It is not just songs, Ilaiyaraaja is also integral to Manjanathi, says Mari Selvaraj

Award-winning director Mari Selvaraj’s next film, ManjanathiThe film, whose music belongs to maestro Ilaiyaraaja, focuses not on a single female character but on the women played by three actors. The title of the story was actually part of a series published in a Tamil magazine. Ananda Vikatan.

Mari, who attended the program a few days ago on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Ilayaraaja’s entry into cinema, said, “Whenever the name Manjanathi came to my mind, I thought of adapting it into a film. Even then, I had decided that the music should be composed by the maestro Ilaiyaraaja. When I met him and told the story, he agreed to do the music,” and talked about the film and how my long-awaited dream came true. Ilayaraaja invited him to the dais and asked him to share his experience.

When asked if the story revolves around Manjanathi, the main character, Mari said: Hindu There are many female characters in the movie.

“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 regions where the name Manjanathi is more common. But I have tackled the subject in a new way and the audience will find it surprising,” he said.

Talking about his experience working with Ilaiyaraaja, he said that they are just getting started. “He makes me happy. I went to meet him with some fear, but he gave me confidence. I wrote the script entirely with Ilaiyaraaja in mind. The way I approached the subject and the way I integrated him into the film will be new in cinema. The audience will understand why I chose Ilaiyaraaja when the film releases. It is not just about the songs; he is an integral part of the film.”

Although Mari aims to release the film by December this year, the release may extend to January 2027.

The movie stars Kathir in the lead role. He previously played the role of the same name in Mari’s acclaimed film. Pariyerum Perumal. The director also highlighted Ponvel, who plays Sivananainjan. vaazhaiHe rose to second hero status in the film.

The female leads include Kayadu Lohar, Priyanka Arul Mohan and a new actor who is yet to be finalised.