One of the busiest actors in Tamil cinema, Thambi Ramaiah has now decided to get back to filmmaking. He will be directing his son, Umapathy, for a film titled Ulagam Vilaikku Varugirathu. While Umapathy made his debut earlier this year with Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay, Thambi Ramaiah isn’t new to direction, having previously directed Manu Needhi and Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan.

The veteran actor says, "It will be an intense, hard-hitting story told in a humorous fashion. Think of it as a Charlie Chaplin film. He's my inspiration." The story is inspired by real life incidents. "It is about a traditional family. Some of the incidents that happened to my family have helped shape this script," he adds.

On returning to direction, he says, "Previously, people asked me why I wanted my son to act. After his first film's release, they're now asking what I've done for his career (laughs). I was planning to direct his debut film, but he got an offer before that."

The film, which will also star Samuthirakani, KS Ravikumar, Jayaprakash, Sumithra, Yogi Babu and Mottai Rajendran, will have Thambi Ramaiah playing Umapathy's father. "My role in Thani Oruvan was widely appreciated. The audience will see an extended version of that role in Ulagam Vilaikku Varugirathu."

The heroine hasn't been chosen yet. "Director Vijay has taken the responsibility of finding the heroine, as he wants to be a part of the film in some way," says Thambi Ramaiah.

Shooting is scheduled to commence from November 1, with the film expected to be ready for release in early 2018.