Ilayaraja & Rajeev Movies Together List — 13 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-06-02 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
Ilayaraja and Rajeev appeared together in 13 Tamil films between 1982 and 2001. Their highest-rated collaboration was Kakkai Siraginilae (2000 — 7.5/10). Films span Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal (1982) through Kasi (2001).
The Ilayaraja & Rajeev partnership
Their work runs across 3 decades of Tamil cinema. They saved their best for last — Kakkai Siraginilae (7.5/10) came 18 years in. 1983 was their peak — 3 films in twelve months.
For 19 years, a Ilayaraja–Rajeev film arrived almost every year. From Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal (1982) to Kasi (2001).
The shape of the work
The 1980s belonged to Naanum Oru Thozhilali; the 2000s to Kakkai Siraginilae. Ilayaraja scored every film; Rajeev acted in all of them. Strictly Tamil cinema — they never crossed industries together.
13 films across 3 decades
The 1980s accounted for 6 films, averaging 4.0/10.
The 1990s accounted for 4 films, averaging 4.4/10.
The 2000s brought 3 films together, anchored by Kakkai Siraginilae (7.5/10).
- Naanum Oru Thozhilali
- Kaakki Sattai
- Sakthivel
- Kadhal Kavithai
- Kakkai Siraginilae
- Friends
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
13 films across 19 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
59% of Rajeev's screen credits are with Ilayaraja. After Kasi, Ilayaraja kept going for 38 more films; Rajeev stepped back.
Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal was Ilayaraja's acting debut.
After Kasi, Ilayaraja went on to appear in 38 more films, including Pithamagan (2003) and Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018).
Before Nizhal Thedum Nenjangal, Rajeev had starred in 2 films, including Palaivana Solai (1981) and Rail Payanangalil (1981).
After Kasi, Rajeev went on to appear in 7 more films, including Salaam Venky (2022) and Jayam (2003).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of Ilayaraja & Rajeev's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Charle appears alongside them in 4 films — practically a third lead.
4
4
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
