Balu Mahendra: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|SriFilm Lankandirector bornin Indian filmcinema director(1939–2014)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=JulyFebruary 20142024}}

| birth_place = [[Batticaloa]], [[Eastern Province, Sri Lanka|Eastern Province]], [[British Ceylon]]

| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India

| occupation = Draughtsman,{{Hlist [[literary| editor]],Cinematographer [[cinematographer]], film| director, | screenwriter, [[Film editing| film editor]]}}

'''Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran''' (19 May 1939 {{ndash}} 13 February 2014), commonly known as '''Balu Mahendra''',<ref name=ceylon_today>{{cite news|title=Balu Mahendra was also a literary figure |url=http://www.ceylontoday.lk/90-56252-1-news-comment-balu-mahendra-was-also-a-literary-figure.html |newspaper=[[Ceylon Today]] |date=17 February 2014 |access-date=20 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151319/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/90-56252-1-news-comment-balu-mahendra-was-also-a-literary-figure.html |archive-date= 2 April 2015 }}</ref> was a Sri Lankan born Indian [[cinematographer]], director, screenwriter and [[Film editing|film editor]] who worked predominantlyin [[Cinema of India|various Indian film industries]], primarily in [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] and [[Malayalam cinema]]. WidelyBorn regardedin asSri anLanka, Mahendran developed a passion for photography and literature at a young age, after witnessing the shoot of [[auteurDavid Lean]],<ref's name="hindu">{{cite''[[The news|last=Rangan|first=Baradwaj|date=14Bridge Februaryon 2014|title=Naturalismthe wasRiver hisKwai]]'' signature|newspaper=The(1957) during a school trip in Sri Lanka, he Hindu|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/naturalism-was-his-signature/article5687161.ece|url-status=live|access-date=14 Februarydrawn 2014|archive-url=https://webtowards filmmaking.archive.org/web/20140214052743/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/naturalism-was-his-signature/article5687161.ece|archive-date=14 FebruaryAfter graduation he joined 2014}}</ref>as an Aerial photographer in the Sri Lankan Government.<ref>{{citeCite news|date=13book February 2014|title=TamilAl̲iyāta cinema'skōlaṅkaḷ: auteurcaka Balutiraikkalaiñarkaḷin̲, Mahendranaṇparkaḷin̲ nin̲aivil... Pālumakēntirā dead|newspaperdate=[[Business2020 Standard]]|urlpublisher=http://www.businessVamci |isbn=978-standard.com/article/news93-ians/tamil84598-cinema91-s-auteur-balu-mahendra-dead-114021300519_1.html4 |urleditor-statuslast=liveTin̲ēṣ Kan̲n̲imāri |access-dateedition=14 FebruaryMutar̲patippu 2014|archive-urllocation=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222221740/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/tamil-cinema-s-auteur-balu-mahendra-dead-114021300519_1.htmlTiruvaṇṇāmalai |archive-datelanguage=22 February 2014ta}}</ref> MahendraIn usually1966, scriptedhe andmoved editedto hisIndia filmsand apartgained fromadmission shootingto them.the He[[Film wasand theTelevision recipientInstitute of six [[National Film AwardsIndia]] (includingFTII) twoto forpursue [[Nationala Filmcourse Awardin formotion Bestpicture Cinematography|Bestphotography. Cinematography]])Upon completion of his diploma, fivehe entered [[FilmfareMalayalam Awards Southcinema]] andas severala statecinematographer in the governmentearly awards1970s.

After working in over 20 films as a cinematographer, Mahendra made his directorial debut in 1977 with the [[Kannada cinema|Kannada film]] ''[[Kokila (1977 film)|Kokila]]''. Since then, he directed over 20 films in a span of 36 years. Along with [[Bharathiraja]] and [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]], he is regarded as a trendsetter in Tamil cinema. Widely regarded as an [[auteur]],<ref name="hindu">{{cite news |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |date=14 February 2014 |title=Naturalism was his signature |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/naturalism-was-his-signature/article5687161.ece |url-status=live |access-date=14 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214052743/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/naturalism-was-his-signature/article5687161.ece |archive-date=14 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=13 February 2014 |title=Tamil cinema's auteur Balu Mahendra dead |newspaper=[[Business Standard]] |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/tamil-cinema-s-auteur-balu-mahendra-dead-114021300519_1.html |url-status=live |access-date=14 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222221740/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/tamil-cinema-s-auteur-balu-mahendra-dead-114021300519_1.html |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref> Mahendra usually scripted and edited his films apart from shooting them. He was the recipient of six [[National Film Awards]] (including two for [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]]), five [[Filmfare Awards South]] and several state government awards. During the tail end of his career, he established a film school in [[Chennai]], which offers courses in cinematography, direction and acting. Following a brief phase of poor health, Mahendra died of cardiac arrest in February 2014.

