Renowned director Rajesh, recognized for his successful films such as Siva Manasula Sakthi, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, and Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, embodies the very spirit of his cinematic protagonists—easygoing, composed, and always ready to deliver a laugh. Known for his youthful and vibrant narratives, Rajesh is set to make his return to the genre of commercial family entertainers with his upcoming film, Brother, featuring Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan.
In a recent conversation, Rajesh candidly shared insights into his filmmaking process and the personal experiences that shape his stories. He emphasized, “Real-life incidents significantly influence my storytelling. I aim to present these stories in a way that appeals to a wide audience, making them relatable and engaging.” The forthcoming release, Brother, emerges as a testament to this vision. Rajesh mentioned that the film is inspired by a friend’s real-life incident and promises to be a feel-good family entertainer, perfect for the festive season.
Reflecting on his journey, Rajesh described his deep connection with his family, highlighting a poignant moment following the release of Boss Engira Bhaskaran in 2010, when his father passed away. Despite initial resistance to his career choice, his father found joy in watching Rajesh’s earlier work, Siva Manasula Sakthi, albeit with concerns over certain scenes not suitable for a family audience. Rajesh seeks to address such concerns in Brother, a film he envisions as universally acceptable for all audiences.
Discussing the importance of casting in his films, Rajesh expressed, “The script and cast are crucial in defining a film’s identity. For instance, if Santhanam sir is involved, humor takes center stage. I strive to provide significant roles for every character, and Brother is no exception. Each character is essential to the narrative.” He assured that Brother does not resort to item numbers or unnecessary sequences but maintains a focus on its core storyline.
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Filming for Brother took place in the picturesque locale of Ooty, presenting logistical challenges and a vast cast. Rajesh enlisted the musical prowess of Harris Jayaraj to ensure the film’s soundtrack was compelling, particularly given the absence of grand action sequences. Jayam Ravi, chosen for the lead role, was brought on board after Rajesh presented him with three scripts, with Brother being chosen for its unique family-oriented plot. Praising Ravi’s performance, Rajesh noted, “Ravi sir has a remarkable ability to blend humor with emotional depth, which he has demonstrated in movies like Santhosh Subramaniam and Unakkum Enakkum. His talent was evident during our shoots when the entire crew would applaud a successful performance.”
Rajesh is credited with pioneering the buddy comedy trend with Siva Manasula Sakthi, sparking numerous similar productions. He reflects on how this trend has evolved, with many comedians transitioning into leading roles while emphasizing the necessity of organic humor. “Forced comedy might evoke a few laughs during the film, but a truly impactful comedic moment lingers beyond the cinema hall,” he stated, predicting the rise of a new generation of comedians in the industry.
Further detailing Brother’s musical journey, Rajesh recounted how the opening track ‘Makkamishi’ was developed in collaboration with emerging talent Anish, aka Paal Dabba. The process involved improvisation and innovation, leading to a track that discusses societal themes ranging from voting to rainwater harvesting.
As the film industry leans towards large-scale action movies, Rajesh acknowledges the rarity of top actors opting for family entertainers unless such projects promise cross-border appeal. However, stars like Jayam Ravi show a willingness to delve back into family-oriented storytelling, much to Rajesh’s appreciation.
With Brother set to hit theaters on October 31, 2024, Rajesh remains hopeful for a resurgence of varied storytelling. Citing examples like Jai Bhim’s director TJ Gnanavel’s expansive narrative choices and actor Karthi’s genre explorations, Rajesh envisions a future where diverse narratives continue to engage audiences across languages and cultures.
