Renowned director Rajesh, acclaimed for his blockbuster films like “Siva Manasula Sakthi,” “Boss Engira Bhaskaran,” and “Oru Kal Oru Kannadi,” is a personal embodiment of the protagonists in his films: laid-back, composed, and just a quip away from cracking a smile. With a string of films focused on youthful adventures, Rajesh is set to return to the realm of commercial family entertainers with his upcoming release, “Brother,” starring Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan.
In an exclusive conversation, Rajesh talks about his writing process, sources of inspiration, and what audiences can expect from “Brother.”
Rajesh takes considerable inspiration from real-life incidents, crafting them into stories that resonate deeply with audiences. “Apart from reflecting on incidents from my personal life, the trope naturally lends to interesting stories and ‘Brother’ follows this tradition,” he says. The film promises to be an engaging, feel-good family entertainer, drawing on a friend’s real-life experience.
Reflecting on personal experiences, Rajesh shares how moments from his own life have informed his storytelling. After the successful release of “Boss Engira Bhaskaran” in 2010, he faced a personal loss with the passing of his father. Shifting from a career in IT to filmmaking was not initially embraced by his father, but he was eventually pleased after watching “Siva Manasula Sakthi.” However, the film’s drinking scenes and portrayal of pre-marital sex stirred some controversy among family audiences, despite its popularity with younger viewers. The director acknowledges the challenge of balancing themes to captivate a wide audience. With “Brother,” he aims to achieve this balance and hopes it will appeal to all age groups, particularly as a festive season offering.
Rajesh believes that the essence of a film is dictated by its script and cast. When comedian Santhanam is involved, humor naturally takes center stage. “He can be a part of a couple of emotional sequences in an otherwise fun film but it cannot be devoid of comedy scenes,” Rajesh notes. Yet the emphasis remains on crafting meaningful roles for every character in the ensemble cast of “Brother,” highlighting that the film wouldn’t be complete without any of them. Unlike some genre films that might require ‘item songs’ or similar spectacle-driven elements, “Brother” eschews such scenes, focusing on its core themes.
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Setting the film in the idyllic hills of Ooty brings its own challenges, such as the financial burden of outdoor shoots and a vast cast. Rajesh emphasizes the critical role of music in maintaining the film’s pace, bringing acclaimed composer Harris Jayaraj on board to craft the soundtrack. Securing a star like Jayam Ravi was essential for the film’s success, as Rajesh discovered during a casual pitch meeting with the actor. Ravi, known for his versatility across genres, opted for this heartwarming narrative after a string of thrillers, affirming his choice as perfect upon seeing the film’s completion.
Recognizing Jayam Ravi’s proficiency in balancing humor with emotions, Rajesh anticipates that “Brother” will be a testament to the actor’s talents. Rajesh shares insights on how Ravi’s compelling performances have previously moved entire film crews to applause after particularly impactful takes, drawing comparisons to his well-received emotional roles in films like “Santhosh Subramaniyam” and “Unakkum Enakkum.”
Rajesh reflects on the shifts within the comedy genre, noting his role in popularizing ‘buddy comedies’ with “Siva Manasula Sakthi”, a trend followed by many subsequent films. However, he observes a natural evolution away from those tropes as comedians successfully transition into leading roles. For humor to resonate, Rajesh insists it must arise organically from the script, cautioning against contrived comedy which might fail to leave a lasting impression.
The musical collaboration for “Brother” brings another layer of excitement. Securing the talents of rapper Paal Dabba for the film’s opening track was a stroke of creative spontaneity. Encouraged by Jayaraj’s innovative input, Dabba turned a freestyle concept into the track “Makkamishi,” an anthem encapsulating social consciousness themes ranging from voting to environmental responsibility, executed with flair during production.
Rajesh expresses a wish for a return to family-centric narratives, amidst the prevailing trend of larger-than-life action spectacles dominating mainstream cinema. He finds optimism in projects like “Meiyazhagan,” noting that actors such as Karthi are breaking away from their action-hero images to explore diverse storytelling avenues.
“Brother” is slated for release on October 31, 2024, aiming to captivate audiences with its blend of humor, emotional depth, and heartwarming portrayal of family dynamics. As Rajesh ventures once more into the arena of family entertainment, he reiterates his commitment to crafting stories that bridge generational divides and touch the hearts of viewers across the spectrum.
Published – October 16, 2024, 12:42 pm IST
Tamil cinema / Indian cinema