Mahendra was born on 19 May 1939 into a [[Sri Lankan Tamils|Sri Lankan Tamil]] [[Christian]] family in the village Amirthakali near [[Batticaloa]], [[British Ceylon]] ([[Sri Lanka]]).<ref>{{cite news|last=Prasad |first=Shiva |title=Balu Mahendra turns a year older! |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Balu-Mahendra-turns-a-year-older/articleshow/20148356.cms?referral=PM |access-date=10 June 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=20 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913234947/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Balu-Mahendra-turns-a-year-older/articleshow/20148356.cms?referral=PM |archive-date=13 September 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Raghu |first=Sunita |title=I genuinely feel I can act: Balu Mahendra |url=http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/I-genuinely-feel-I-can-act-Balu-Mahendra/2013/09/17/article1786033.ece |access-date=20 September 2013 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=17 September 2013 |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060711/http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/I-genuinely-feel-I-can-act-Balu-Mahendra/2013/09/17/article1786033.ece |archive-date=21 September 2013 }}</ref> Born to a professor father,{{Sfn|Rajadhyaksha|Willemen|1999|p=141}} he did his schooling at [[Methodist Central College]] and [[St. Michael's College, BatticaloaNational School]].<ref name=ceylon_today /><ref name=daily_news>{{cite news|last=K.S |first=Sivakumaran |title=Arts from far – Indian Tamil Cinema: Balu Mahendra |url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2012/03/21/art04.asp |access-date=13 June 2013 |newspaper=Daily News |date=21 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407072551/http://archives.dailynews.lk/2012/03/21/art04.asp |archive-date= 7 April 2014 }}</ref> As a teenager, he was drawn towards films by his class teacher.<ref name=7sep>{{cite web|title=சினிமாவும் நானும்.... |first=Balu |last=Mahendra |url=http://www.filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in/2012/09/blog-post_7.html |publisher=filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in |access-date=26 February 2014 |language=ta |date=7 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304185053/http://www.filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in/2012/09/blog-post_7.html |archive-date= 4 March 2014 }}</ref> It was during this time he happened to see ''[[Bicycle Thieves]]'' (1948) and ''[[Battleship Potemkin]]'' (1925).<ref name=7sep /> When he was at the sixth grade, he got an opportunity to witness the making of [[David Lean]]'s ''[[The Bridge on the River Kwai]]'' (shot in Sri Lanka) during a school field trip.<ref name=toi1>{{cite news|title=Balu Mahendra, who made his visuals speak, dies at 74 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Balu-Mahendra-who-made-his-visuals-speak-dies-at-74/articleshow/30363139.cms |access-date=14 February 2014 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=14 February 2014 |author=N Venkateswaran |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302182333/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Balu-Mahendra-who-made-his-visuals-speak-dies-at-74/articleshow/30363139.cms |archive-date= 2 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name=IE1>{{cite news|title=Balu Mahendra: True to the spirit of '60s,'70s, his stories were simple and visuals evocative |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/balu-mahendra-true-to-the-spirit-of-60s70s-his-stories-were-simple-and-visuals-evocative/ |access-date=14 February 2014 |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214044707/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/balu-mahendra-true-to-the-spirit-of-60s70s-his-stories-were-simple-and-visuals-evocative/ |archive-date=14 February 2014 }}</ref> Inspired by Lean's personality, Mahendra determined to become a film-maker.<ref name=7sep /><ref name=IE1 />

