When an actor turns to filmmaking, curiosity often doubles: What stories will he choose to tell, and through what lens? Ravi Mohan, who has made his mark as an actor in Tamil cinema, has stepped behind the camera for his debut directorial venture An Ordinary Man. The first promo, titled Psychology of An Ordinary Man, was released this week and has already piqued audience interest with its humorous yet introspective tone.
A Rooftop Conversation with Yogi Babu
The promo breaks away from the usual grandeur of film teasers. Set on a simple rooftop, it features a candid exchange between Ravi Mohan and Yogi Babu, the film’s lead actor. In a light-hearted sequence, Yogi Babu tries on a series of costumes—ranging from a boxer to a gangster to even an astronaut—each time attempting to match his director’s vision. The turning point comes when he dons a plain nightshirt, prompting Mohan to declare with relief that this is the character he had been searching for.
This witty meta-commentary strikes at the heart of the film’s philosophy: cinema need not always rely on superheroes or flamboyant characters. Sometimes, the extraordinary lies within the ordinary, and it is in that understated simplicity that the most compelling stories are born.
The Creative Backbone
Ravi Mohan wears multiple hats in this project, serving as both writer and director to keep the vision personal and cohesive. The casting of Yogi Babu further elevates expectations, as the comedian—well-known for his impeccable comic timing—ventures into territory that may showcase a deeper, more nuanced performance.
The film also boasts an impressive technical crew: Hydro composes the music, Jay Charola handles cinematography, Pradeep E Ragav is the editor, and Shanmuga Raja leads production design. Costumes are by Dinesh Manoharan, with sound design by Suren G and Alagiakoothan S, while Nicola Gapsarri serves as colorist. Backed by Ravi Mohan Studios, the production reflects a commitment to craft rather than spectacle.
A Promising Debut
Although an official release date has not yet been announced, An Ordinary Man has already generated buzz. The promo positions the film as one that values subtle storytelling over extravagance, offering audiences a refreshing change in a landscape dominated by high-octane spectacles.
Alongside this debut, Ravi Mohan is also busy with upcoming projects, including Bro Code where he will star alongside Arjun Ashokan, SJ Suryah, Shraddha Srinath, Sri Gouri Priya, and Maalavika Manoj. But with An Ordinary Man, his directorial bow, he seems determined to prove that simplicity itself can be cinematic.
The promo has set the stage for a film that could resonate with audiences by elevating the value of everyday life into something worth celebrating.
