Brother (2024 film)
| Brother | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | M. Rajesh |
| Written by | M. Rajesh |
| Produced by | Sundar Arumugam |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Vivekanand Santhosham |
| Edited by | David Joseph |
| Music by | Harris Jayaraj |
Production company | Screen Scene Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. |
| Distributed by | Ayngaran International |
Release date |
|
Running time | 140 minutes[1] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
Brother is a 2024 Indian Tamil-language comedy drama film written and directed by M. Rajesh, and produced by Sundar Arumugam under the banner of Screen Scene Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. The film stars Jayam Ravi and Priyanka Mohan in the lead roles.
The film was officially announced in August 2022 under the tentative title JR 30, and the official title was announced in September 2023. Principal photography commenced in August 2022 and was predominantly shot in Chennai. It was completed by early 2024. The music was composed by Harris Jayaraj, cinematography was handled by Vivekanand Santhosham, and editing by Ashish Joseph.
Brother was released worldwide in theatres on 31 October 2024, coinciding with Diwali, receiving mixed to negative reviews from critics as well as audiences and underperformed at box office.[2][3]
Plot
[edit]Karthik, a dropout law student, is the troublesome son of Kumarasamy and Saraswathi. His penchant for questioning injustices often lands him in controversy. After complaining about his apartment's condition, his neighbors confront his family, exacerbating his father's high blood pressure. His elder sister, Anandhi, tries to reform Karthik by taking him to her in-laws' strict, schedule-driven household in Ooty.
Anandhi's sister-in-law, Archana, secures him a job as a hospital bouncer, but Karthik is terminated for confronting a patient's relative about exploiting the elderly man's wealth. Anandhi then finds Karthik a job as a PT teacher at her school, but he clashes with the math teacher and is dismissed. The family's caretaker, Keshav, arranges a psychiatric consultation with Dr. Phoenix Pushparaja, but Keshav's leg injury derails the plan, frustrating Anandhi's mother-in-law, Hemamalini. Anandhi's father-in-law, Sivagurunathan IAS, District Collector of the Nilgiris, takes Karthik under his wing, tasking him with observation only. Karthik witnesses Pannaikadu villagers protesting demanding electric fencing to protect against wild animals. Recognizing the collector's inaction, Karthik advises the villagers on a self-immolation threat, prompting Sivagurunathan to expedite the installation of electric fencing.
The household tensions escalate, prompting the inmates to demand Karthik's expulsion. Anandhi intervenes, urging Karthik to apologize and stay. However, Sivagurunathan, his wife, and his son Aravind IFS humiliate Anandhi and Karthik, forcing them to leave in self-respect. Kumarasamy and Saraswathi blame Karthik for the chaos and ruining Anandhi's life. Kumarasamy seeks forgiveness from Aravind but is rebuffed. Enraged, Kumarasamy reveals a long-hidden secret: Karthik is adopted. He conditions his acceptance of Karthik on reuniting Anandhi with her in-laws. Undeterred, Karthik seeks forgiveness from Sivagurunathan's family but faces humiliation. To drive home the gravity of his actions, Sivagurunathan dismisses Keshav from his household job.
Archana, who has developed feelings for Karthik, recognizes his transformation and offers support. At a school function, Aravind is moved by his children's emotions and reconciles with Anandhi. However, Sivagurunathan remains unforgiving, prompting Aravind to move into Karthik's residence with his family. Hemamalini advises her husband to forgive, but he ridicules her, leading her to leave and join Karthik. Archana attempts to convince Sivagurunathan by proposing her marriage to Karthik, but he publicly humiliates her. Dr. Vinay, who harbors one-sided feelings for Archana and seeks to leverage Sivagurunathan's influence, proposes marriage.
However, Sivagurunathan's ambitions for a promotion to the Prime Minister's Office in Delhi are derailed. At a press conference, a video praising his actions in Pannaikadu village, narrated by Karthik, is showcased. Facing tough questions, Sivagurunathan resigns from his post, declaring the promotion unnecessary. Dr. Vinay abandons Sivagurunathan upon learning of his resignation. Karthik offers assistance, but Sivagurunathan refuses. En route home, thugs kidnap and assault him, but Karthik rescues him. Transformed, Sivagurunathan accepts Karthik as his son-in-law and consents to his marriage to Archana. He sheds his superiority complex, apologizes to Anandhi, and acknowledges Kumarasamy and Saraswathi's exemplary parenting.
