Renowned Tamil film actor Dhanush is set to take on the lead role in the upcoming biopic “Ilaiyaraja,” which delves into the life of the legendary Indian composer. This film serves as the inaugural project for the collaborative production and distribution efforts of two major South Indian entities, Connekkt Media and Mercuri Group.
Dhanush, celebrated for his versatility and prominence in South Indian cinema, boasts an impressive filmography with notable works such as the romantic “Ranhjhanaa,” action-packed “Vada Chennai,” and Netflix’s “Vaathi.” His international recognition expanded with a significant role in the Russo brothers’ “The Gray Man.”
Ilaiyaraja, now in his eighties, emerged from humble beginnings in South India to achieve acclaim as a prolific performer and composer. With a portfolio comprising over 1,000 Indian film scores and compositions for the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Ilaiyaraja’s journey is set to unfold on the silver screen.
Scheduled for filming in October 2024 and subsequent release in 2025, the biographical film’s details, including director, locations, and additional cast members, remain undisclosed.
Collaborating for the next three years, multinational Mercuri, with interests spanning consulting, technology, sports, media, and entertainment, joins forces with film studio Connekkt to embark on a venture with an estimated financial commitment of $110 million (INR 93 billion). Headquartered in Chennai and spearheaded by Ilamparithy Gajendran, this partnership aims to produce a series of high-budget films and extend its influence into streaming content, original IP, diverse formats, and the expansive South entertainment industry.
Expressing enthusiasm for the collaboration, Varun Mathur, an executive at Connekkt Media, acknowledged Mercuri as an esteemed global entertainment entity, envisioning their joint efforts delivering captivating content to a vast audience, both domestically and globally. Mercuri’s MD & group CEO, Sriram Bakthisaran, highlighted their enhanced capabilities, acquired through servicing major production houses and celebrities in the past, positioning them for broader offerings as they venture collaboratively to cater to all stakeholders, including the consumer.
