajinikanth—on the silver screen has finally taken shape with the former. Highlighting the influence of Ilaiyaraaja’s music on his craft, Dhanush stated, “His music has transcended the role of a mere companion; it has been an intrinsic acting tutor. The tunes often set the tone for my performances before a scene. Being entrusted with the portrayal of this iconic figure is indeed an honor, one I believe will be guided by the illuminating path of his music.”
Kamal Haasan, who has shared a long-standing kinship and creative partnership with Ilaiyaraaja, inaugurated the first-look poster of the film. Reflecting on their personal and professional journey, Haasan remarked, “It began with reverence, addressing him as ‘Sir,’ which blossomed into familial terms of endearment. I am eager to witness and be part of this cinematic exploration.”
The launch event was marked by the presence of film industry luminaries including director Bharathiraja and Vetri Maaran, both of whom have collaborated with Ilaiyaraaja. Vetri Maaran, during his heartfelt speech, reminisced about the consistency of Ilaiyaraaja’s music throughout his own life’s milestones. He shared anecdotes from the composing sessions of the 2023 film ‘Viduthalai’ and the forthcoming ‘Manushi,’ teasing an intriguing contrast between the composer’s personal ideologies and the film’s dialogue.
The biopic, which is a collaborative production venture by Connekkt Media, PK Prime Production, and Mercuri Movies, boasts a talented crew with Nirav Shah handling cinematography and Muthuraj overseeing production design. Set to resonate with a multilingual audience, the film will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi.
The magic that Ilaiyaraaja has woven through his melodies carries the extraordinary ability to chart the emotional graph of one’s life, as aptly described by Vetri Maaran, who called him a ‘magician rather than a musician.’ This cinematic portrayal of Ilaiyaraaja’s life is not just a singular narrative; it encapsulates the collective experiences of countless individuals whose lives have been enriched by his symphonic tales. As fans eagerly await this tribute to the celebrated composer, it promises to be a cinematic rendition that mirrors the harmonious tapestry of life underscored by the maestro’s unforgettable music.
