Putting an end to speculation surrounding the much-anticipated Ilaiyaraaja biopic, the team of director Arun Matheswaran has confirmed that the filmmaker remains firmly on board and that pre-production for the film has been completed.
Titled Ilaiyaraaja, the biopic was officially launched in 2024 and will be headlined by Dhanush, who is set to portray the legendary composer. The project marks the second collaboration between Dhanush and Arun Matheswaran, following their 2024 period action drama Captain Miller.
Director to Begin Filming After Completing DC
Addressing rumours that suggested Arun Matheswaran had exited the project, the director’s team clarified via a post on X that the filmmaker is very much part of the biopic. They also revealed that filming will commence after Arun completes work on his upcoming film, DC.
Speaking to CE, the team confirmed that DC is expected to wrap up shooting within the next two to three months and is slated for a first-half 2026 release. Once the project is completed, the Ilaiyaraaja biopic will go one floors.
Key Crew Members Confirmed
At the time of the biopic’s announcement in 2024, Nirav Shah was brought on board as the cinematographer, while Muthuraj was announced as the production designed. Apart from Dhanush’s casting, no further details about the rest of the cast have been revealed so far.
About DC
Meanwhile, DC marks a significant project for director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who makes his acting debut in the film by playing the characters Devadas. The film also stars Wamiqa Gabbi as Chandra and Sanjana Krishnamoorthy of Lubber Pandhu fame in a pivotal role. Music for the film is being composed by Anirudh.
Dhanush’s Packed Line-Up
Dhanush continues to maintain a busy slate, with several films at various stages of production. His upcoming projects include Vignesh Raja’s ‘Kara’, Rajkumar Periasamy’s D55, Tamizharasan Pachamuthu’s next, ad a much awaited reunion with Mari Selvaraj after Karnan.
With pre-production complete and clarity on the director’s commitment, anticipation continues to build for Ilaiyaraaja biopic, which promises to chronicle the life and legacy of one of Indian cinema’s most revered composers.
Sources: Cinema Express
