Renowned filmmaker Rajesh, known for his hit films such as “Siva Manasula Sakthi,” “Boss Engira Bhaskaran,” and “Oru Kal Oru Kannadi,” is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming movie “Brother.” This time, Rajesh delves into the realm of commercial family entertainment, featuring Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan in lead roles.
In a recent interview, Rajesh shared insights into his filmmaking process and the inspiration behind “Brother.” He revealed that the film draws heavily from real-life incidents, infusing everyday experiences with a narrative style that resonates with the masses. “I take a lot from real-life events,” Rajesh explained, “and aim to present these stories in a way that’s relatable to the audience. ‘Brother’ is another film that stems from this approach, inspired by a significant incident in a friend’s life.”
Rajesh also opened up about his personal journey, which is deeply intertwined with his family. He recounted the bittersweet experience of losing his father shortly after the success of “Boss Engira Bhaskaran” in 2010. Despite his father’s initial reservations about his foray into films after leaving a stable IT job, Rajesh fondly remembers how pleased his father was with “Siva Manasula Sakthi,” even if particular scenes raised eyebrows among family audiences.
With “Brother,” Rajesh hopes to strike a chord with viewers of all ages. “The core idea is based on a true event, and it’s crafted to be a feel-good, all-encompassing family entertainer, perfect for the festive season,” he enthused. The film’s script and casting were carefully designed to highlight each character, ensuring they contribute significantly to the overall narrative.
In discussing the casting of Jayam Ravi, Rajesh emphasized the actor’s prowess in handling both comedic and emotional sequences. “Ravi sir has a natural flair for humor and is equally remarkable in emotional roles,” Rajesh noted. Past performances in films like “Santhosh Subramaniyam” and “Unakkum Enakkum” have only solidified Ravi’s reputation, making him an ideal fit for “Brother.
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The movie is set in the picturesque locales of Ooty, adding a visually stunning backdrop to the narrative. Rajesh also mentioned the crucial role of music in enhancing the film’s atmosphere, with Harris Jayaraj composing the score. The collaboration with Jayam Ravi came about during the filming of “Agilan,” and Rajesh felt that Ravi’s choice of this script, amidst a lineup of thriller films, was spot-on.
Touching upon the evolution of comedy in Tamil cinema, Rajesh reflected on the trend that began with his earlier film “Siva Manasula Sakthi.” The landscape has shifted with comedians transitioning into leading roles. While this change has opened new avenues, Rajesh noted that forced humor tends to fall flat. “When comedy is naturally woven into a film, it works well. But forced comedic elements are quickly forgotten once the audience leaves the theater,” he said.
Rajesh expressed enthusiasm about fresh talent emerging in the comedy genre, stating that a new generation of comedians is poised to make their mark in mainstream cinema. This ongoing evolution is essential for keeping narratives fresh and engaging.
In “Brother,” the musical landscape is further enriched by the debut of rapper Paal Dabba, whose track “Makkamishi” adds a contemporary touch to the film. The song, inspired by societal themes, brings together elements of voting and environmental consciousness, all set to a beat created by Harris Jayaraj himself.
As the film industry shifts toward large-scale action films, Rajesh remains committed to his vision of delivering heartfelt family stories. He commented on the constraints of business demands but remains hopeful for a resurgence of family-oriented cinema. “Brother,” set to release on October 31, 2024, marks a significant step in that direction, promising an engaging, family-friendly experience that resonates with audiences everywhere.
