Rajesh, a celebrated filmmaker renowned for delivering box-office hits such as “Siva Manasula Sakthi,” “Boss Engira Bhaskaran,” and “Oru Kal Oru Kannadi,” is a director whose demeanor surprisingly mirrors that of his film protagonists—with an affable, relaxed presence and a knack for humor that is always ready to erupt. Known for films that predominantly revolve around the youth, Rajesh is all geared up to make a triumphant return to the domain of commercial family entertainment with his upcoming project, “Brother,” featuring popular actors Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan. This new venture is eagerly awaited as it promises to resonate with diverse audiences and cement Rajesh’s status in a genre he knows well.
In an engaging dialogue, Rajesh opens up about his filmmaking process and draws inspiration from his life experiences to weave tales that the audience can relate to. By translating everyday moments into cinematic expressions, he ensures his narratives remain accessible and appealing to the masses—a strategy that is more than evident in “Brother.” This film, like much of his past work, stems from real-life occurrences, offering a glimpse into familiar emotions and dynamics.
Reflecting on his deep-rooted family attachments, Rajesh recounts a significant phase in his life when he experienced the loss of his father just days after the success of “Boss Engira Bhaskaran” (2010). The transition from a career in IT post-engineering to the immersive art of filmmaking was met with skepticism by his father, yet seeing the success of “Siva Manasula Sakthi” (2009) provided some solace and acceptance. However, the inclusion of elements like drinking scenes led to some disapproval from family audiences back then. Understanding the importance of capturing everyone’s interest, Rajesh aspires for “Brother” to be a universally appealing family-friendly film, rooted in a friend’s true story and perfectly timed for festive celebrations.
Rajesh believes that the essence of a film is determined by its script and casting. When seasoned comedian Santhanam joins a project, humor naturally takes the spotlight, though it is balanced with emotional sequences to maintain the film’s integrity. “Brother,” featuring an extensive ensemble cast, highlights Rajesh’s commitment to ensuring every character significantly contributes to the narrative, without whom the film would feel incomplete. This dedication to character depth is a singular characteristic of his storytelling approach.
The film is set against the picturesque background of Ooty, necessitating elaborate outdoor shoots and a commendable cast.
. Unlike action-packed films, “Brother” demands an extraordinary musical score, which is accomplished by the talented Harris Jayaraj. In embarking on a film with such varied elements, Rajesh needed a lead star like Jayam Ravi, well-known for his versatility. During discussions on the set of “Agilan,” Rajesh offered him several scripts, among which “Brother” stood out for Ravi; it felt like a refreshing return to the type of films he hadn’t done recently. Kudos to Ravi’s intuition, his performance was met with unanimous applause from the crew.
Discussing trends in cinema, Rajesh recalls his role in initiating the buddy comedy genre with “Siva Manasula Sakthi” and expresses the evolution since then—with comedians now often transitioning into lead roles. He emphasizes the importance of organic humor within a film, cautioning against forced comedy which may not have enduring impact on audiences. As the landscape of comedy continues to transform, Rajesh looks forward to new comedians ready to break into the mainstream.
For “Brother,” the collaboration between Ravi and Harris Jayaraj resembles their successful synergy seen in past hits like “Engeyum Kadhal.” In a creative collaboration, the opening track “Makkamishi” emerged through an engaging process with Harris and rapper Paal Dabba, bringing a fresh vibe to the film. The song’s essence is a reflection on society, touching on themes ranging from social responsibility to environmental consciousness.
Despite his aspirations to venture into grand action films focusing on large-scale narratives, Rajesh notes the industry’s trend towards action and high-stake drama films. He remarks on the rare opportunities when stars like Vijay opt for family-oriented projects such as “Varisu,” while most incline towards action or youthful stories. He lauds directors like TJ Gnanavel, who blend big casts with meaningful narratives, and actors like Karthi who courageously step away from the norm to explore varied roles, hoping this trend gains momentum.
“Brother” is set to hit the silver screen on October 31, 2024, and both Rajesh and the Indian cinema audience await its release with bated breath, eager to see a film that amalgamates humor, emotion, and the quintessential Rajesh storytelling style. Published on October 16, 2024, at 12:42 pm IST, Tamil Cinema fans can anticipate the film’s debut amidst widespread anticipation and excitement.
