Still from Kaliyuga Kannan (1974), directed by the duo Krishnan-Panju and written by lyricist Vaali. Seen here are actors Sowcar Janaki and Thengai Srinivasan. The latter who was the lead actor, rose to stardom after the resounding success of this film.

Kaliyuga Kannan (1974) directed by Krishnan-Panju was based on the play Srikrishna Vijayam written by Vaali. It was the first film with Vaali as a script writer. Vaali, who had a five-decade-long association with the Tamil film industry, wrote over 15,000 songs including 5,000 for music maestro Ilaiyaraja. His first song as lyricist was Nilavum Tharaiyum Nee Amma from the movie Azhagarmalai Kalvan (1958). His songs for AR Rahman were sensational hits, including Jik Bukku Chikku Bukku Raile from Gentleman (1993) and Muqabla Muqabla from Kadhalan (1994). He also acted in Paarthal Paravasam, Poikkal Kuthirai and Hey Ram and made a cameo appearance in the Kamal Haasan-starrer Sathya (1988).