TR mourns the demise of his debut film, Oru Thalai Raagam's producer, EM Ibrahim

Tamil film producer EM Ibrahim, who produced and 'directed' Oru Thalai Ragam, the debut of T Rajhendherr, has passed away.

The multi-hyphenate has issued a statement expressing his grief over the passing of the producer. In the press release, TR, in his alliterative style, writes, "The news that the producer of my first film Oru Thalai Ragam, which released in 1980, pierces my heart like a spear. I am shocked beyond belief. He was born in Arangudi. He was responsible for my arangetram. He lived near Vadakarai. He was the one who brought my film career to the shore. Why did he pass way? Why did he leave this world? My eyes well up. Memories of days spent with him flood my heart. I express my condolences to his family members. I play the almighty that he rests in peace."

Oru Thalai Raagam is considered one of the most successful sleeper hits ever in Tamil cinema. Starring newcomers Shankar and Rupa, the tragic romance, which captured the one-sded love story of a college student, became a blockbuster through sheer word of mouth. The songs, too, became chartbusters. Its mega success laid the foundation for the success of TR, who not only became a very bankable filmmaker and composer, but also a star.

Legend has it that while it was TR who actually directed the film, Ibrahim had agreed to produce the film on the condition that he would be credited as the director, which TR — who took credits for the story and music — agreed to.

But the film also soured the relationship between the young filmmaker and the producer. Upon the film's release, TR, who had composed both the songs and the background score, was shocked to find that his score had been replaced with another music director's score. Since then, the director has claimed in many interviews that he hasn't watched his debut film again.

However, he has often made it a point to admit that Ibrahim was the one who provided him with his breakthrough.


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