Music

Ilaiyaraaja’s top 20 Tamil films

Ilaiyaraaja, a legendary composer in Indian cinema, has created music for over 1000 films.

Ilaiyaraaja, a legendary composer in Indian cinema, has created music for over 1000 films across various languages. Here are 20 notable films for which he composed music:

  1. Annakili (1976) – Ilaiyaraaja’s debut film, which established his career with memorable melodies.
  2. 16 Vayathinile (1977) – A landmark film featuring popular songs that showcased his unique style.
  3. Kannan Oru Kai Kuzhandhai (1978) – Notable for its classical influences and rich orchestration.
  4. Puthu Puthu Arthangal (1989) – A critically acclaimed film with a memorable soundtrack.
  5. Nayakan (1987) – Celebrated for its powerful score, this film is considered one of his masterpieces.
  6. Anjali (1990) – Marked his 500th film and featured a diverse range of emotional songs.
  7. Sadma (1983) – The Hindi remake of his own film “Moondram Pirai,” noted for its beautiful compositions.
  8. Thalapathi (1991) – A collaboration with director Mani Ratnam that produced iconic songs.
  9. Mouna Raagam (1986) – Known for its romantic melodies, this film further solidified his reputation.
  10. Puthiyathor Ulagam (1989) – Featured a rich score that blended various musical styles.
  11. Marupuram (1990) – A film that highlighted his versatility in composition.
  12. Guna (1991) – Notable for its haunting melodies and innovative musical arrangements.
  13. Tharai Thappattai (2016) – Marked his 1000th film, showcasing his enduring talent.
  14. Veerapandiyan Kottaiyile (1991) – Featured a mix of folk and classical elements in its soundtrack.
  15. Kadhal Kondein (2003) – A modern classic with a contemporary sound.
  16. Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006) – Known for its engaging score that matched the film’s narrative.
  17. Sethu (1999) – The music played a crucial role in enhancing the film’s emotional depth.
  18. Iruvar (1997) – Another collaboration with Mani Ratnam, praised for its lyrical beauty.
  19. Mahanadi (1994) – Featured a powerful score that resonated with audiences.
  20. Kadal (2013) – A film that showcased his ability to adapt to new musical trends while retaining his signature style.

These films reflect Ilaiyaraaja’s profound impact on Indian cinema, blending traditional and contemporary music forms to create unforgettable soundtracks[1][3][5].