Renowned director Rajesh, known for crafting beloved Tamil films such as Siva Manasula Sakthi, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, and Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, consistently charms audiences with his distinctive approach to storytelling. His cinematic creations reflect his own warm and humorous demeanor, often drawing audiences into laughter and introspection. Rajesh is set to make a comeback to the domain of commercial family entertainers with his forthcoming film, Brother, starring the talented duo Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan. With its distinct focus on family dynamics, this film promises to resonate with viewers across generations.
In a recent conversation, Rajesh delved into the creative process behind his films. “I draw a great deal from real-life experiences,” he stated. “By narrating these incidents in a manner that is appealing and relatable to the masses, I aim to evoke a sense of familiarity.” This penchant for realism forms the very core of Brother, which Rajesh explains is inspired by an incident from a friend’s life. “Brother is designed to be a feel-good movie, a complete family entertainer fitting for the festive season,” he added.
Reflecting on personal experiences that have shaped his journey, Rajesh opened up about a poignant moment in his life. “Following the release of Boss Engira Bhaskaran in 2010, my father passed away,” he recounted. Despite initially being hesitant about Rajesh entering the film industry, his father eventually found joy in seeing his son succeed, especially after watching Siva Manasula Sakthi in theaters. This personal history feeds into Rajesh’s desire to create films that appeal to both the youth and family audiences alike, cautioning that earlier films like Siva Manasula Sakthi had sparked debates due to scenes depicting drinking.
Rajesh emphasizes the importance of script and casting in his projects. “Casting can shape the very essence of a film,” he notes.
. For instance, when comedian Santhanam is involved, humor naturally takes precedence. “Even if a film remains largely emotional, comedic elements are necessary when Santhanam is on board,” he explained. With Brother, Rajesh ensures that every character contributes significantly to the film, creating an ensemble piece where no role is dispensable.
Set in the picturesque town of Ooty, Brother required outdoor shoots and a large cast, adding a layer of complexity to the project. Rajesh also spoke about the importance of music in such a narrative-driven film, highlighting the collaboration with Harris Jayaraj, a highly respected composer in the industry. Notably, the film’s leading man, Jayam Ravi, was carefully selected for his suitability to the script. “Ravi sir’s filmography was then filled with thrillers, and Brother offered him a refreshing departure,” Rajesh revealed, praising Ravi’s exceptional ability to handle both humor and emotional sequences.
On discussing trends in Tamil cinema, Rajesh reminisces about the buddy comedy trend initiated with Siva Manasula Sakthi, acknowledging that while this genre has evolved, the natural space for humor within a script is still vital to its success. He observed that audiences prefer genuine comedy seamlessly integrated into the storyline, as forced humor quickly fades from memory.
Rajesh underlines the evolving dynamics of the film industry, noting how actors are increasingly gravitating towards large-scale action films aimed at international audiences. However, he remains hopeful for a resurgence of family narratives and comedies. “Actors like Karthi, who take risks with unique films like Meiyazhagan despite their action backgrounds, signal a healthy trend for our industry,” he concludes.
The much-anticipated film Brother is slated for a theatrical release on October 31, 2024. With Rajesh masterfully blending elements of humor and heartfelt family drama, audiences are eagerly awaiting this return to an entertaining yet meaningful cinematic experience.
