R. Sundarrajan & Ilayaraja Movies Together List — 17 Films
Complete Movies List & Collaboration History
Last updated: 2026-06-02 · Data sources: Wikipedia, TMDB
R. Sundarrajan and Ilayaraja appeared together in 17 Tamil films between 1982 and 2013. Their highest-rated collaboration was Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982 — 7.5/10). Films span Payanangal Mudivathillai (1982) through Chithirayil Nilachoru (2013).
The R. Sundarrajan & Ilayaraja partnership
After 10 years apart, they came back together for Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy (2005). They didn't share a set between 1995 and 2005. 1986 was their peak — 3 films in twelve months.
Their work runs across 4 decades of Tamil cinema. The work is uneven: Payanangal Mudivathillai (7.5) at one end, Thirumathi Palanisamy (2.5) at the other.
The shape of the work
The 1980s belonged to Payanangal Mudivathillai; the 2010s to Chithirayil Nilachoru. R. Sundarrajan director in some, actor in others. Strictly Tamil cinema — they never crossed industries together.
17 films across 4 decades
The 1980s brought 10 films together, anchored by Payanangal Mudivathillai (7.5/10).
The 1990s brought 5 films together, anchored by En Kitta Mothathey (7.5/10).
The 2000s accounted for 1 film, averaging 6.5/10.
The 2010s accounted for 1 film, averaging 5.5/10.
- Payanangal Mudivathillai
- Vaidehi Kathirunthal
- En Kitta Mothathey
- Sami Potta Mudichu
- Chidambarathil Oru Appasamy
- Chithirayil Nilachoru
The partnership in numbers
Partnership Pattern
17 films across 31 years represents consistent collaboration.
Language Distribution
Linguistic diversity: 1 language, with Tamil being their primary medium.
Where each was in their career
65% of R. Sundarrajan's screen credits are with Ilayaraja.
Before Payanangal Mudivathillai, R. Sundarrajan had directed 2 films, including Megathukkum Dhagam Undu (1980) and Andru Sinthiya Ratham (1977).
After Chithirayil Nilachoru, R. Sundarrajan went on to direct 7 more films, including Pettikadai (2019) and Oru Naal Iravil (2015).
Payanangal Mudivathillai was Ilayaraja's acting debut.
After Chithirayil Nilachoru, Ilayaraja went on to appear in 5 more films, including Merku Thodarchi Malai (2018) and Shamitabh (2015).
Collaboration Journey
A chronological view of R. Sundarrajan & Ilayaraja's professional partnership
Actors and musicians who worked on most of their films
Radha Ravi appears alongside them in 5 films — practically a third lead. They worked with the same 7 people again and again — a small repertory company.
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