Filming Begins for Mari Selvaraj’s ‘Manjanathi’, Featuring Music by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja!
Production has commenced for Manjanathi, a new film directed by Mari Selvaraj with music composed by Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja. The announcement of this collaboration between Mari Selvaraj and Ilaiyaraaja had already generated immense anticipation among fans, and filming is now underway.
Director Mari Selvaraj, known for authentically and emotionally capturing stories rooted in his own lived experiences, once again explores a narrative deeply connected to the soil and local culture in Manjanathi.
The film features a cast that includes Kathir, Priyanka Mohan, Gayathri Lohar, Poornima Ravi, Vidhu, “Kaaka Muttai” Vignesh, Rahul (famed for the film Vaazhai), and Raghavi (making her debut).
The cast and crew of Manjanathi attended the film’s launch ceremony. A highlight of the event was the presence of music composer Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja, who lit the traditional lamp and initiated the filming of the first shot by clapping the clapperboard. Speaking about the film, Director Mari Selvaraj said:
“I have never before launched any of my films with such grandeur and celebration—complete with a formal pooja ceremony. However, I wanted this film to begin exactly that way. Having Ilaiyaraaja sir work on this film is a milestone achievement in my life. There were times when I merely longed to see him in person; the fact that he is working on my film today is something I consider the greatest accomplishment of my life. My wife, Divya Selvaraj, also harbored a long-standing desire to meet Ilaiyaraaja sir. His involvement in a film she is producing will be an unforgettable event for us.
I have often taken pride in my hard work, my reading, and my politics. But the moment Ilaiyaraaja sir—who would wake up at the crack of dawn to compose music—called out to me saying, ‘I am composing this specifically for you; come here,’ I realized that, in the grand scheme of things, we are truly nothing.” His tireless work ethic, spanning generations, and the bold confidence—even the swagger—of our ‘Raja’ (who can make anything possible) are always beautiful, noble, and magnificent.
“This film is destined for success. Usually, when writing a screenplay, I focus on actors, characters, and scenes. But while writing this film, my thoughts were dominated by one question: ‘How would Raja sir compose music for this moment?’ The day this film hits the screens will be a pivotal day in my life. There is a significant reason why Kathir is part of this film; he was also instrumental in my journey to becoming a director in the film industry. He agreed to act in it even before I narrated the story. Similarly, actors like Priyanka Mohan and Kayadu Lohar play significant roles in the film—something the audience will realize when they watch it. This film is also inspired by my own life story. It will be an unforgettable experience for everyone.” Speaking about the film, Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja said:
“You all speak of being born amidst the wilderness and open fields. If I were to travel just a short distance from here, I would reach my own home; I, too, was born in this region. I grew up amidst the wild terrain and thorny thickets. Somehow, I learned music there and forged a path forward. There was no one nearby to teach me music; driven by an innate thirst, I learned it all on my own.
“The world’s greatest musical geniuses grew up seeing and learning the piano from a very young age. Yet, I was twenty-seven years old before I even laid eyes on a piano. I do not claim to be superior to everyone else because of this, but music came to me naturally—it welled up from within. The very essence of music that flows through me is something no one else has ever possessed, nor will anyone in the future. You might think I say this out of arrogance, but it is something that must be stated with pride.”
“A pregnant Tamil woman living in Germany was advised by doctors to undergo an immediate C-section because the movements of the fetus in her womb had ceased. During that time, they played my music to her. After keeping the mother under observation for two days, a check-up on the third day—just before the scheduled surgery—revealed that the baby had regained signs of life. This is a true incident.
“I take no personal credit for that. Composing music is my vocation. God has bestowed that power upon me, and I simply fulfill it; Goddess Saraswati has gifted me this specific calling. Today, I am creating music in collaboration with Mari Selvaraj—a man who truly celebrates my music.
“I hope this film becomes a great success.” “I pray to the Almighty that everyone involved in this project earns a good reputation and fame,” he said.
Ezhil Arasu K handles the cinematography, while Selva RK is in charge of editing. Ramu Thangaraj serves as the art director, Dhilip Subbarayan as the stunt choreographer, and Sandy as the dance choreographer. Eagan Eagambaram is handling the costume design.
