Chennai, April 21 (IANS): Actor-filmmaker M. Sasikumar, who has mostly worked with rural subjects, says he chooses to work on such projects because they help him to stay connected with his roots as much as possible.

"I come from a family of farmers. Even though I chose to be a filmmaker and then an actor, deep down there's a farmer in me still alive. The only way I stay connected with my roots is through my films," Sasikumar told IANS, adding he never gets bored of doing such projects.

"If I don't tell the story of my people, their lives, their problems and their relationships, then who will? I don't have any problem in telling their stories, because the backdrop might be the same but the each story will be different," he said.

Another reason, Sasikumar points out, is that audiences expect such films from him.

"My first two films were very well received by audiences in B and C centres which constitute people in smaller towns and even villages. When they come to watch my films, they expect elements that have some rural connect. When they like to see me in such stories, how can I stop myself," he asked.

Sasikumar's latest Tamil outing "Vetrivel" releases on Friday. He calls it a "heartwarming rural drama that revolves around two brothers".

"As an actor I really enjoyed when I heard the story. I was convinced audiences will enjoy it even more when they watch it. It's a tale of two brothers and events that unfold in a family. It's packed with a few unexpected twists," he said.

Having started his career as a director with the critically-acclaimed "Subramaniapuram", Sasikumar says he misses calling the shots.

"While I'm enjoying this phase as an actor, I miss direction. However, I plan to return to direction with a project next year but it's too early to comment about it now," he said.

Directed by Vasanthamani, the film also stars Nikkila, Varsha, Anant Nag and Thambi Ramaiah.