October 2024 will see the premiere of Dhanush’s Ilaiyaraaja biopic

A biography is planned for the renowned music composer Ilaiyaraaja, who is known for his work on numerous classic Indian film soundtracks, including those for “Nayakan,” “Sadma,” “Thevar Magan,” “Aa Raathri,” and many more. Even more thrilling is the fact that the renowned composer will be portrayed on film by Dhanush, a Tamil celebrity.

The untitled movie’s production is slated to begin in October 2024, with a mid-2025 release window being targeted by the producers.

Over the course of a career spanning over 47 years, Ilaiyaraaja has produced over 7,000 songs, written the soundtracks for over 1,000 films, and performed in over 20,000 concerts, making him one of the most prolific composers. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London gave him the title “Maestro,” and he is also known by the moniker “Isaignani,” which means “the musical sage.” A. R. Rahman, the composer who won Grammys and Oscars, also founded Ilaiyaraaja. When he joined the maestro in 1986, he was his apprentice.

One of the greatest performers in Tamil cinema, Dhanush has amassed a devoted fan base in northern India because to his roles in movies such as “Atrangi Re” and “Raanjhanaa.” He has starred in 46 movies, and he has won fourteen SIIMA Awards in addition to four National Film Awards—two for acting and two for producing.

The new movie is the first of a slate of many projects that Connekkt Media and Mercuri are working on together over the next three years.

“Mercuri is one of the most reputable names in the global entertainment space and has been an amazing partner to us. We are thrilled to be joining hands with them to produce multiple mega-budget films starting with the biopic of a music legend unlike any other,” Connekkt Media’s Varun Mathur said in response to the partnership. In this extremely exciting period, as a national studio, our partnership with Mercuri puts us in a wonderful position to provide captivating content to millions of fans in India and throughout the world.

The films will be produced by Connekkt Media in collaboration with Mercuri Group, and Connekkt Media will serve as the studio.

“A resurgence of quality content from the region which is home to the four thriving film industries in addition to a large entertainment-hungry viewership and a larger than life fan base seen nowhere in the world,” said Sriram Bakthisaran, MD & Group CEO of Mercuri. Our material is rapidly garnering international attention and becoming more well-known across India. We already have a substantial presence in the southern market, having provided services to major production companies, celebrities, and other notable figures.

“We believe we are in a better position than ever to broaden our offerings as we work together to feed all stakeholders, including the customer,” he said.