PremiumKamal Haasan's advice to Ilaiyaraaja biopic director: 'Take it easy, tell your truth'
Kamal Haasan acknowledged that director Arun Matheswaran faced the herculean task of mounting a biopic on the life and times of Ilaiyaraaja. Hence, he had a piece of advice for him.
Last Updated: 05.02 PM, Mar 20, 2024
A biopic inspired by the life of music maestro Ilaiyaraaja was announced on Wednesday at an event in Chennai, attended by the who's who of the Tamil film industry, including Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan.
Speaking at the event, Kamal reiterated his undying love for Ilaiyaraaja and his endless adoration for his music. "I had the initial confusion and questions that occur to a screenwriter or a director. I am not sure where to start this story. Should I begin from the first time we met each other? I mistook (Gangai) Amaran for Ilaiyaraaja. I was at an event, and when they called Ilaiyaraaja, Amaran didn't get up. Somebody else went up on the stage, and that was how much I knew about him at the time," Kamal recalled.
Kamal Haasan's heartfelt words at Ilaiyaraaja biopic launch
Kamal revealed that he first introduced himself to Ilaiyaraaja as a big fan of his music and soon developed a strong brotherhood with him that transcended professional boundaries. "Everybody thinks that Ilaiyaraaja composed a love song for Guna and Abhirami (Kanmani Anbodu). But, that is not true. It was our love story. I wrote him a love letter, and he composed music for it," he added.
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Kamal acknowledged that director Arun Matheswaran faced the herculean task of mounting a biopic on the life and times of Ilaiyaraaja. To the director, Kamal advised not to try to force-fit the narration into a specific pattern. "Take it easy. Don't succumb to all the pressure and make the film the way you see him. Tell your truth," he said.
Kamal Haasan's words of wisdom
Kamal added that Arun will find various angles in his research about Ilaiyaraaja's life. He noted that the music maestro means so much to so many people, and each may have varying opinions, both positive and negative, but nobody can deny his genius in music.
"This film is not just about Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja. It's a film about Bharat Ratna Ilaiyaraaja. This is not a wish, but our demand," said Kamal, reminding Arun of the gravity of the task at hand. He also added that the popularity and musical genius of Ilaiyaraaja will take the film to every nook and corner of the country.
Tamil star Dhanush will essay the lead role in Ilaiyaraaja's biopic.