The 7 Best Music Directors Working in Tamil Today | 2016

Certainly, there are numerous composers in the industry, and I acknowledge that it might be deemed a crime to limit the selection of names under the title ‘Best Music Directors.’ However, the task at hand requires identifying the best among the best, and thus, a curated list is essential. The inclusion of these music directors is based on their exceptional ability to provide impeccable background music and soundtracks for the respective movies/scripts, along with their significant impact on popular culture. The selection takes into account their extensive filmography and their capacity to experiment, contributing to the continual enhancement of the scope of Tamil cinema.

Ilayaraja

Winner of 5 National Awards, Ilayaraja boasts an extensive filmography. While some may not achieve the same level of success as others, he remains relevant even today. Though his recent films might not generate the same excitement as those from a decade ago, classics like Nayakan, Hey Raam, Naan Kadavul, and Guna, among others, firmly establish his place on this list. The profound depth of his work in the eighties is truly extraordinary. For a glimpse, consider the Mouna Ragam soundtrack, still beloved by thousands today. Each film in his filmography bears an artistic stamp, making it instantly recognizable as his creation. Ilayaraja’s tracks have the power to take listeners on an emotional journey so deep that even Monalisa might find herself wanting to curl up on a couch and cry.

Notable Movies (BGM)
Hey Raam
Virumaandi
Thalapathi

AR Rahman

Winner of 4 National Awards, A.R. Rahman has been in fine form since his debut with Roja 25 years ago. A visionary and consistently interesting music director from the beginning, Rahman stands out as a post-modern executioner. His distinctiveness sets him apart, making him unarguably one of the greatest music composers of all time. Rahman has a remarkable ability to reinvent himself with every film, and his collaboration with Mani Ratnam is a treasure trove. From Bombay and Iruvar to Kannaththil Muthamittal, Roja, Thiruda Thiruda, and Alaipayuthey, his works showcase originality and diversity. Even his recent tracks for OK Kanmani and Kavya Thalaivan remain both timeless and fresh. The likelihood of AR Rahman delivering a great background score for his next movie? Very high.

Notable Movies (BGM)
Kannaththil Muthamittal
Kochadaiyaan
Iruvar

Yuvan Shankar Raja

For the last 15 years, he has given us one great film after another. The sexually charged classic Puthupettai features very intelligent film music by Yuvan, akin to its breath. His tracks are enormously evocative, finely designed to do the work and support the movie, delivering a captivating experience. Yuvan’s scores, when paired with the right director, showcase his ability to enhance the overall cinematic impact. From ‘Kadhal Konden’ and ‘Poovellam Kettuppar’ to ‘Dheena’, ‘Nandha’, ‘Arinthum Ariyamalum’, ‘Kanda Naal Mudhal’, ‘Chennai 600028’, ‘Kattradhu Thamizh’, ‘Aaranya Kaandam’… the list of outstanding scores seems endless and diverse.

Notable Movies (BGM)
Aaranya Kaandam
7G Rainbow Colony
Raam

Santhosh Narayanan

‘Irudhi Suttru’ showcases Santhosh’s class, and it’s widely believed that he is here to stay and dominate for several years. There’s potential for him to become the new-gen Ilayaraja, although his ‘songs’ face criticism for being repetitive, and he is yet to deliver completely different ‘genre’ tracks. However, nothing stops his background tracks, which are of the highest quality and easily rated as the best in the business. Santhosh creates film music that is both classic and contemporary, with his extraordinary score for ‘Madras’ ranking as one of the top movie themes ever.

Notable Movies (BGM)
Madras
Kabali
Jigarthanda

GV Prakash

While he may not boast the most critically successful film scores on his résumé, there’s no question about his capability to handle background scores for highly emotional as well as mass commercial movies with ease. One cannot ignore his exceptional background score for Bollywood hits like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur 1 and 2,’ directed by Anurag Kashyap!

Notable Movies (BGM)
Aadukalam
Pollathavan
Paradesi
Visaranai

Harris Jayaraj

He showcased his sparkling talent with his debut movie as a music composer, ‘Minnale,’ and later with ‘Ullam Ketkkume.’ Harris is best known for his light-hearted romantic melodies, demonstrating expertise in creating signature music for urban love stories that evoke beautiful romantic moments. However, it’s not just his melodies, like in ‘Varanam Aayiram,’ that secures his place on the list. His high-voltage and perfect background scores, notably in movies like ‘Vettayadu Vilayadu,’ which envelops its emotions in rhythmic, eerie, and bizarre soundtracks. The background score lingers, leaving you with a few notes rattling around your head as you exit the theatre. While his recent movies may have been somewhat disappointing, it doesn’t mean we’ve lost hope in him. This talented composer likely awaits a perfect script and director to make a strong comeback.

Notable Movies (BGM)
Vettayadu Vilayadu
Kaaka Kaaka
Thuppaakki

Anirudh Ravichander

His score for ‘3’ received widespread acclaim, impressing audiences and critics alike. While he has fewer soundtracks to his name compared to other composers on this list, his potential is evident. However, he is yet to explore a broader range of genres. His work so far has shown great promise, particularly in mass action movies like ‘Kaththi’ and ‘Velaiilla Pattadhari,’ where his music style perfectly complements the genre. Additionally, in romantic movies like ‘3,’ his musical touch adds a special charm. His ability to create impactful rhythms for crucial moments in the theatre setting is noteworthy.

3
Kaththi
Velai Illa Pattadhari
Naanum Rowdydhaan