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===2001–2004: Early career and initial success=== | ===2001–2004: Early career and initial success=== | ||
As a result of his father's involvement in the film industry, Raja regularly visited Vauhini Studios as a teenager to watch his father work as a film editor. Likewise, Raja's role as the president of the Dubbing Film Producers Association meant that Raja was exposed to world cinema, before he attended [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute|the Film Institute]] to complete his education.<ref name="hindu">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/raja-of-remakes/article3023879.ece |title=Raja of remakes – CHEN | | As a result of his father's involvement in the film industry, Raja regularly visited Vauhini Studios as a teenager to watch his father work as a film editor. Likewise, Raja's role as the president of the Dubbing Film Producers Association meant that Raja was exposed to world cinema, before he attended [[M.G.R. Government Film and Television Training Institute|the Film Institute]] to complete his education.<ref name="hindu">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/raja-of-remakes/article3023879.ece |title=Raja of remakes – CHEN |work=The Hindu |date=12 October 2007 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> He made his directorial debut through the Telugu [[action comedy film]], ''[[Hanuman Junction (film)|Hanuman Junction]]'' (2001), a remake of the Malayalam film ''[[Thenkasipattanam]]'' (2000). Featuring an ensemble cast led by [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]] and [[Jagapati Babu]], the film told the story of two childhood friends in a village who fall in love with the same woman and the project went on to become one of the most profitable Telugu films of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/research/anal/tollywood2002firsthalf.html |title=Telugu Cinema – Research – Analysis – Telugu cinema in first half of 2002 – Aadi, Hanuman Junction, Santosham, Jayam, Lahiri |publisher=Idlebrain.com |access-date=30 July 2012}}</ref> Raja won positive reviews for his work, with Jeevi of Idlebrain.com stating "credit goes to Raja for narrating the story in such a way that all the viewers understand the complex and randomly changing relationships clearly" and that "the film looks solid in most of the scenes", while adding that Raja knows "the mass pulse".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-hanumanjunction.html |title=Telugu Cinema – Review – Hanuman Junction – Jagapathi Babu, Arjun, Venu, Laya, Sneha & Vijaya Lakshmi – Raja – Editor Mohan |publisher=Idlebrain.com |date=21 December 2001 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Raja then moved on to make his first Tamil film, ''[[Jayam (2003 film)|Jayam]]'' (2003), which was a remake of the successful [[Jayam (2002 film)|2002 Telugu film of the same name]]. A romantic thriller set in a village, the film was produced by Raja's father Mohan and starred his younger brother, [[Jayam Ravi|Ravi]], in the lead role alongside [[Sadha]], who had featured in the original version. ''Jayam'' opened to mixed reviews, with a critic from [[The Hindu]] stating the film gave a sense of "[[déjà vu]]" but added that Raja's "treatment is interesting in patches".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/06/27/stories/2003062701250200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031028135534/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/06/27/stories/2003062701250200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 October 2003 |title=Jayam |date=27 June 2003 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film went on to become a [[Sleeper hit|surprise success]] at the box office, and prompted both Raja and Ravi to adopt "Jayam" to their stage names as a prefix, while their home production studio was renamed Jayam Company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2004/apr/05sld3.htm |title=Tamil heroes: Generation Next! |work=rediff.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://kollywood.allindiansite.com/g/11ta.html |title=<!-#echo var="stitle" -> – Cinema scidhigal – It's All About movie |publisher=Kollywood.allindiansite.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> | ||
Raja then worked with his father and brother on the production of ''[[M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi]]'' (2004), a remake of the Telugu film ''[[Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi]]'' (2003). Focusing on the relationship of a single mother and son, the film also featured kick-boxing as a backdrop and was extensively shot in [[Malaysia]]. [[Nadhiya]] made a comeback to Tamil films by portraying Ravi's mother, while actress [[Asin]] made her debut in Tamil films with the project. The film opened in October 2004 to positive reviews, with Behindwoods.com stating "Raja has done well for his second film" and "he has well defined the relationship between a mother and a son in this movie", while ''The Hindu'' wrote that "casting is a main draw", praising the inclusion of Nadhiya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/10/08/stories/2004100802130301.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041122114949/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/10/08/stories/2004100802130301.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 November 2004 |title=Entertainment / Film Review : M. Kumaran Son of |date=8 October 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Reviews/reviews2/mksm_rev.html |title="M.Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi" – Review |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Rediff.com also listed the film amongst the "best Tamil films of 2004", stating that the film was "a big success".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/21sld8.htm |title=rediff.com: The Best Tamil Films, 2004 |publisher=Specials.rediff.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Like ''Jayam'', ''M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi'' went on to become another highly profitable venture at the box office for the production house. Following the success of the film, Jayam Ravi signed on for films directed by different film makers, while Raja also stated he was looking to work for other production houses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2004/10/25/stories/2004102501130300.htm |title=Metro Plus Coimbatore / Personality : The family 'connection' |date=25 October 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=28 December 2015}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | Raja then worked with his father and brother on the production of ''[[M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi]]'' (2004), a remake of the Telugu film ''[[Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammayi]]'' (2003). Focusing on the relationship of a single mother and son, the film also featured kick-boxing as a backdrop and was extensively shot in [[Malaysia]]. [[Nadhiya]] made a comeback to Tamil films by portraying Ravi's mother, while actress [[Asin]] made her debut in Tamil films with the project. The film opened in October 2004 to positive reviews, with Behindwoods.com stating "Raja has done well for his second film" and "he has well defined the relationship between a mother and a son in this movie", while ''The Hindu'' wrote that "casting is a main draw", praising the inclusion of Nadhiya.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/10/08/stories/2004100802130301.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041122114949/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/10/08/stories/2004100802130301.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 November 2004 |title=Entertainment / Film Review : M. Kumaran Son of |date=8 October 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Reviews/reviews2/mksm_rev.html |title="M.Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi" – Review |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Rediff.com also listed the film amongst the "best Tamil films of 2004", stating that the film was "a big success".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/dec/21sld8.htm |title=rediff.com: The Best Tamil Films, 2004 |publisher=Specials.rediff.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Like ''Jayam'', ''M. Kumaran son of Mahalakshmi'' went on to become another highly profitable venture at the box office for the production house. Following the success of the film, Jayam Ravi signed on for films directed by different film makers, while Raja also stated he was looking to work for other production houses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2004/10/25/stories/2004102501130300.htm |title=Metro Plus Coimbatore / Personality : The family 'connection' |date=25 October 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=28 December 2015}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> | ||
===2006–2010: Further remakes=== | ===2006–2010: Further remakes=== | ||
Raja did not sign on to make any further films, while Ravi experienced two consecutive box office failures after the success of their last collaboration. Subsequently, the duo came together for another home production titled ''[[Something Something... Unakkum Enakkum]]'' (2006), which would be a remake of [[Prabhu Deva]]'s successful Telugu film, ''[[Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana]]''. (2005). [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] and [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] were signed on to play pivotal roles, with the latter being finalised after unsuccessful negotiations with several other actors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2006/mar/07look.htm |title=Something..Something: Will it work? | | Raja did not sign on to make any further films, while Ravi experienced two consecutive box office failures after the success of their last collaboration. Subsequently, the duo came together for another home production titled ''[[Something Something... Unakkum Enakkum]]'' (2006), which would be a remake of [[Prabhu Deva]]'s successful Telugu film, ''[[Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana]]''. (2005). [[Trisha (actress)|Trisha]] and [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] were signed on to play pivotal roles, with the latter being finalised after unsuccessful negotiations with several other actors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2006/mar/07look.htm |title=Something..Something: Will it work? |work=Rediff.com |date=31 December 2004 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/will-it-be-a-success-story-in-tamil/article3217785.ece |title=Will it be a success story in Tamil? – CHEN |work=The Hindu |date=14 April 2006 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> A family drama focusing on the relationship between a brother and a sister, the film told the story of how a city-bred youngster attempts to please his lover's brother. The film opened to positive reviews in July 2006, with Behindwoods.com noting Raja "should be applauded for hand picking a cast that makes the movie worth watching", while remarking that "it has everything that can well set the box office collections soaring".