Films with a soul getting credence: Neeraj Ghaywan

Film director Neeraj Ghaywan, who has been nominated for the Best Debut Director Award at the second edition of Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA), is glad that films with a "soul" are getting recognised.

"The TOIFA nomination is a healthy sign. It shows how films are being perceived in the current milieu. Even collectively, storylines of movies are improving in our industry. Credence is being given to films that may not be juggernauts, but have a soul," Ghaywan said in a statement.

His film "Masaan", which received critical acclaim, revolves around four lives that intersect along the Ganga: A low caste boy in love, a daughter ridden with guilt of a sexual encounter ending in a tragedy, a helpless father with fading morality, and a spirited child yearning for a family -- all with a common longing to escape the moral constructs of a small town.

The drama film, which won two honours at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, features Richa Chadda, Vicky Kaushal, Sanjay Mishra and Shweta Tripathi among others.

The film's team is looking forward to TOIFA, which is to be held on March 18 in Dubai.

To be co-hosted by actors Parineeti Chopra and Riteish Deshmukh, the gala will witness performances by Bollywood celebrities like Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Yo Yo Honey Singh and others.