Director K Rangaraj – Memory Maker of the 1980s

K. Rangaraj was born in Kovilpatti and was greatly influenced by the films of K. Balachander.

His friendship with writer and lyricist M.G. Vallaban led to an introduction to Bharathiraja. Rangaraj then joined Bharathiraja as an assistant in the 1979 film, Puthiya Vaarpugal and remained with him until he made his debut as a director in 1983 through the film Nenjamellaam Neeye which had Mohan, Radha and Pornima Jayaram in the lead role.

Although Nenjamellaam Neeye was a hit, it was through his third film – the Sivakumar-Radhika starrer, Nilavu Suduvathillai – that he truly established himself as a director with a good understanding of audience tastes. It was also his first collaboration with Illaiyaraja.

From that point onward, Rangaraj had a dream run with his films, teaming up with Illaiyaraja for many of his films. His films placed a great emphasis on songs and Illaiyaraja delivered hit soundtracks in quick succession for films like Unnai Naan Sandhithen, Udhaya Geetham, Geethanjali and Amudha Gaanam.

Rangaraj broke away from Illaiyaraja briefly for the Mohan-Nadhiya starrer, Uyre Unakage upon insistence from Kovai Thambi of Motherland Pictures, but the difference was felt by the audience and the film failed to reach expectations.

Rangaraj reunited with Illaiyaraja and the combination went on to produce magical films and soundtracks with films like Manithani Marupakkam, Unkagave Vaazhgiren,, Paadu Nilaave and Ninaive oru Sangeetham.

Rangaraj’s successive failures with Dharmam Vellum, Sivaranjani and Ellachami forced him to re-revaluate his future in the film industry.The failure of Ellaichami was a particularly big blow as it was also his home production.

This forced him to turn his attention to the small screen.

Earlier this year, Rangaraj attempted a comeback to the big screen with the Shrikanth starrer, Konjum Kaadhal Konjum Modhal, but the film and its soundtrack failed completely.