Films either entertain or arrest you: Director Ram

For director Ramsubramaniam, who is awaiting the release of Tamil drama "Thanga Meengal", there are only two types of commercial films - one that entertains and the other that emotionally arrests you.

"In this modern era of filmmaking, there are two types of commercial films. The first type provides entertainment to the viewers in whatever way possible, and the second one piques them emotionally. My film ('Thanga Meengal') belongs to the second category," Ram told IANS.

Releasing July 26, "Thanga Meengal", which addresses the importance of primary school education, is inspired by Ram's real-life relationship with his daughter.

Subject notwithstanding, the film is commercial as any other film.

"A commercial film need not necessarily mean one with item numbers and fight sequences. A film that is made for the masses can be also be commercial in its own way," he said.

At the same time, Ram clarifies that his film does not belong to parallel cinema.

"It's not made for any section of the audience. It has a very domestic story and everyone can easily relate to it. For fathers, in particular, it will come across as an emotional film because the story is about the relationship between a father and his daughter," he added.

Known for his critically acclaimed Tamil directorial debut "Kattradhu Tamizh", Ram admits he personally roots for entertaining films.

"I love films that make me laugh, but I can never make them. I will make films that will inspire those who watch it. If I also choose to make entertaining films, then audiences will get bored of them soon. There should a balance in the kind of films being made," said Ram.

"Thanga Meengal" is jointly produced by Gautham Vasudev Menon and Reshma Ghatala. Ram has also acted in the film, and says he didn't find it challenging.

"My producer (Gautham Menon) wanted me to act. I was never interested, but he was headstrong that I play the lead character of the father. I didn't find it challenging at all because I rehearsed a scene as many times as possible before going in front of the camera," he added.

The film also features Rohini, Padmapriya, Nithyashree, Ramya and Baby Sadhana. It has music by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Meanwhile, Ram's next directorial project, yet-to-be-titled, is a Tamil urban love story featuring Vasanth Ravi and Andrea Jeremiah.