Illam was directed by I. V. Sasi and released in 1988. I. V. Sasi is a prominent filmmaker in Tamil film industry.

Illam stars Sivakumar alongside Amala. The film marks a collaboration between Sivakumar and director I. V. Sasi within Tamil cinema.

Who composed the music for Illam?

The music for Illam was composed by Ilayaraja. Ilayaraja is a well-known name in Tamil film music, and the soundtrack contributes significantly to the film's identity.

Illam(1988)

Tamil• mins•theatrical•Updated 6 May 2026

Illam (transl. Home) is a 1988 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by I. V. Sasi. The film stars Sivakumar and Amala in lead roles. It is a remake of the Malayalam film Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam (1986). The story follows Mayilsamy, a debt-ridden villager who tries to evict his tenant Saradha from a Chennai rental property. His plans change when he learns about Saradha's tragic past involving her father's accidental death. The film focuses on themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the meaning of home. Amala won the Best Actress Special Award at the 9th Cinema Express Awards for her performance. The Indian Express compared the film's plot to Veedu but noted it focuses more on melodrama than social commentary. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja with lyrics by Gangai Amaran. Illam was released on 12 August 1988.

Director:I. V. Sasi

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Quick Facts

Theatrical Release: 31 December 1988
Director: I. V. Sasi
Language: Tamil

Storyline

A desperate villager named Mayilsamy needs money to save his ancestral home. His only hope is to sell a rental house in Chennai. But the tenant Saradha and her family refuse to leave. As he fights to evict them, he uncovers a dark secret that changes everything.

“Two broken families, one home”