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Reviews/reviews1/something/something-something-review.html |title=Something Something Review – Finally Jeyam Ravi had got his another break and Trisha is all set to rule again!! |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Likewise [[Sify]] added the film was "like a saccharine coated candy floss champion that is superbly packaged" and The Hindu stated "Raja has a way of making remakes successful".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/something-something-unakkum-enakkum-review-tamil-pclwa1debcdfe.html |title=Review : Something Something Unakkum Enakkum |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/from-london-with-love-unakkum-enakkum/article3218938.ece |title=From London with love – Unakkum Enakkum – CHEN |work=The Hindu |date=28 July 2006 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The venture went on to become profitable, and scored the third straight success for the actor-director duo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/success-begins-at-home/article3230588.ece |title=Success begins at home – MADS |work=The Hindu |date=8 September 2006 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> He was then signed on by [[Gemini Film Circuit]] to remake [[Rajkumar Hirani]]'s Hindi film ''[[Lage Raho Munna Bhai]]'' (2006) into Tamil, but the project failed to materialise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/raja-to-direct-lage-raho-remake-news-tamil-kkfvgQdgbadsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223223524/http://www.sify.com/movies/raja-to-direct-lage-raho-remake-news-tamil-kkfvgQdgbadsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 December 2015 |title=Raja to direct 'Lage Raho' remake! |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> | ||
Raja next began work on the family drama film ''[[Santosh Subramaniam]]'' (2008), a remake of the Telugu film ''[[Bommarillu]]'' (2006), after outbidding several other interested parties for the remake rights. The film's original version was made by Raja's friend, [[Bhaskar (director)|Bhaskar]], who also stated that Raja would be the most apt director to remake the film into the Tamil language. Ravi and [[Prakash Raj]] were chosen again to play lead roles, while [[Genelia D'Souza]] was selected as the film's heroine, after winning acclaim for her portrayal of the role in the original version.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/khel/fullstory.php?id=14658196 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226010915/http://www.sify.com/khel/fullstory.php?id=14658196 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 December 2015 |title=M.Raja – A quick chat |publisher=Sify.com |date=29 April 2008 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film revolved around a father and son relationship; where the son's choices and his ambitions to achieve something in life are subdued by his father, and Raja related the storyline back to his personal life. ''Santosh Subramaniam'' opened to positive reviews from critics, with Raja winning critical acclaim for his work. A critic from Sify.com noted "Raja, a past master at remakes, is once again a winner" and that the film "has simple charm, immensely likeable characters, and the intrinsic humour in the writing makes it a must watch".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/santhosh-subramaniam-review-tamil-pclw8Jhecjaad.html |title=Review : Santhosh Subramaniam |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Similarly, a critic from ''The Hindu'' noted "for the fourth time in succession film-maker Raja shows he can re-make a film to suit the audiences here", stating the script was "aptly re-tuned to suit the Tamil milieu".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/the-jayam-jamboree-santosh-subramaniam/article3022778.ece |title=The 'Jayam' jamboree – Santosh Subramaniam – CHEN | | Raja next began work on the family drama film ''[[Santosh Subramaniam]]'' (2008), a remake of the Telugu film ''[[Bommarillu]]'' (2006), after outbidding several other interested parties for the remake rights. The film's original version was made by Raja's friend, [[Bhaskar (director)|Bhaskar]], who also stated that Raja would be the most apt director to remake the film into the Tamil language. Ravi and [[Prakash Raj]] were chosen again to play lead roles, while [[Genelia D'Souza]] was selected as the film's heroine, after winning acclaim for her portrayal of the role in the original version.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/khel/fullstory.php?id=14658196 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226010915/http://www.sify.com/khel/fullstory.php?id=14658196 |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 December 2015 |title=M.Raja – A quick chat |publisher=Sify.com |date=29 April 2008 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film revolved around a father and son relationship; where the son's choices and his ambitions to achieve something in life are subdued by his father, and Raja related the storyline back to his personal life. ''Santosh Subramaniam'' opened to positive reviews from critics, with Raja winning critical acclaim for his work. A critic from Sify.com noted "Raja, a past master at remakes, is once again a winner" and that the film "has simple charm, immensely likeable characters, and the intrinsic humour in the writing makes it a must watch".