At the wedding, Kumarasamy is stunned to see Keshav, revealed as the mastermind behind Sivagurunathan's kidnapping. Sivagurunathan ultimately forgives Keshav.
Cast
[edit]- Jayam Ravi as Karthik Kumarasamy
- Priyanka Mohan as Archana Sivagurunathan
- Bhumika Chawla as Anandhi Aravind (neé. Kumarasamy)
- Natarajan Subramaniam as Aravind Sivagurunathan IFS
- Rao Ramesh as Sivagurunathan IAS, Aravind and Archana's father
- VTV Ganesh as Keshav
- Saranya Ponvannan as Hemamalini Sivagurunathan
- Seetha as Saraswathi Kumarasamy, Karthik's mother
- Achyuth Kumar as Kumarasamy, Karthik's father
- M. S. Bhaskar as Dr. Phoenix Pushparaja
- Bayilvan Ranganathan as Rocket Ranganathan, a reporter
- Master Bharath as Sudarshan
- Sathish Krishnan as Dr. Vinay
- Suresh Chakravarthi
- Lollu Sabha Seshu as a priest Vriddhi Vishal
- Srilekha Parthasarathy as a Maths Teacher
Production
[edit]Development
[edit]In mid December 2021, M. Rajesh narrated a script to Jayam Ravi, which the actor was interested to act in.[4] Harris Jayaraj was reported to compose the score,[5] and Keerthy Suresh was reported to play the lead female role,[6] however, the makers finalised Priyanka Mohan.[7] A muhurat puja was held on 3 August 2022,[8] while the official launch was made on 5 August.[9] Bhumika Chawla was announced being a part of the cast in mid August. She was reported to play Ravi's sister in the film.[10] The title Brother was revealed on 18 September 2023.[11]
Filming
[edit]Principal photography commenced on 5 August 2022, with the first schedule in Chennai.[8] Chawla started filming her portions in mid August.[10] The final schedule commenced in early September 2023.[12] Filming was completed by February 2024.[13]
Music
[edit]| Brother | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 21 September 2024[14] | |||
| Genre | Film soundtrack | |||
| Length | 21:25 | |||
| Language | Tamil | |||
| Label | Think Music | |||
| Producer | Harris Jayaraj | |||
| Harris Jayaraj chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Brother | ||||
| ||||
| External audio | ||||
| Brother – Jukebox on YouTube | ||||
The music and background score is composed by Harris Jayaraj,[15] in his fourth collaboration with Ravi after Dhaam Dhoom (2008), Engeyum Kadhal (2011) and Vanamagan (2017); second with Rajesh after Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (2012). It also marks his return to composing after a two-year hiatus.[16]
Later, the production house announced that the audio rights for the film was secured by Think Music.[17] The first single "Makkamishi" was released on 20 June 2024.[18]
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Amudha Amudha" | Parvathy Meera | Karthik, Ahana Balaji, Bhargavi Sridhar | 3:49 |
| 2. | "Medhakuthu Kaalu Rendum" | Parvathy Meera | Madhushree | 3:35 |
| 3. | "Makkamishi" | Paal Dabba | Paal Dabba, Dacalty | 4:15 |
| 4. | "Akka Song" | Thamarai | Stephen Zechariah | 5:30 |
| 5. | "Badugas Night" | Vignesh Ramakrishna | Yogi Sekar, Sunitha Sarathy | 4:16 |
| Total length: | 21:25 | |||
Release
[edit]Theatrical
[edit]Brother was released worldwide on 31 October 2024 in theatres, coinciding with Diwali, clashing with Amaran and Bloody Beggar.[19][20]
Home media
[edit]The post-theatrical satellite and streaming rights of the film were bought by Zee Tamil and ZEE5.[21]
Reception
[edit]Critical response
[edit]Brother received mixed to negative reviews from critics as well as audience criticising the screenplay and writing of the film although Jayam Ravi’s acting was praised.