Right from his childhood, Mahendra was interested in [[fine arts]] and literature. Upon completion of school, he joined the [[London University]] and graduated with a bachelor's degree (honours) in science.{{Sfn|Dey|1982|p=45}} After his graduation, he returnedworked toas Srian LankaAerial and workedPhotographer in [[Colombo]]the asSri aLankan Government.<ref>{{cite web [[Drafter|draughtsman]] inurl=https://www.udumalai.com/azhiyatha-kolangal.htm the| [[Departmenttitle=அழியாத ofகோலங்கள் Survey- (Sriபாலுமகேந்திரா, Lanka)|surveyBuy tamil book Azhiyatha Kolangal online, Balumahindra Books, கட்டுரைகள் department]]}}</ref> for a brief period during which he edited a Tamil literary magazine titled ''Thyen Aruvi''.<ref name=ceylon_today /> In Colombo, he worked as an amateur drama artist with [[Radio Ceylon]] and got acquainted with the Sinhala theatre groups.<ref name=ceylon_today />

As a fresh graduate from the FTII, Mahendra's early attempts to enter [[Sri Lankan Tamil cinema]] were unsuccessful.<ref name=ceylon_today /> He got his first break as a cinematographer in 1971 in the [[Malayalam film]] ''[[Nellu (1974 film)|Nellu]]''.<ref name=IE1 /><ref name=desimartini>{{cite web|title=Kamal Haasan: "Balu Mahendra and I shared a very close relationship" |url=http://www.desimartini.com/news/tamil/kamal-haasan-balu-mahendra-and-i-shared-very-close-relationship/article7780.htm |work=Desimartini.com |publisher=[[HT Media]] |access-date=19 February 2014 |date=17 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221074919/http://www.desimartini.com/news/tamil/kamal-haasan-balu-mahendra-and-i-shared-very-close-relationship/article7780.htm |archive-date=21 February 2014 }}</ref> [[Ramu Kariat]], the director of ''Nellu'', was impressed by ''A View from the Fort'', Mahendra's diploma film at the FTII.<ref name=daily_news /><ref name=toi1 /> Though the filming of ''Nellu'' began in 1971, production delays postponed its release for three years.<ref name=desimartini /> Meanwhile, Kariat signed up Mahendra for another film titled ''[[Maaya (1972 film)|Maaya]]'' which released in 1972. However, [[P. N. Menon (director)|P. N. Menon]]'s ''[[Panimudakku]]'' (1972) got released before ''Maaya'', thus becoming Mahendra's first release.<ref name=NIE>{{cite news|last=Viswanath |first=Chandrakanth |title=Balu Mahendra&nbsp;– a Deft Director Who Wielded Candid Camera |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Balu-Mahendra---a-Deft-Director-Who-Wielded-Candid-Camera/2014/02/14/article2055772.ece#.Uv3QwR2L-Nw |access-date=14 February 2014 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303173158/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Balu-Mahendra---a-Deft-Director-Who-Wielded-Candid-Camera/2014/02/14/article2055772.ece |archive-date= 3 March 2014 }}</ref> He continued to work in Malayalam films such as ''[[Sasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu]]'' (1973), ''[[Kaliyugam]]'' (1973) and ''[[Chattakkari (1974 film)|Chattakari]]'' (1974).<ref name=IE1 />

Despite being a Tamil, it was not until 1978 he worked in a Tamil film when he signed up as the cinematographer for [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]]'s directorial debut ''[[Mullum Malarum]]'' (1978).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/veteran-filmmaker-balu-mahendra-passes-away/article5684162.ece |title=Veteran filmmaker Balu Mahendra passes away |last=Kolappan |first=B. |author2=Subramanian, Karthik |date=13 February 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=13 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222050120/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/veteran-filmmaker-balu-mahendra-passes-away/article5684162.ece |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref> Apart from handling the cinematography, Mahendra involved himself in other aspects such as screenwriting, casting, editing and direction in the film.<ref name="balu mahendra blog">{{cite web|url=http://filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in/2013/04/1969.html |title=முள்ளும் மலரும் படத்தில் நான் |date=21 April 2013 |publisher=filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in |access-date=19 December 2013 |first=Balu |last=Mahendra |language=ta |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102020728/http://filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in/2013/04/1969.html |archive-date= 2 November 2013 }}</ref> After completing ''Mullum Malarum'', Mahendra decided to work on his second directorial venture, this time in Tamil. He named the film ''[[Azhiyadha Kolangal]]'' (1979), which according to him was "partly autobiographical".<ref name=Shobha>{{cite web|last=Warrier |first=Shobha |title=Sex and teenage fantasies |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/aug/18balu.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=14 February 2014 |date=18 August 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530165518/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/aug/18balu.htm |archive-date=30 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name=Ajith>{{cite news|last=Ajith Kumar |first=P.K. |title=A life in cinema |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/A-life-in-cinema/article16146062.ece |access-date=13 February 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=26 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207105125/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/a-life-in-cinema/article595756.ece |archive-date= 7 December 2013 }}</ref> Inspired from the 1971 American film ''[[Summer of '42]]'',<ref name=babu>{{cite news|last=Babu Jayakumar |first=G |title=Visual Epics to Relive the Master Storyteller |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Visual-Epics-to-Relive-the-Master-Storyteller/2014/02/14/article2055530.ece#.UySJFB0SCaU |access-date=15 March 2014 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214082440/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/Visual-Epics-to-Relive-the-Master-Storyteller/2014/02/14/article2055530.ece |archive-date=14 February 2014 }}</ref> ''Azhiyadha Kolangal'' was a [[coming-of-age]] film that dealt with the story of three adolescent boys who are in the awakening of sexuality.<ref name=Shobha /> Although it was controversial for its theme, it was a box-office success.<ref name=Ajith /> During this time he did the cinematography of [[K. Vishwanath]]'s [[Telugu cinema|Telugu film]] ''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]'' (1979) which turned out to be a major critical and commercial success.<ref name=Kolappan />