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/santhosh-subramaniam-review-tamil-pclw8Jhecjaad.html |title=Review : Santhosh Subramaniam |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Similarly, a critic from ''The Hindu'' noted "for the fourth time in succession film-maker Raja shows he can re-make a film to suit the audiences here", stating the script was "aptly re-tuned to suit the Tamil milieu".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/the-jayam-jamboree-santosh-subramaniam/article3022778.ece |title=The 'Jayam' jamboree – Santosh Subramaniam – CHEN |work=The Hindu |date=18 April 2008 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film also went on to be ranked amongst the [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Tamil films of the year]] by the Tamil Nadu State, while it also garnered four [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Award]] nominations, including one for Best Film. Moreover, it became a very profitable venture for the makers, running for over 100 days in theatres across Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/santhosh-subramaniyam-100-days-and-going-strong-tamil-news-40298.html |title=Santhosh Subramaniyam 100 days and going strong – Tamil Movie News |publisher=Indiaglitz.com |date=28 July 2008 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The producers, AGS Entertainment, subsequently requested Raja to make another film with Ravi after ''Santosh Subramaniam'''s success, but Raja gave Ravi's dates to director Prabhu Deva to film ''[[Engeyum Kaadhal]]'' (2011).<ref name="pre">{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/director-raja-on-his-family-and-thani-oruvan/article7464506.ece|title=Cracking the bro code|date=25 July 2015|website=The Hindu|access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> | ||
===2010–2015: Mixed success=== | ===2010–2015: Mixed success=== | ||
After five consecutive successful films, Raja chose to remake the Telugu comedy film, ''[[Kick (2009 film)|Kick]]'' (2009) into Tamil as ''[[Thillalangadi]]'' (2010), with Ravi in the lead role. The remake rights were purchased for "astronomical sum", a month after the Telugu film's release by Raja's father, Mohan, who was set to produce the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/47364.html |title=Editor Mohan bags Kick Tamil rights!! – Telugu Movie News |publisher=Indiaglitz.com |date=3 June 2009 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film began production in mid-2009 and was shot extensively across Malaysia, with [[Tamannaah]] and [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]] signed on to play supporting roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/jayam-ravi-s-thillalangadi-starts-rolling-news-tamil-kkfrAfgeacgsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119115535/http://www.sify.com/movies/jayam-ravi-s-thillalangadi-starts-rolling-news-tamil-kkfrAfgeacgsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2016 |title=Jayam Ravi's Thillalangadi starts rolling! |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film opening to mixed and negative reviews, unlike the original version, whilst Sify.com rated the film as "below average" film and added that it was "boring".<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/comedy-of-errors/article542126.ece Comedy of errors]. ''The Hindu'' (30 July 2010)</ref> Pavithra Srinivasan from [[Rediff]].com cited the film as a "ridiculous pot-boiler" and criticised Ravi's performance as "lacking punch" and also drew criticism to the "wafer-thin story line", giving the film a mere 1.5 out of 5.<ref>[http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jul/23/south-tamil-movie-review-thillalangadi.htm Review-3]. Movies.rediff.com (23 July 2010). Retrieved on 2016-12-26.</ref> Behindwoods.com cited "Raja's narration is interesting but is way too long", adding that "the ‘family’ feel which is generally present in Raja's films is missing in ''Thillalangadi''".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/thillalangadi-movie-review.html |title=Thillalangadi Review – Tamil Movie Thillalangadi Review |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film became Raja's first venture to gain predominantly negative reviews, but had an average run at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/box-office-2010/thillalangadi.html |title=TOP 20 CHENNAI BOX OFFICE COLLECTION OF 2010 – Behindwoods.com – Tamil Movie Slide Shows – Endhiran | Nandalala | Myna | Singam | Paiyaa | Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa | Naan Mahaan Alla | Uthama Puthiran | Angadi Theru |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=23 July 2010 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> | After five consecutive successful films, Raja chose to remake the Telugu comedy film, ''[[Kick (2009 film)|Kick]]'' (2009) into Tamil as ''[[Thillalangadi]]'' (2010), with Ravi in the lead role. The remake rights were purchased for "astronomical sum", a month after the Telugu film's release by Raja's father, Mohan, who was set to produce the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/article/47364.html |title=Editor Mohan bags Kick Tamil rights!! – Telugu Movie News |publisher=Indiaglitz.com |date=3 June 2009 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film began production in mid-2009 and was shot extensively across Malaysia, with [[Tamannaah]] and [[Shaam (actor)|Shaam]] signed on to play supporting roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/jayam-ravi-s-thillalangadi-starts-rolling-news-tamil-kkfrAfgeacgsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119115535/http://www.sify.com/movies/jayam-ravi-s-thillalangadi-starts-rolling-news-tamil-kkfrAfgeacgsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2016 |title=Jayam Ravi's Thillalangadi starts rolling! |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film opening to mixed and negative reviews, unlike the original version, whilst Sify.com rated the film as "below average" film and added that it was "boring".