Renowned filmmaker Rajesh, celebrated for his successful creations such as “Siva Manasula Sakthi,” “Boss Engira Bhaskaran,” and “Oru Kal Oru Kannadi,” finds his personality often mirrored in the heroes he brings to life on the silver screen. With an enviable calmness and a penchant for humor, Rajesh stands poised to weave his narrative magic once again with his upcoming film, “Brother.” This venture, marking his return to crafting commercial family entertainers, features leading stars Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan.
In an insightful conversation, Rajesh elaborated on his distinctive approach to storytelling, a methodology deeply rooted in real-life events. “I draw significantly from real-life incidents,” Rajesh shared, “narrating these stories in a way that resonates with the masses. That’s the essence of ‘Brother’—it’s inspired by a true incident from a friend’s life. I aspire for it to be a feel-good, complete family entertainer perfectly timed for the festive season.”
Rajesh’s journey in cinema is intertwined with his personal experiences, highlighting his profound attachment to family. Recollections of his late father became a poignant reflection during the conversation. “Mere days after the release of ‘Boss Engira Bhaskaran,’ my father passed away. Although he had been hesitant about my foray into films, he was heartened after experiencing ‘Siva Manasula Sakthi’ in theatres,” he recounted. This deep-seated familial connection and the desire to please both family and broader audiences shape the thematic heart of his films, including “Brother.”
Discussing the crafting of “Brother,” Rajesh emphasized the critical role of script and casting. “The script often dictates the casting,” he explained. Featuring dynamic actors like Jayam Ravi and the indispensable touch of comedy maestro Santhanam, “Brother” is designed to be a comprehensive cinematic experience. “If Santhanam sir is part of it, humor becomes indispensable.
. His presence adds a necessary layer of comedy that audiences have come to expect,” Rajesh pointed out.
Rajesh further highlighted the deliberate absence of certain commercial elements such as item numbers, stating their inclusion is dictated by necessity and the natural flow of the script. “Every role in ‘Brother’ is crucial, forming an ensemble that the film couldn’t do without,” he stressed.
The film’s setting, Ooty, and its narrative demanded a large cast and outdoor shoots, adding layers of challenge but also opportunity to create visual allure. Collaborating with revered music composer Harris Jayaraj, who contributes a soundtrack crucial in a film absent of grand action sequences, further enhances the film’s appeal. “Bringing Jayam Ravi onboard was a strategic decision,” Rajesh noted, citing Ravi’s adeptness in blending humor and emotion as integral to the film’s success.
Reflecting on broader industry trends, Rajesh pondered the evolution of the comedy genre, a space he has significantly influenced. “The buddy comedy trend was essentially sparked by ‘Siva Manasula Sakthi.’ However, the cinematic landscape has shifted,” he observed, noting the transition of comedians into leading roles and the resultant diminishment of dedicated comedic actors in films today.
As he reminisced about past successful collaborations, such as with Jayam Ravi on “Engeyum Kadhal,” Rajesh spoke of incorporating fresh musical talent into the project. The quirky and dynamic composition “Makkamishi,” featuring rapper Paal Dabba, epitomizes this innovative approach. “We wanted to convey a message about society, integrating themes from voting to rainwater harvesting into the song,” Rajesh revealed.
Acknowledging the industry’s focus on scaling up action films for international success, Rajesh expressed a desire for more diverse narratives. “Stars are gravitating towards action genres for broader reach, but it’s refreshing to witness actors like Karthi embracing varied roles,” he mused, citing films that buck the action trend in favor of more personal stories. While these frequency shifts present challenges, Rajesh remains hopeful for future projects that strike a balance between commercial viability and meaningful storytelling.
“Brother,” with its promise of warmth and humor, anticipates captivating audiences when it hits theaters on October 31, 2024, offering an engaging cinematic escape spearheaded by a director intrinsically tied to the narratives he shapes.
