Ilayaraja & B. Kannan Movies Together List — 10 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-07-13 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
Ilayaraja and B. Kannan appeared together in 10 Tamil films between 1980 and 2004. Their highest-rated collaboration was Nizhalgal (1980 — 8.5/10). Films span Nizhalgal (1980) through Vishwa Thulasi (2004).
The Ilayaraja & B. Kannan partnership
After 10 years apart, they came back together for Vishwa Thulasi (2004). They didn't share a set between 1994 and 2004. Their work runs across 3 decades of Tamil cinema.
The work is uneven: Nizhalgal (8.5) at one end, En Uyir Thozhan (3.1) at the other. From Nizhalgal (1980) to Vishwa Thulasi (2004).
The shape of the work
The 1980s belonged to Nizhalgal; the 2000s to Vishwa Thulasi. B. Kannan director of photography in some, cinematographer in others. Strictly Tamil cinema — they never crossed industries together.
10 films across 3 decades
The 1980s brought 5 films together, anchored by Nizhalgal (8.5/10).
The 1990s brought 4 films together, anchored by Nadodi Thendral (7.5/10).
The 2000s accounted for 1 film, averaging 5.5/10.
- Nizhalgal
- Mann Vasanai
- Nadodi Thendral
- Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu
- Vishwa Thulasi
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
10 films across 24 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
83% of B. Kannan's screen credits are with Ilayaraja. After Vishwa Thulasi, Ilayaraja kept going for 26 more films; B. Kannan stepped back.
Nizhalgal was Ilayaraja's acting debut.
After Vishwa Thulasi, Ilayaraja went on to appear in 26 more films, including Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018) and Naan Kadavul (2009).
Nizhalgal was B. Kannan's acting debut.
After Vishwa Thulasi, B. Kannan went on to appear in 2 more films, including Bommalattam (2008) and Uchithanai Muharnthaal (2011).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of Ilayaraja & B. Kannan's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Janagaraj is the through-line — cast on 6 of their 10 films. Janagaraj appears alongside them in 6 films — practically a third lead.
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Other iconic Tamil director-actor duos
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