<ref>[http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/comedy-of-errors/article542126.ece Comedy of errors]. ''The Hindu'' (30 July 2010)</ref> Pavithra Srinivasan from [[Rediff]].com cited the film as a "ridiculous pot-boiler" and criticised Ravi's performance as "lacking punch" and also drew criticism to the "wafer-thin story line", giving the film a mere 1.5 out of 5.<ref>[http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jul/23/south-tamil-movie-review-thillalangadi.htm Review-3]. Movies.rediff.com (23 July 2010). Retrieved on 2016-12-26.</ref> Behindwoods.com cited "Raja's narration is interesting but is way too long", adding that "the ‘family’ feel which is generally present in Raja's films is missing in ''Thillalangadi''".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/thillalangadi-movie-review.html |title=Thillalangadi Review – Tamil Movie Thillalangadi Review |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film became Raja's first venture to gain predominantly negative reviews, but had an average run at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-4/box-office-2010/thillalangadi.html |title=TOP 20 CHENNAI BOX OFFICE COLLECTION OF 2010 – Behindwoods.com – Tamil Movie Slide Shows – Endhiran | Nandalala | Myna | Singam | Paiyaa | Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa | Naan Mahaan Alla | Uthama Puthiran | Angadi Theru |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=23 July 2010 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> | ||
In late 2009, Raja agreed terms to work with actor [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], and spent ten months writing a script based on a story written by director [[Thirupathisamy]] in the early 2000s. Thirupathisamy had gone on to make the story into a Telugu film titled ''[[Azad (2000 film)|Azad]]'' (2000), while also began pre-production work to remake it in Tamil as ''Velan'' with Vijay and [[Priyanka Chopra]] in 2001, before he died later that year. Raja subsequently bought the remake rights and re-worked the script of ''Azad'' to suit Tamil audiences and signed on Genelia D'Souza and [[Hansika Motwani]] to play other lead roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/jeyam-raja-looks-beyond-remakes/article516344.ece |title='Jeyam' Raja looks beyond remakes – TAMIL NADU | | In late 2009, Raja agreed terms to work with actor [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], and spent ten months writing a script based on a story written by director [[Thirupathisamy]] in the early 2000s. Thirupathisamy had gone on to make the story into a Telugu film titled ''[[Azad (2000 film)|Azad]]'' (2000), while also began pre-production work to remake it in Tamil as ''Velan'' with Vijay and [[Priyanka Chopra]] in 2001, before he died later that year. Raja subsequently bought the remake rights and re-worked the script of ''Azad'' to suit Tamil audiences and signed on Genelia D'Souza and [[Hansika Motwani]] to play other lead roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/jeyam-raja-looks-beyond-remakes/article516344.ece |title='Jeyam' Raja looks beyond remakes – TAMIL NADU |work=The Hindu |date=15 July 2010 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/velayudham-is-a-mass-entertainer-m-raja-news-tamil-lkxnrdjciefsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223033809/http://www.sify.com/movies/velayudham-is-a-mass-entertainer-m-raja-news-tamil-lkxnrdjciefsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 December 2015 |title=Velayudham is a mass entertainer: M Raja |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-interview-with-raja/20111024.htm#4 |title=Raja: Velayudham is not a remake' – Rediff.com Movies |work=Rediff.com |date=24 October 2011 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film, which was retitled ''[[Velayudham]]'', became Raja's first Tamil venture which did not include his brother in the cast and while writing the script, Raja analysed Vijay's popularity amongst children and women audience to insert certain scenes into the script. The film told the tale of a milkman who turns into a vigilante, with a human interest story as a backdrop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-cinemaplus/the-v-quotient/article2521783.ece |title=The V quotient – Puducherry |work=The Hindu |date=9 October 2011 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film opened to positive reviews and became the third highest grossing Tamil film of 2011. A critic from Behindwoods.com noted "Raja has done a fine job of mixing all the elements that go towards making a mass hero film, though he has lost the balance a bit in the last hour", while Rediff.com noted it is "a masala entertainer that doesn't require you to tax your brain cells".