There were reports that AR Rahman is quite busy with some international projects and so could not sign up Mani Ratnam’s Kadal. This led to talks that Mani Ratnam would go back to Ilayaraja with whom he had given hit songs in the past.
It may be mentioned here that Mani Ratnam had said that working with Ilayaraja is a wonderful experience and he is longing for those days. This gave rise to a speculation that the two would get back together. But eventually, AR Rahman was roped in, as his dates were available.