Abhinav Subramaniam of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Brother is enjoyable in parts, though the soap-opera vibes detract from its appeal."[2] Simran Khan of Times Now gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Despite its predictable elements and some-what boring moments, Brother succeeds in delivering a watchable experience.[...] Overall, it offers a delightful mix of comedy and drama that appeals to audiences of all ages."[3]
Goutham S of Pinkvilla gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Brother is a formulaic comedy movie that provides little entertainment."[22] Janani K of India Today gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Brother is yet another redundant film that offers nothing new."[23] Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Brother is just another disappointing addition to these attempts to reclaim past glory, and all we can do is probably send him an SMS saying its okay, Boss, we will always have OKOK."[24] Anusha Sundar of OTT Play gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Brother is a film that is redundant and non-charming in every possible way."[25]
Praveen Sudevan of The Hindu wrote "Had Rajesh chosen to create a straight-up family drama without the forced comedic bits, Brother might have worked better. Instead, it ends up neither funny nor serious enough to make an impact."[26] Akshay Kumar of The New Indian Express wrote "This mishmash of genres has effectively diluted the film’s core, rendering it inconsequential."[27]
References
[edit]- ^ "Brother". British Board of Film Classification.
- ^ a b "Brother Movie Review : A comedy-drama that leans on familiar tropes". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Brother Movie Review: Jayam Ravi, Priyanka Mohan, Bhumika Chawla Film Is A Blend Of Comedy And Family Drama". Times Now. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^ "Director M Rajesh to team up with Jayam Ravi for his next". The Times of India. 16 December 2021. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Harris Jayaraj's next with Jayam Ravi and M Rajesh combo". The Times of India. 11 January 2022. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Will Keerthy Suresh star opposite Jayam Ravi in his next?". The Times of India. 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Priyanka Mohan to pair opposite Jayam Ravi in M Rajesh's next". The Times of India. 24 April 2022. Archived from the original on 28 April 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ a b "'JR 30': Jayam Ravi's film with M Rajesh commences with a muhurat puja". The Times of India. 3 August 2022. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "JR30: M Rajesh's project starring Jayam Ravi, Priyanka Mohan officially launched; details inside". OTTPlay. 5 August 2022. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ a b "Bhumika Chawla to play a supporting role in Jayam Ravi's film with M Rajesh". The Times of India. 23 August 2022. Archived from the original on 24 August 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "Jayam Ravi's film with M Rajesh titled 'Brother'; first look revealed". The Times of India. 18 September 2023. Archived from the original on 18 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "The first look of Jayam Ravi's film with M Rajesh to arrive on September 10". The Times of India. 5 September 2023. Archived from the original on 18 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ Rajaraman, Kaushik (1 March 2024). "Atharvaa has an unexplored side of acting in him: M Rajesh". DT Next. Archived from the original on 19 April 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ "Brother: Jayam Ravi's upcoming entertainer sets date for audio and teaser launch". Cinema Express. 10 September 2024.
- ^ "Brother (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Gaana. Archived from the original on 23 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
- ^ "Jayam Ravi's next to have music by Harris Jayaraj". Cinema Express. 9 January 2022. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ @thinkmusicindia (6 July 2024). "Super elated to announce y'all that @actor_jayamravi's #Brother Audio Rights 🎧 is bagged by us 🥳🎶 Get ready for a Colorful Musical Fiesta 🥁🎷 A @Jharrisjayaraj musical 🤩🎶" (Tweet). Retrieved 23 September 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ "'Brother' first single 'Makkamishi' sets the vibe right for the Jayam Ravi starrer". The Times of India. 20 July 2024. Archived from the original on 21 July 2024. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
- ^ M, Narayani (19 October 2024). "Jayam Ravi's Brother clears censorship formalities". Cinema Express. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "ஜெயம் ரவியின் 'பிரதர்' திரைப்படத்திற்கு 'யு' சான்றிதழ்". Daily Thanthi (in Tamil). 18 October 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
- ^ "Brother on OTT: THIS platform bags streaming rights of Jayam Ravi's next". OTTPlay. 6 July 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "Brother Movie Review: Jayam Ravi's old-school comedy-drama makes you suffer with its outdated narration and screenplay". PINKVILLA. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ^ "Brother review: Jayam Ravi's family drama could have been a TV serial". India Today. 31 October 2024. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^ "Brother movie review: Jayam Ravi, Rao Ramesh are the saving grace in this outdated family drama". The Indian Express. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ "Brother Movie Review: Jayam Ravi's family drama is bland with nothing new". OTTPlay. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
- ^ Sudevan, Praveen (31 October 2024). "'Brother' movie review: Jayam Ravi shoulders this bland family dramedy". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
- ^ Kumar, Akshay (2 November 2024). "'Brother' movie review: Middling family drama with manufactured conflicts". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 4 November 2024.