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/oct-11-04/velayudham-review.html |title=Velayudham Review – Velayudham Movie Review |publisher=Behindwoods.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-velayudham-is-paisa-vasool/20111026.htm |title=Review: Velayudham is paisa vasool – Rediff.com Movies |work=Rediff.com |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> In early 2012, Raja began pre-production on remaking the Tamil film ''[[Ramanaa (film)|Ramanaa]]'' (2002) into Hindi with [[Akshay Kumar]] and Tamannaah in the lead roles. He later opted out of the film after it went through delays and was not involved in the subsequent remake titled ''[[Gabbar Is Back]]'' (2015).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Akki-in-Rajas-film/articleshow/15823044.cms |title=Akki in Raja's film? – Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=28 August 2012 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-12-02/jayam-raja-ar-murugadoss-13-08-12.html |title=Jayam Raja Gets A.r.murugadoss' Film – Jayam Raja – Ar Murugadoss – Ramana – Akshay Kumar – Vijayakanth – Tamil Movie News |publisher=Behindwoods.com |date=13 August 2012 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Raja then briefly forayed into acting and played the father of quadruplets in the comedy thriller, ''[[Enna Satham Indha Neram]]'' (2014), directed by his friend, Guru Ramesh. Raja shot for the film for six days in Chennai but has not acted in any further venture, after the film had a low-key opening at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Director-Jayam-Raja-turns-actor/articleshow/24151899.cms |title=Director Jayam Raja turns actor – Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=15 October 2013 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> | ||
===2015–present: ''Thani Oruvan'' (2015) and recent work=== | ===2015–present: ''Thani Oruvan'' (2015) and recent work=== | ||
After taking a sabbatical, Raja began working on his first original script for the production house [[AGS Entertainment]] in late 2012 and was helped by the writer duo [[Subha (writers)|Subha]]. He worked on the script of ''[[Thani Oruvan]]'' (2015) for nine months, and revealed that it was based on an original idea about "a man who goes all out to hunt evil in society". He added that in "formulaic Tamil films", the protagonist would require a flashback to show a reason to fight evil or that the "hero would wait for the villain to make the first move", but noted that ''Thani Oruvan'' would eschew those typical notions seen in Tamil films.<ref name="ss">{{cite web|url=http://silverscreen.in/tamil/features/thani-oruvan-is-neither-remake-nor-freemake-the-m-raja-interview/ |title=Thani Oruvan Is Neither Remake Nor 'Freemake': The M Raja Interview |publisher=Silverscreen.in |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> He considered several actors for the lead role but finally chose Jayam Ravi again as he wanted an actor "who would trust him blindly" because he had wanted the film to be a "career-changing film". After unsuccessful negotiations with [[Arya (actor)|Arya]] and [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]], Raja cast [[Arvind Swamy]] in the role of the main antagonist because he wanted "an actor whose attractiveness would act as a distraction from his evilness".<ref name="ss"/> Raja called the film "experimental" and "close to his heart", revealing the efforts he put into the pre-production of the project. The film began production in late 2013 and took a year and a half to complete shoot, with several delays during production. The making of the film was marred with the troubles of the original composer backing out, [[Sun Pictures]] cancelling their film distribution contract and a spat between the director and the lead actress, [[Nayanthara]]. As a result of the delays, Raja and Ravi decided to forgo their salaries for the last schedule to ensure the budget stopped escalating.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moviecrow.com/News/9502/thani-oruvan---jayam-raja--ravi-emotional-break-down |title='Thani Oruvan – Reasons why Jayam Raja and Ravi emotionally broke down' Tamil Movie, Music Reviews and News |publisher=Moviecrow.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film opened in August 2015 to unanimously positive reviews, with Rediff.com noting that the script was "highly intelligent, racy and well-polished script that is perfectly executed" and added it has "flawless execution by the director that deserves all the credit".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-thani-oruvan-is-brilliant-south/20150828.htm |title=Review: Thani Oruvan is brilliant – Rediff.com Movies | | After taking a sabbatical, Raja began working on his first original script for the production house [[AGS Entertainment]] in late 2012 and was helped by the writer duo [[Subha (writers)|Subha]]. He worked on the script of ''[[Thani Oruvan]]'' (2015) for nine months, and revealed that it was based on an original idea about "a man who goes all out to hunt evil in society". He added that in "formulaic Tamil films", the protagonist would require a flashback to show a reason to fight evil or that the "hero would wait for the villain to make the first move", but noted that ''Thani Oruvan'' would eschew those typical notions seen in Tamil films.