K. Balachander, born Kailasam Balachander, was an influential Indian film director, screenwriter, and producer. He was born on July 9, 1930, in Nannilam, Tamil Nadu, India. Balachander is regarded as one of the pioneers of Tamil cinema and is known for his realistic and unconventional storytelling.
His career in the film industry began as a playwright and stage director. He then transitioned to the world of cinema in the 1960s, where he made a significant impact with his unique narrative style and thought-provoking themes. Balachander’s films often explored social issues, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions.
Throughout his career, Balachander worked with some of the biggest names in the South Indian film industry, including actors like M.G. Ramachandran, Nagesh, Gemini Ganesan, Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth, Sujatha, Saritha, and many others. He introduced and nurtured several talented actors and actresses, many of whom went on to become superstars in their own right.
Balachander’s films have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. Some of his notable works include “Dheiva Thaai,” “Server Sundaram,” “Iru Kodugal,” “Aval Oru Thodharkathai,” “Apoorva Raagangal,” “Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu,” “Thaneer Thaneer,” “Achamillai Achamillai,” and “Poi.”
In recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema, Balachander has received several honors and accolades, including multiple National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. His unique storytelling style and ability to address societal issues through his films have left a lasting impact on the Tamil film industry.
K. Balachander passed away on December 23, 2014, leaving behind a rich legacy of cinematic brilliance. His films continue to be revered and admired by audiences and filmmakers alike, making him a true legend in the world of Indian cinema.
K Balachander Movies
Dheiva Thaai
Year: 1964
Actor: M.G.Ramachandran
The first Movie by K Balachander as a writer. Some of the storyline and hints were taken from the first James Bond movie Dr. No.
Server Sundaram
Year: 1964
Actor: Nagesh
It is an Indian Tamil comedy-drama written by K. Balachander. He also wrote the screenplay and dialogues for the film.
Neerkumizhi
Year: 1965
Actor: Nagesh
First movie by K. Balachander’s as a director. This film became a blockbuster and ran at the Gaiety Theatre in Madras for 82 days.
Iru Kodugal
Year: 1969
Actor: Gemini Ganesan
An award film by Balachander. This movie was also awarded with National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. Later it was remarked by K.Balachander in Kannada as ‘Eradu Rekhegalu’ with other directors.
Aval Oru Thodharkathai
Year: 1974
Actress: Sujatha
This film became one of Balachander’s as well as Sujatha’s best films. It ran for nearly 25 weeks and was later dubbed in five other Indian languages. Many directors like Mani Ratnam, K Bhagyaraj, and K S Ravikumar named Aval Oru Thodar Kathai as one of their favorite films. It won the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director.
Apoorva Raagangal
Year: 1975
Actor: Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth
‘Apoorva Raagangal’ is an Indian Tamil social film. It owned three National Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards South. It was dubbed into Telugu as Mondi Gatam. It is also remade into Telugu as Thoorpu Padamara. The movie also won the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director.
Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu
Year: 1980
Actor: Kamal Hassan
The film was also remade by Balachander in Hindi as ‘Zara Si Zindagi’ with Kamal Haasan in 1983. It won the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director.
Thaneer Thaneer
Year: 1981
Actress: Saritha
This film was fully based on a social message which says about the common problem of water scarcity and political corruption. The film had been highly considered as a “classic” which won two National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards South and National Film Award for Best Screenplay.
Achamillai Achamillai
Year: 1984
Actor: Rajesh
‘Achamillai Achamillai’ is an Indian Tamil language. It deserved the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil and the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director.
Poi
Year: 2006
Actor: Uday kiran
The last film was directed by Legend of direction k.Balachader sir.
