Composer Ilaiyaraaja, now 83, finds two of his latest scores in the race for the 2027 Oscars’ Best International Feature category. The Indian‑marathi drama Kondhal and the Sri Lankan entry Anthony have both secured a spot on the Academy’s shortlist, and each carries his music on the reel.

And it isn’t a one‑off surprise. The maestro, who recently wrapped music for the Tamil projects Dorthi and Lenin Pandian, continues to churn out fresh scores that resonate with both seasoned fans and the younger crowd. Dorthi, helmed by director Karthik Supraj, already enjoys a buzz for its folk‑rich soundtrack, while Lenin Pandian promises a more experimental tilt.

But the Oscar angle has turned the usual fanfare into a national conversation. While Ilaiyaraaja has a résumé of over 1,500 films and a shelf full of national honors, an Academy trophy has remained elusive. In contrast, his contemporary A.R. Rahman has already collected Oscars, Golden Globes and a Grammy, prompting a lingering question: will the older legend finally break through?

So far, the two Oscar‑contending films showcase very different worlds. Kondhal is a Marathi‑language story set in rural Maharashtra, its narrative steeped in local folklore. Ilaiyaraaja’s score weaves traditional instruments with his signature orchestral sweeps, creating a soundscape that feels both rooted and cinematic. Anthony, meanwhile, is a Sri Lankan drama that explores post‑war identity. Here the composer leans into subtle strings and ambient textures, letting the film’s stark visuals breathe.

Industry insiders note that the Academy’s International Feature category has opened up to more South Asian entries lately, making the odds slightly better than a decade ago. Still, the competition includes heavyweights from Europe, Africa and the Americas, so a win is far from guaranteed.

Fans on social media have already started a countdown, sharing clips of the two soundtracks and debating which track might tip the scales. Some point to the folk‑laden anthem from Kondhal as a crowd‑pleaser, while others argue that the haunting motif from Anthony aligns better with the Academy’s taste for understated elegance.

The next step for both films is a limited theatrical run in key U.S. Cities to meet the Academy’s eligibility criteria. If they clear that hurdle, the final voting round will begin in early 2027, with the winners announced at the ceremony in March.

Regardless of the outcome, Ilaiyaraaja’s presence on the shortlist points to his relentless relevance. At an age when most composers have retired, he’s still shaping the sound of contemporary cinema across languages and borders. Whether the Oscar finally lands in his trophy cabinet remains to be seen, but the buzz alone has already given Tamil and broader Indian music a fresh surge of pride.

The world will be watching the Oscar night in March, and with Ilaiyaraaja’s name on the ballot, the anticipation feels a little louder than usual.