Rahman & Ilayaraja Movies Together List — 13 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-07-13 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
Rahman and Ilayaraja appeared together in 13 Tamil films between 1988 and 2016. Their highest-rated collaboration was Athma (1993 — 7.5/10). Films span Oruvar Vazhum Aalayam (1988) through Kuttrame Thandanai (2016).
The Rahman & Ilayaraja partnership
After 11 years apart, they came back together for Kuttrapathirikai (2007). They didn't share a set between 1996 and 2007. 1993 was their peak — 3 films in twelve months.
Their work runs across 4 decades of Tamil cinema. From Oruvar Vazhum Aalayam (1988) to Kuttrame Thandanai (2016).
The shape of the work
The 1990s account for 69% of everything they made together. The 1980s belonged to Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal; the 2010s to Kuttrame Thandanai. Rahman acted in every film; Ilayaraja scored all of them. Strictly Tamil cinema — they never crossed industries together.
13 films across 4 decades
The 1980s accounted for 2 films, averaging 3.8/10.
The 1990s brought 9 films together, anchored by Athma (7.5/10).
The 2000s accounted for 1 film, averaging 5.5/10.
The 2010s brought 1 film together, anchored by Kuttrame Thandanai (7.4/10).
- Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal
- Oruvar Vazhum Aalayam0
- Athma
- Udan Pirappu
- Kuttrapathirikai
- Kuttrame Thandanai
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
13 films across 28 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
54% of Rahman's screen credits are with Ilayaraja.
Before Oruvar Vazhum Aalayam, Rahman had starred in 3 films, including Anbulla Appa (1987) and Kanne Kaniyamedhe (1986).
After Kuttrame Thandanai, Rahman went on to appear in 8 more films, including Seven (2019) and Antariksham 9000KMPH (2018).
Oruvar Vazhum Aalayam was Ilayaraja's acting debut.
After Kuttrame Thandanai, Ilayaraja went on to appear in 1 more film, including Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of Rahman & Ilayaraja's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Ramya Krishnan appears alongside them in 3 films — practically a third lead.
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