Ilaiyaraaja's nephew Jaiyan makes acting debut in 'Raja's Playlist'
Synopsis
Tamil cinema's newest debutant carries one of the industry's most storied surnames — Jaiyan, son of the late producer R.D. Bhaskar and nephew of Ilaiyaraaja, is stepping in front of the camera for 'Raja's Playlist', a musical family drama backed by Yuvan Shankar Raja's music, Venkat Prabhu's story, and Sudha Kongara's creative eye.
Key Takeaways
Jaiyan , nephew of composer Ilaiyaraaja and son of late producer R.D.
Bhaskar , is making his acting debut in Tamil film 'Raja's Playlist' .
The film is directed by Sujith N.
Subramaniam ('Kudumbasthan' cinematographer), marking his directorial debut.
Music is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja , Ilaiyaraaja's youngest son; story is by Venkat Prabhu .
Acclaimed filmmaker Sudha Kongara is attached as Creative Producer .
The film is produced by Ramanan Balagangatharan under banner Elephantine X .
The cast includes Vagai Chandrasekhar , Guru Somasundharam , Meena , and others in pivotal roles.
Jaiyan, the youngest son of late veteran producer R.D. Bhaskar and nephew of legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja, is set to make his acting debut in the Tamil musical family drama 'Raja's Playlist'. The film, announced on 6 July, brings together an exceptional assembly of Tamil cinema talent, united by decades of friendship with Jaiyan's family.
A Debut Rooted in Legacy
R.D. Bhaskar, the elder brother of Ilaiyaraaja, was a respected producer and widely admired figure in the Tamil film industry. He is credited with playing a pivotal role in supporting Ilaiyaraaja during the legendary composer's formative years. Continuing that rich cinematic lineage, Jaiyan now steps in front of the camera for the first time. Sources close to the production describe 'Raja's Playlist' as an emotionally engaging drama that celebrates family, relationships, and the enduring power of music.
A Stellar Creative Team
The film will be directed by Sujith N. Subramaniam, the cinematographer behind the acclaimed film 'Kudumbasthan', marking his directorial debut. The story has been penned by filmmaker Venkat Prabhu, while the music will be composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, Ilaiyaraaja's youngest son — giving the project a deeply familial musical thread. Acclaimed filmmaker Sudha Kongara has joined the project as Creative Producer.
Producer's Vision
Producer Ramanan Balagangatharan of Elephantine X is backing the film, reportedly agreeing to come on board as soon as he learnt of Jaiyan's debut plans. He said, 'I am delighted to introduce Jaiyan to Tamil cinema. It has been a long time since audiences experienced a powerful musical drama with strong emotional depth. I believe Raja's Playlist will fill that space beautifully. Venkat Prabhu's distinctive story, Yuvan Shankar Raja's magical music, Sudha Kongara's creative contribution, and Sujith's fresh vision have elevated this project immensely. At Elephantine X, we are committed to presenting audiences with a memorable cinematic experience that beautifully blends music, emotions, and heartfelt storytelling.'
Cast and Technical Crew
Alongside Jaiyan, the film features Sona Olickal, Vagai Chandrasekhar, Guru Somasundharam, Roju, Bibian, Aarya Lakshmi, Pragadeeshwaran Poobalam, Indhumathy, Reshmi, Rajinth, Ramkumar, Meena, and Thilagavathi in pivotal roles. On the technical front, cinematography is handled by Sai Munish, editing by Sri Watson, art direction by Shanoo Muralidharan, costume design by Poornima Ramaswamy, stunts by PC Stunts, and sound design by Anthony B. Jayaruban. With this convergence of generational talent, 'Raja's Playlist' is shaping up as one of the more anticipated debut productions in Tamil cinema this year.
Point of View
Assembled out of loyalty to a family that quietly shaped the industry for decades. The real curiosity is whether that goodwill translates into a film that stands on its own — or whether it becomes a well-produced tribute that only the faithful notice. With Yuvan Shankar Raja scoring and Venkat Prabhu writing, the creative floor is high; the ceiling depends entirely on whether Jaiyan can hold the screen. Debut films built on legacy tend to be judged twice: once for the newcomer, and once for the name behind him.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jaiyan and how is he related to Ilaiyaraaja?
Jaiyan is the youngest son of the late Tamil film producer R.D. Bhaskar, who was the elder brother of legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja. He is making his acting debut with the Tamil musical drama 'Raja's Playlist'.
What is 'Raja's Playlist' about?
'Raja's Playlist' is described as an emotionally engaging musical family drama that celebrates family, relationships, and the enduring power of music, according to sources close to the production.
Who is directing 'Raja's Playlist'?
The film is directed by Sujith N. Subramaniam, the cinematographer of the acclaimed Tamil film 'Kudumbasthan'. 'Raja's Playlist' marks his directorial debut.
Who is composing the music for 'Raja's Playlist'?
Music for the film is composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, the youngest son of Ilaiyaraaja. The story has been written by filmmaker Venkat Prabhu, and Sudha Kongara is attached as Creative Producer.
Who is producing 'Raja's Playlist'?
The film is produced by Ramanan Balagangatharan under his banner Elephantine X. He reportedly agreed to back the project as soon as he learnt of Jaiyan's plans to debut as an actor.
