Dhanush & Ilayaraja Movies Together List — 3 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
Dhanush and Ilayaraja appeared together in 3 Tamil films between 2005 and 2016. Their highest-rated collaboration was Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005 — 7.2/10). Films span Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005) through Amma kanakku (2016).
The Dhanush & Ilayaraja partnership
After 10 years apart, they came back together for Shamitabh (2015). They didn't share a set between 2005 and 2015. From Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005) to Amma kanakku (2016).
Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam is the one most viewers reach for. It started with Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005).
The shape of the work
The 2000s belonged to Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam; the 2010s to Amma kanakku. Never on the same side of the camera — Dhanush actor, Ilayaraja music composer, across all 3 films.
3 films across 2 decades
The 2000s brought 1 film together, anchored by Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (7.2/10).
The 2010s accounted for 2 films, averaging 6.7/10.
- Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam
- Amma kanakku
- Shamitabh
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
3 films across 11 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 2 languages, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
When they first worked together, Dhanush had 6 films behind them; Ilayaraja had 274. After Amma kanakku, Dhanush kept going for 23 more films; Ilayaraja stepped back.
Before Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam, Dhanush had starred in 6 films, including Kadhal Kondein (2003) and Pudhukottaiyilirundhu Saravanan (2004).
After Amma kanakku, Dhanush went on to appear in 23 more films, including Vada Chennai (2018) and Asuran (2019).
Before Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam, Ilayaraja had starred in 274 films, including Pithamagan (2003) and Nadigan (1990).
After Amma kanakku, Ilayaraja went on to appear in 1 more film, including Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of Dhanush & Ilayaraja's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
