Ilaiyaraaja Says 'People Don't Call Me To Malayalam Cinema', Shows Desire To Work In Mollywood Again

Legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja has worked extensively across various film industries in India. However, his work in Mollywood has reduced after 2017. Before that, he was composing for Malayalam movies quite often. Ilaiyaraaja recently shared the reason behind the same as he spoke to the attendees of the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair in Sharjah.

Why is Ilaiyaraaja not composing scores for Malayalam movies?

Ilaiyaraaja said, "I think, this is why people don't call me to Malayalam cinema. Every house has at least one music composer. They are already making music there. I am willing to compose in Mollywood again if they invite me there." When asked if he has a message for those foraying into music, he added, “They have already found their way and are going forward in that path. Now, let them prove their ability." The composer was speaking at an interactive session titled The Journey of a legendary Musician – Ilaiyaraaja’s Musical Journey. He spoke at length about his musical career spanning over fifty years.

Work on Ilaiyaraaja biopic is underway with Dhanush as the lead

In March earlier this year, the first poster of Ilaiyaraaja biopic was unveiled. Titled Ilaiyaraaja, the movie will be directed by Arun Matheswaran, who recently helmed Dhanush’s latest release Captain Miller. The movie will chronicle the life and times of Ilaiyaraaja, regarded as one of India’s greatest music composers. In a career spanning over five decades, Ilaiyaraaja has composed over 7,000 songs for more than 1,000 films and performed over 20,000 concerts across the globe.

He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian honour, in 2010 and received the Padma Vibhushan in 2018, the second highest civilian honour.