<ref name="ss">{{cite web|url=http://silverscreen.in/tamil/features/thani-oruvan-is-neither-remake-nor-freemake-the-m-raja-interview/ |title=Thani Oruvan Is Neither Remake Nor 'Freemake': The M Raja Interview |date=25 August 2015 |publisher=Silverscreen.in |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> He considered several actors for the lead role but finally chose Jayam Ravi again as he wanted an actor "who would trust him blindly" because he had wanted the film to be a "career-changing film". After unsuccessful negotiations with [[Arya (actor)|Arya]] and [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]], Raja cast [[Arvind Swamy]] in the role of the main antagonist because he wanted "an actor whose attractiveness would act as a distraction from his evilness".<ref name="ss"/> Raja called the film "experimental" and "close to his heart", revealing the efforts he put into the pre-production of the project. The film began production in late 2013 and took a year and a half to complete shoot, with several delays during production. The making of the film was marred with the troubles of the original composer backing out, [[Sun Pictures]] cancelling their film distribution contract and a spat between the director and the lead actress, [[Nayanthara]]. As a result of the delays, Raja and Ravi decided to forgo their salaries for the last schedule to ensure the budget stopped escalating.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moviecrow.com/News/9502/thani-oruvan---jayam-raja--ravi-emotional-break-down |title='Thani Oruvan – Reasons why Jayam Raja and Ravi emotionally broke down' Tamil Movie, Music Reviews and News |publisher=Moviecrow.com |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film opened in August 2015 to unanimously positive reviews, with Rediff.com noting that the script was "highly intelligent, racy and well-polished script that is perfectly executed" and added it has "flawless execution by the director that deserves all the credit".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-thani-oruvan-is-brilliant-south/20150828.htm |title=Review: Thani Oruvan is brilliant – Rediff.com Movies |work=Rediff.com |date=28 August 2015 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Likewise Sify.com called the film a "taut, intelligent, and deliciously twisted action drama", while ''[[The Times of India]]'' praised the "sleek filmmaking".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Thani-Oruvan/movie-review/48719649.cms |title=Thani Oruvan Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=29 August 2015 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> ''The Hindu'' stated the film was a "pretty smart, pulpy thriller" and wrote it has "more style than you expect in a Mohan Raja movie".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thani-oruvan-review-a-pretty-smart-pulpy-thriller/article7591277.ece |title=Thani Oruvan review: Jayam Ravi in a pretty smart, pulpy thriller |work=The Hindu |date=28 August 2015 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> The film subsequently went on to become one of the most profitable Tamil films of 2015, as well as the biggest successes in the careers of Raja and Ravi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/thani-oruvan-is-biggest-hit-in-jayam-ravis-career/ |title='Thani Oruvan' is 'biggest hit' in Jayam Ravi's career |publisher=The Indian Express |date=8 September 2015 |access-date=28 December 2015}}</ref> Raja then directed another film, titled ''[[Velaikkaran (2017 film)|Velaikkaran]]'' starring [[Sivakarthikeyan]], [[Nayanthara]] and [[Fahadh Faasil]] in the lead roles. This film, being his second original film after ''Thani Oruvan'', was released on 22 December 2017 was a box office success. Mohan Raja returned to remakes with a Telugu remake of the Malayalam film ''[[Lucifer (film)|Lucifer]]'' (2019) entering production in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-01-20|title=Chiranjeevi's next with Jayam Mohan Raja launched|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/chiranjeevi-next-with-jayam-mohan-raja-launched-7154565/|access-date=2021-07-13|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-25|title=Mohan Raja to direct Lucifer Telugu remake starring Chiranjeevi|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mohan-raja-to-direct-lucifer-telugu-remake-starring-chiranjeevi/story-3f90j03XrHHs71bL5pr9KJ.html|access-date=2021-09-04|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> | ||
==Style of work== | ==Style of work== | ||
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| 2015 || ''[[Thani Oruvan]]'' || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || '''Winner''', [[Edison Awards (India)|Edison Award for Best Director]]<br/>'''Winner''', [[1st IIFA Utsavam|IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Director]] <br/> '''Winner''', [[Filmfare Award for Best Director - Tamil]] | | 2015 || ''[[Thani Oruvan]]'' || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || '''Winner''', [[Edison Awards (India)|Edison Award for Best Director]]<br/>'''Winner''', [[1st IIFA Utsavam|IIFA Utsavam Award for Best Director]] <br/> '''Winner''', [[Filmfare Award for Best Director - Tamil]]<br />Remade in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] as ''[[Dhruva (2016 film)|Dhruva]]'' | ||
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| 2017 || ''[[Velaikkaran (2017 film)|Velaikkaran]]'' || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || | | 2017 || ''[[Velaikkaran (2017 film)|Velaikkaran]]'' || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || style="text-align:center;"| {{y}} || | ||