Mahendra's third film as director ''[[Moodu Pani]]'' (1980) was loosely based on [[Alfred Hitchcock]]'s 1960 film ''[[Psycho (1960 film)|Psycho]]''.<ref name="Venkateswaran" /> ''Moodu Pani'' saw Mahendra collaborating with [[Ilaiyaraaja]] for the first time; Ilaiyaraaja was Mahendra's regular composer since then.<ref name=Prasad /> In 1982, Mahendra made ''[[Moondram Pirai]]'' which had [[Kamal Haasan]] and [[Sridevi]] in the lead. The film told the story of a school teacher who looks after a girl suffering from [[amnesia]]. It had a 300-day run in the theatres and was labelled a "blockbuster". The film fetched two [[National Film Awards]] including an award for cinematography for Mahendra.<ref name=Kolappan>{{cite news|last=Kolappan |first=B. |title=Balu Mahendra passes away |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/balu-mahendra-passes-away/article5687355.ece |access-date=14 February 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222051859/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/balu-mahendra-passes-away/article5687355.ece |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref> The same year he made ''[[Olangal]]'' (1982) which marked his directorial debut in [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]].<ref name=NIE /> Inspired from [[Erich Segal]]'s novel ''[[Man, Woman and Child]]'', the film was a critical success.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ajith Kumar |first=P.K. |title=A fascinating journey in filmdom |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/a-fascinating-journey-in-filmdom/article5691903.ece |access-date=19 February 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=15 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228233551/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/a-fascinating-journey-in-filmdom/article5691903.ece |archive-date=28 February 2014 }}</ref> At the end of the year, Mahendra won two [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare trophies]] for [[Filmfare Award for Best Director&nbsp;– Malayalam|directing ''Olangal'']] and [[Filmfare Award for Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil|''Moondram Pirai'']].{{Sfn|Reed|1984|pp=234–235}}

In 1983, Mahendra entered [[Bollywood|Hindi cinema]] with ''[[Sadma]]'', a remake of ''Moondram Pirai'', with [[Kamal Hasan]] and [[Sridevi]] reprising their roles. Mahendra received a [[Filmfare Award for Best Story|Filmfare nomination for Best Story]] and became a well-known director with the Hindi audience with the film.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sadma Director Balu Mahendra Dead |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/iSadmai-Director-Balu-Mahendra-Dead/828866 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |access-date=14 February 2014 |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530120421/http://www.outlookindia.com/news/article/iSadmai-Director-Balu-Mahendra-Dead/828866 |archive-date=30 May 2014 }}</ref> The same year, he worked as the cinematographer of the Kannada film ''[[Pallavi Anu Pallavi]]'', [[Mani Ratnam]]'s debut film.<ref name=P.K.>{{cite news|last=Ajith Kumar|first=P.K.|title=A life in cinema|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/a-life-in-cinema/article596758.ece|access-date=23 April 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|date=27 August 2010}}</ref> During this time, he made his second film in [[Malayalam]] titled ''[[Oomakkuyil]]''. Unlike ''Olangal'', ''Oomakkuyil'' failed to create an impact among the audience.<ref name=NIE />

