Award-winning director Mari Selvaraj’s next film, Manjanathi, with music by maestro Ilaiyaraaja, is not centred on a single woman character but on women portrayed by three actors. The story’s title was originally part of a series published in the Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan.

“Whenever the name Manjanathi came to my mind, I thought of adapting it into a film. Even then, I had decided that maestro Ilaiyaraaja should compose the music. When I met him and narrated the story, he agreed to score it,” said Mari, who participated in the programme to mark 50 years of Ilayaraaja’s entry into film a few days ago and spoke about the film and how the long-cherished dream had come true. Ilayaraaja invited him to the dais and asked him to share his experience.

Asked whether the story revolves around Manjanathi, the titular character, Mari told The Hindu the film features many women characters.

“It is a film about women, their feelings, emotions and aspirations. The core of the story is about women. The narrative begins in the southern districts, where the name Manjanathi is more common. But I have treated the subject in a fresh manner, and the audience will find it surprising,” he said.

Talking about his experience of working with Ilaiyaraaja, he said they had only just begun. “He keeps me happy. I went to meet him with a little fear, but he has given me confidence. I wrote the script completely with Ilaiyaraaja in mind. The way I have approached the subject and integrated him into the film will be new to cinema. The audience will understand why I chose Ilaiyaraaja when the film is released. It is not just about the songs; he is part and parcel of the film,” he added.

Though Mari aims to release the film by December this year, the release may spill over to January 2027.

The film stars Kathir in the lead role. He had earlier played the eponymous role in Mari’s acclaimed film Pariyerum Perumal. The director has also elevated Ponvel, who played Sivananainjan in Vaazhai, to the status of a second hero in the film.

The female leads include Kayadu Lohar, Priyanka Arul Mohan and a newcomer, who has not been finalised.

Music maestro and Rajya Sabha MP Ilaiyaraaja on Sunday said he would certainly fulfil Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s request to set the Sangam literary works to music.

Responding to the Chief Minister’s request at an event commemorating Mr. Ilaiyaraaja’s 50 years in the film industry, the maestro said he was overwhelmed and overjoyed by the way the event was organised and could not find words to express his feelings. He said he was surprised by how naturally the Chief Minister recalled the literary works. “The Chief Minister’s words, that only I can do it, encouraged me further,” he said.

Mr. Ilaiyaraaja said he was deeply moved and could not believe that the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and other officials had made such efforts to organise the function. “I was overwhelmed and could not speak,” he said in a video posted on his X (formerly Twitter).

He had asked the Chief Minister why such an event was being organised for him. “Many people may see it differently. Why such love? Perhaps it is because of my music. Only he can answer. But I do not expect such felicitation. Still, he organised the event. Perhaps he considered my Symphony a great achievement. I believe, he must have felt it was the duty of the state government to honour a Tamil, who has gained worldwide fame,” Mr. Ilaiyaraaja said.

The maestro noted that the participation of actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth crowned the event, even though the participants did not speak much about the Symphony or their 50 years in the film industry. “But the event made my fans happy,” he said.

He added the complaints by Mr. Rajinikanth and Mr. Kamal Haasan — that he had composed his best songs only for the other — were proof that he had created memorable music for the both their films. He said he would organise another event to allow the people of Tamil Nadu to listen to the Symphony.

Rahman’s Praise

Music director A.R. Rahman, in a message, said Mr. Ilaiyaraaja had secured a special place for Tamil Nadu in the world of music.

“He is a combination of simplicity and Himalayan achievement. He is a genius who bridged the gap between classical music, Western classical, and folk music through his compositions,” he said.

Mr. Rahman said Mr. Ilaiyaraaja’s Symphony would serve as an inspiration to any musician striving for excellence. “I am happy because I grew up listening to his music. The event organised by the Tamil Nadu government to commemorate Mr. Ilaiyaraaja’s 50 years in film music is a celebration of all musicians,” he said.