Only word-of-mouth can save small films: Pandiraj

National award winning filmmaker Pandiraj, known for Tamil films such as "Pasanga" and "Marina", believes word-of-mouth is a saviour for small films and it helped his recent release "Moodar Koodam" too.

"Moodar Koodam" produced by Pandiraj opened in cinemas Friday.

"Small films have a budget constraint and they can't spend lavishly on promotions. It is only through word-of-mouth most low-budget films draw audiences to theatres. There are only two reasons that ensure the success of a low-budget film - content and WOM (word-of-mouth) - and rest everything doesn't matter," Pandiraj told IANS.

Word-of-mouth is important for small films because they get limited theatrical release. It's eventually in the hands of the audience to support these films, he added.

He is happy with the response "Moodar Koodam" has received.

"Naveen (director) worked as my assistant and simultaneously started working on this script. It took him three years to complete it with all the financial liabilities. I'm glad that the film has received good response so far. I hope it continues a good run at the ticket window," he added.

Directed by debutant Naveen, "Moodar Koodam" is the story of four wastrels, who join hands in a robbery, with proceeds from it they swear to live an honest life.