Rajesh, the talented director known for his work on films like “Siva Manasula Sakthi,” “Boss Engira Bhaskaran,” and “Oru Kal Oru Kannadi,” is back with his latest cinematic offering—”Brother.” This new project, starring Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan, marks a return to the genre of family-centric commercial entertainers, often characterized by their humor and emotional depth. Rajesh, known for his laid-back demeanor and quick wit, continues to bring his unique storytelling style to the big screen.
During a recent discussion, Rajesh shed light on his creative process, revealing how real-life events often serve as a rich wellspring of inspiration for his films. He explained that crafting stories that resonate with a broad audience is a core tenet of his work. “Brother” is rooted in such realism and seeks to recreate a genuine experience for viewers through its relatable narrative.
On a personal note, Rajesh shares his deep attachment to his family. The passing of his father shortly after the success of “Boss Engira Bhaskaran” profoundly impacted him. Despite initial resistance from his father about pursuing a career in films after engineering, Rajesh was heartened by the joy his father experienced watching his debut feature in theaters. Yet, Rajesh also noted the critique his earlier films faced for certain themes, particularly concerning youth behaviors that did not sit well with family audiences. He is keenly aware of the balancing act required to please a diverse viewership, which “Brother” aims to achieve through its feel-good, family-oriented storyline.
Rajesh emphasizes the importance of casting in shaping a film, specifically noting how the presence of a humorist like Santhanam can skew a film towards comedy. He values the significance of ensemble casts, asserting that each character in “Brother” is indispensable to the narrative. The director shuns gratuitous content, opting instead for sequences that genuinely enhance the story, a principle that the family-focused “Brother” strictly adheres to.
The film’s setting in Ooty required extensive outdoor shoots, a challenge accentuated by the absence of action-packed sequences.
. However, Rajesh was keen to ensure that the music, composed by the esteemed Harris Jayaraj, stood out instead. He reminisces about meeting Jayam Ravi during the shoot of “Agilan” and how the actor immediately took a liking to the script after hearing it. Rajesh admires Jayam Ravi’s ability to perform not only comedic roles but highly emotional scenes, a talent that he believes will make “Brother” unforgettable.
Discussing the evolution of humor in cinema, Rajesh credits “Siva Manasula Sakthi” with sparking the buddy comedy trend. He believes that humor works best when it arises naturally from the script rather than being shoehorned in to garner transient laughs. Although the landscape of comedy has changed—with many comedians transitioning into lead roles—Rajesh observes a burgeoning wave of new comedic talent ready to make its mark.
Adding a musical flavor to the mix, the film brings in the talents of Paal Dabba, a promising rap artist whose track “Ai Ai Ai” impressed Harris Jayaraj and the team. The song “Makkamishi” came to life through a spontaneous creative session, encapsulating themes like societal responsibilities in an accessible manner.
Reflecting on broader cinematic trends, Rajesh acknowledges the focus on high-scale action films by many stars today. He feels these films, designed for a global audience, limit the scope for experimental narratives. Yet, he admires actors like Karthi who dare to break away from expectations by undertaking unique projects. Such efforts, he argues, enrich the cinematic landscape and offer hope for more varied storytelling.
“Brother” is set to captivate audiences when it hits theaters on October 31, 2024. As the anticipation builds, Rajesh and his cast and crew are eager to share a story that promises laughter, tears, and memorable moments—a true celebration of family and the ties that bind.
