Viduthalai: HERE's what Ilaiyaraaja has to say about Vetri Maaran's contribution to Tamil cinema

The album of Vetri Maaran's much-awaited film Viduthalai was released in a grand manner yesterday in Chennai. The audio and trailer was launched in the presence of the film's lead actors Vijay Sethupathi, Soori, Bhavani Sre and the film's director Vetri Maaran.

While speaking at the event, Vetri Maaran stated that Viduthalai began with composer Ilaiyaraaja. "When I approached him, he asked me to tell the story. I asked if I could show the film and he agreed. He saw the visuals and based on them he composed 'Kattumalli'. While composing itself, he said that will write the song. I then told him that I needed a background score for the scenes. I asked him if he could give me a BGM. He asked what kind of music I needed. I conveyed my emotion in a word and he produced a sound based on it. The tune he churned out was exactly as the emotion in my mind. I think that was quite an experience."

Later, while speaking about Vetri Maaran, Ilaiyaraaja said that he was an important director in Tamil cinema. I've worked in over 1,500 films and I'm saying this after working with over 1,000 directors. He is important!  Also, in this film, you will hear a never-before-heard version of music in the film.

In the meantime, Ilaiyaraaja also sent out a video note on ace guitarist R Chandrasekar's passing away. Chandrasekar, who strummed magic in the songs, Ilaiya Nila Pozhigirathey and Paadum Vaanampadi, passed away yesterday (March 8th). He was 79. The composer shot to fame after the guitar notes from Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja's iconic song Ilaiya Nila Pozhigirathey became the talk of the town.

Paying tribute to the guitarist, Ilaiyaraaja said, "The news about one of my favourite and fond musicians Chandrasekar, has come as a huge jolt to me. He was the brother of drummer R Purushothaman. We all started out careers together and moved from stage to cinema. Chandrasekar has worked in a number of films and the way he played the guitar and synthesizer continues to be etched in the minds of people. I am deeply shocked and in a state of grief. I hope his soul rests in peace.". It is to be noted that Chandrasekar had recorded the music for Ilaiyaraaja's iconic album Hey Ram.