Director R Balki, who recently participated in veteran composer Ilaiyaraaja's Symphony Valiant in London, revealed that he had previously proposed the concept of a biopic centered on the musician, with Dhanush in the lead role. The filmmaker elaborated on the reasons for ultimately discarding the idea, citing his personal relationship with Ilaiyaraaja as a significant factor that hindered further progress. What insights did Balki share? Continue reading to find out.

Filmmaker R Balki pitched idea for Ilaiyaaraaja’s biopic

R Balki, the acclaimed filmmaker known for works such as Paa, Pad Man, and Ghoomer, recently visited London to attend Ilaiyaraaja's Symphony No. 1, titled Valiant. Balki, a devoted admirer of the composer, shared in a recent interview that he was the first to propose the idea of a biopic on Ilaiyaraaja, with Dhanush set to play the lead role.

"However, establishing a rapport becomes a significant challenge when it comes to practical implementation. Personally, I have no knowledge of Raja sir and prefer to remain uninformed about him; he is primarily aware of his music rather than his own persona. For two to four months, I collaborated with various individuals familiar with him, but ultimately, after several years, I concluded that I could not proceed with the project," he remarked.

The filmmaker expressed that he lacks a narrative if he separates himself from his music. "He is coming, so the music is coming. I cannot utilize his songs merely as item numbers to ensure the film's success. At times, an overwhelming affection for the individual can hinder creativity... I do not wish to transform him into a story or a character."

Subsequently, the biopic of Ilaiyaraaja was officially announced, featuring Dhanush in the lead role and directed by Arun Matheswaran.

R Balki films to explore on OTTplay Premium  

R Balki, who hails from Tamil Nadu, primarily operates within the Hindi film sector and is recognized for directing films with diverse narratives. His most recent project, Ghoomer, released in 2023, stars Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Saiyami Kher, and Angad Bedi, among others. The film is currently available for streaming on the ZEE5 and OTTplay Premium platforms.

Another of Balki's films, Chup: Revenge of the Artist, is also accessible on ZEE5 and stands out as one of the distinctive Hindi thrillers, centering on a serial killer who targets film critics.

For enthusiasts of R Balki's work, explore the filmmaker’s curated and exclusive selections on OTTplay Premium at special discounted rates.

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