Is Arun Matheswaran directing the Ilaiyaraaja biopic? Dhanush’s team issues official clarification

The Ilaiyaraaja biopic starring Dhanush is back in the news after a major update. It has been reported that Arun Matheswaran is no longer the film's director, which comes after the pooja ceremony that even Kamal Haasan himself attended to announce the film. Although the movie had been reported as being shelved initially, it appears that the controversial biopic is still happening, only now with a different director at the helm.

Arun Matheswaran is NOT out of the film

Arun Matheswaran, who recently directed Dhanush in ‘Captain Miller’, was selected to direct a biopic on maestro Ilaiyaraaja. Meanwhile, a report from Filmibeat had claimed that Arun Mathswaran has exited from the project, and a new director will be announced to head the project. But Dhanush's PRO Riyaz K Ahmed has muted the rumours in the right time, and issued a clarification on his X (formerly Twitter) page. "Dear All, The news circulating on social media claiming that director #ArunMatheswaran is no longer part of the #IlaiyaraajaBiopic starring actor #Dhanush, is untrue. Following the release of #LokeshKanagaraj’s #DC, the director will begin work on the eagerly anticipated biopic as planned. Further updates regarding the project will be announced soon," wrote Riyaz K Ahmed.

Biopic expected to begin from April 2026

Arun Matheswaran is currently busy with the direction of 'DC', which marks the hero debut of Lokesh Kanagaraj. The shooting of the Ilaiyaraaja biopic is expected to begin in April. Fans have been expectantly awaiting the announcement of the next update.

Dhanush continues a packed work schedule

While the biopic film has made headlines, Dhanush has Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films lined up. He was last seen in the Hindi Tamil 'Tere Ishk Mein' and the love drama is available for streaming on a popular digital platform. 'Idli Kadai' was his last release in Tamil, and the rural drama was also helmed by Dhanush.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”