Rajesh, well-known for bringing audiences blockbusters like Siva Manasula Sakthi, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, and Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, often mirrors the protagonists in his films—unassuming, easygoing, and capable of inducing laughter with just a line. Shifting from his renowned focus on youthful narratives, Rajesh’s forthcoming venture, Brother, starring Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan, marks his re-entry into the domain of commercial family entertainers.
In a conversation shedding light on his filmmaking philosophy, Rajesh unveils the inspiration behind Brother. “I draw extensively from real-life experiences, aiming to present these tales in a manner that resonates with the masses. This film, much like my past works, is crafted from such incidents.” He attributes the emotional heart of Brother to a significant real-life event involving a friend, which promises to transform into a feel-good family film perfect for festive times.
Rajesh highlights the intimate tie he has with his own family as central to his storytelling approach. “The release of Boss Engira Bhaskaran in 2010 was bittersweet as I lost my father soon after,” he shares, providing insights into how his personal experiences shape his creative choices. Addressing past criticisms, Rajesh recalls, “While Siva Manasula Sakthi was a hit among the youth, it drew some ire from family audiences due to certain scenes. With Brother, I aim for wide family appeal.”
Casting and script composition play a pivotal role in determining a film’s elements, according to Rajesh. “The choice of actors like Santhanam can naturally elevate the humor in a film. With Brother, an ensemble cast was essential, and the narrative couldn’t exist without each character,” he explains. Interestingly, Brother steers clear of item numbers, a creative decision Rajesh aligns with the story’s needs, showing his commitment to authenticity over sensationalism.
The decision to bank on the musical prowess of Harris Jayaraj for Brother aligns with Rajesh’s vision for cinematic music. “Given the scale of outdoor shoots in Ooty and the large cast, music becomes a vital component in a project devoid of massive action sequences.
. We were keen on having Harris Jayaraj sir involved,” Rajesh discloses. The inclusion of Jayam Ravi, known for his versatility in both humorous and emotional roles, came after Rajesh shared multiple scripts with him. Ravi’s inclination toward a film like Brother illustrates the actor’s eagerness to revisit more family-centric narratives.
Rajesh acknowledges the shift in Tamil cinema landscape post his film Siva Manasula Sakthi, which initiated a trend of buddy comedies. “However, that era has waned, and while comedians have risen as lead heroes, we now lack traditional comedians contributing to mainstream cinema. Fresh talent is emerging, ready to redefine the comedic archetype in cinema,” Rajesh reflects.
The film Brother isn’t just about its star-studded cast; it’s complemented by a vibrant soundtrack, including innovative contributions from artists like Paal Dabba. Rajesh humorously recalls how they stumbled upon Paal Dabba’s unique sound, eventually collaborating to create ‘Makkamishi,’ an anthem about societal themes. Such creative ventures highlight a film’s collaborative spirit and its narrative ethos.
The director addresses the challenges of branching into unexplored genres with established stars, often drawn to large-scale, action-heavy projects. “While audiences occasionally welcome family dramas like Varisu starring Vijay, the industry’s case for these is gradually fading,” Rajesh observes. In today’s cinematic environment, experimental works face daunting challenges, needing to appeal across linguistic and cultural borders as noted with films like Vettaiyan.
Rajesh is optimistic that films like Meiyazhagan receiving acclaim indicate a positive shift. “Actors such as Karthi are venturing beyond typecast roles, an encouraging development that might inspire more directors to experiment within the family drama and humor genres,” Rajesh anticipates.
Mark your calendars for the premiere of Brother, slated for a theatrical release on October 31, 2024, as it promises to blend humor, emotion, and family values, reviving the essence of traditional yet rejuvenated Tamil cinema storytelling.
