Bala – One of Tamil cinema’s most awarded Directors

Bala was born on 11 July 1966 in Madurai. He showed an early interest in films and joined the legendary Balu Mahendra as an assistant director.

He made his debut as a director through the 1999 film, Sethu which had Vikram in the lead role. By that time, Vikram had completed ten years in the industry without a recognizable hit.  Producers and distributors were hesitant to back the film and when the film eventually released, it opened to poor crowds because it had no advertising or marketing. However, audiences took to the film and positive word-of-mouth turned it into a box-office hit and a film that redefined commercial cinema.

Bala would use this template in most of his subsequent movie – not in terms of the story or the characterisation – but in exploring dark and often depressing themes. His film invariable have a great deal of tragedy, suffering and intrinsic sadness. This is reflected in the physical appearance of the actors, the palette in the cinematography and the mood of the songs.

Despite this, his films have enjoyed commercial success, usually performing well at award ceremonies. Sethu won the Tamil Nadu State Award for Best Director and the Filmfare Award in the same category. The film also bagged the National award for Best Feature Film and the Cinema Express Award for best Film.

Nandha won the Filmfare Award for Best Director.

After directing Vikram in Sethu and Surya in Nandha, he combined their two talents in his third film, Pithamagan which won the ITFA Best Director Award as well as the Filmfare Award in the same category.

Naan Kadavul with Arya in the lead role won the national award for Best Director, the Vijay Award for Best Director and a Filmfare nomination for the same category,

Paradesi won nine awards, including three international awards for Best Film and Best Director.

Bala’s last released film was Vanangaan with Arun Vijay in the lead role which released on 10 January this year. He is also the producer of four films, including the Surya-Jyothika starrer, Mayavi and Mysskin’s Pisaasu.