During the mid 1980s, Mahendra concentrated on mainstream films.<ref name=hindu /> The first of which ''[[Neengal Kettavai]]'' (1984) was labelled an outright commercial picture. Later Mahendra noted that he made the film with a sole intention to prove critics that he could make commercial films.<ref name=Prasad>{{cite news|last=G. |first=Prasad |title=Off the beaten track |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/off-the-beaten-track/article2257860.ece |access-date=11 June 2013 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=18 August 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615081455/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/off-the-beaten-track/article2257860.ece |archive-date=15 June 2016 }}</ref> The following year, he collaborated with [[Rajinikanth]] to make ''[[Un Kannil Neer Vazhindal]]'' which turned out to be a commercial failure.<ref name=hindu /><ref name=IToday1>{{cite web|title=Eyecatchers|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/festival-of-india-hair-expert-veena-shroff-to-hold-series-of-workshops-in-france/1/354297.html|work=[[India Today]]|access-date=23 April 2014|date=15 July 1985}}</ref> He then worked on the Malayalam film ''[[Yathra]]'' (1985) with [[Mammooty]] in the lead role as a forest officer. The film was an adaptation of the 1977 Japanese classic [[The Yellow Handkerchief (1977 film)|''The Yellow Handkerchief'']]. Made with "artistic values" the film earned {{INRConvert|1.9|m|year=1985}} and ran for more than 300 days200days in theatres and went on to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film of that year.<ref name=NIE /><ref>{{cite web|last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |title=Malayalam films: New heroes |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/new-icons-of-kerala-movie-industry-zap-jaded-demigod-prem-nazir/1/348065.html |work=India Today |access-date=23 April 2014 |date=15 January 1986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422182348/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/new-icons-of-kerala-movie-industry-zap-jaded-demigod-prem-nazir/1/348065.html |archive-date=22 April 2014 }}</ref> By this time, he declined an offer to direct the Kannada film ''[[Malaya Marutha]]'' (1986).<ref name=Kokila /> As a director who is known for making intense films, critics were surprised when he made ''[[Rettai Vaal Kuruvi]]'' (1987), a full-length comedy film. Closely based on the 1984 American film ''[[Micki and Maude]]'', the film is regarded as one of the best comedies ever made in Tamil cinema during the decade.<ref>{{cite web|title=Balu Mahendra's death will leave a void in the Tamil film industry |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/balu-mahendras-death-will-leave-a-void-in-the-tamil-film-industry/20140213.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=3 April 2014 |author=A. Ganesh Nadar |date=13 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328204416/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/balu-mahendras-death-will-leave-a-void-in-the-tamil-film-industry/20140213.htm |archive-date=28 March 2014 }}</ref> The film would serve as a base for his future films ''[[Marupadiyum]]'' (1993) and ''[[Sathi Leelavathi (1995 film)|Sathi Leelavathi]]'' (1995) which explored similar themes.<ref name=Malini>{{cite news|last=Malini |first=Shankaran |title=A good film is like a good feast |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article362277.ece |access-date=17 April 2014 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |date=14 September 2011 |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419001300/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article362277.ece |archive-date=19 April 2014 }}</ref>

Following a [[Myocardial infarction|heart attack]] on 13 February 2014, Mahendra was admitted to Vijaya Hospital in [[Chennai]] where he was declared dead after six hours of [[cardiac arrest]].<ref name="death">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Veteran-director-Balu-Mahendra-dead/articleshow/30327093.cms |title=Veteran director Balu Mahendra dead! |date=13 February 2014 |access-date=13 February 2014 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214023953/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Veteran-director-Balu-Mahendra-dead/articleshow/30327093.cms |archive-date=14 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Balu Mahendra: Indian filmmaker dead |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-26167534 |work=BBC News |access-date=13 February 2014 |date=13 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306155603/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-26167534 |archive-date= 6 March 2014 }}</ref> Shortly after the news of his death, members of the Indian film industry posted their condolences in Twitter and Facebook.<ref>{{cite news|title=Celebrities mourn legendary Balu Mahendra's death |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/celebrities-mourn-legendary-balu-mahendra-s-death/article1-1183533.aspx |access-date=15 February 2014 |newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]] |date=13 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215083500/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/celebrities-mourn-legendary-balu-mahendra-s-death/article1-1183533.aspx |archive-date=15 February 2014 }}</ref> The Tamil film fraternity mourned the death and paid homage to him at his "film school" in [[Saligramam]], Chennai,<ref name=Kolappan /> and decided not to work on the following day as a sign of respect.<ref name=toi2 /> The last rites of Mahendra were performed at [[Porur]] crematorium on the same day.<ref>{{cite news|last=Seshagiri |first=Sangeetha |title=Balu Mahendra Cremated: Suriya, Vijay, Kamal and Other Film Personalities Paid Last Respects to Acclaimed Director |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/filmmaker-balu-mahendra-cremated-suriya-vijay-kamal-and-other-film-personalities-paid-last-respects-to-acclaimed-director-538899 |access-date=15 February 2014 |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050016/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/filmmaker-balu-mahendra-cremated-suriya-vijay-kamal-and-other-film-personalities-paid-last-respects-to-acclaimed-director-538899 |archive-date= 8 August 2014 }}</ref>

