Chennai, Feb 18 (IANS): Director Raja Murugan feels he has opened new doors for offbeat films in the Tamil filmdom with his forthcoming directorial debut "Cuckoo". He says as a filmmaker, it's the appreciation of the audience that matters to him more than film's business.

"Cuckoo", a love story of two blind characters, features Dinesh and Malavika Nair in the lead roles.

"When I make a film, I want it to be loved and embraced by the audience. Money, power and everything else come next for me," Murugan told reporters here Tuesday.

"My biggest reward for 'Cuckoo' will be the response of the audience. I feel more doors should open for films like this. I feel I have opened new doors through my film and that's my biggest happiness," he added.

He spoke at the audio launch of "Cuckoo", which was graced by Kamal Haasan and Suriya.

Murugan said Kamal's work encourages people to make good films.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to Kamal sir for being present with us. He is the spiritual mentor of so many filmmakers like me of this generation. It is through his craft that we continue to learn many things. His work encourages us to make good films," he said.

Jointly produced by Fox Star Studios and The Next Big Films, the film is slated for summer release.