As a photographer, Mahendra was inspired by the works of [[Néstor Almendros]] and [[Michael Chapman (cinematographer)|Michael Chapman]]. Among his contemporaries, he admired the works of [[Ashok Kumar (cinematographer)|Ashok Kumar]]. Mahendra believed a "well-photographed movie is that which is very close to the script".<ref name=frontline /> As a film-maker, he claimed himself as belonging to the realistic way of story-telling devised by [[Satyajit Ray]] and [[Vittorio De Sica]].{{Sfn|Baskaran|2013|p=122}} Mahendra was drawn towards [[Neorealism (art)|realistic cinema]] after watching Ray's ''[[Pather Panchali]]'' (1955).<ref name=Kolappan /> He is credited as being one among the earliest filmmakers to bring "naturalism" in Tamil cinema in the 1970s.<ref name=hindu />{{Sfn|Kumar|2000|p=178}} He usually photographed, scripted and edited all his films.{{Sfn|Baskaran|2013|p=122}} His films were characterised by strong "visual appeal" and minimal number of characters.<ref>{{cite web|title=Visuals in Balu Mahendra's films speaks several emotions, says filmmaker K Vishwanath |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/visuals-in-balu-mahendras-films-speaks-several-emotions-says-filmmaker-k-vishwanath/452016-71-180.html |publisher=[[IBNLive]] |access-date=17 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419013809/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/visuals-in-balu-mahendras-films-speaks-several-emotions-says-filmmaker-k-vishwanath/452016-71-180.html |archive-date=19 April 2014 }}</ref> A majority of his films centre on the complexity of human relationships and are known to portray women as strong characters.{{Sfn|Baskaran|2013|p=122}}<ref name=Sify>{{cite web|last=Rajendran |first=Sowmya |title=Balu Mahendra, master of complex relationships |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/balu-mahendra-master-of-complex-relationships-news-kollywood-ocyrFPibeic.html |publisherwebsite=[[Sify]] |access-date=17 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416204524/http://www.sify.com/movies/balu-mahendra-master-of-complex-relationships-news-kollywood-ocyrFPibeic.html |archive-date=16 April 2014 }}</ref> Although influenced by realism, his films ''Moodu Pani'', ''Rettai Vaal Kuruvi'' and ''Julie Ganapathi'' heavily borrowed from [[American cinema]].{{Sfn|Baskaran|2013|p=122}}

Mahendra was equally praised for his cinematography and directorial finesse.<ref name=toi1 /> Described by the media as "one of the finest cinematographers of Indian cinema",<ref name=HT /><ref name=oman>{{cite web |title=Farewell, Balu |url=http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=leisure_details&id=11198&heading=Special%20Features%20in%20Details |work=[[Oman Tribune]] |access-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204090641/http://www.omantribune.com/index.php?page=leisure_details&id=11198&heading=Special%20Features%20in%20Details |archive-date=4 December 2014 }}</ref> he was among the first to pioneer innovative colour in [[Cinema of South India|South India]]. [[Subrata Mitra]], Satyajit Ray's cinematographer, presented a [[viewfinder]] to Mahendra acknowledging his talent.<ref name=toi1 /> Fellow cinematographer [[Madhu Ambat]] described that it was Mahendra who gave "fame" to those cameramen who came out of the FTII, and further noted that he was one of the few film-makers who effectively used [[romantic realism]].<ref name=MB>{{cite web|title=ബാലു ഛായാഗ്രാഹകര്ക്ക് മേല്വിലാസം നല്കി -മധു അമ്പാട്ട്‌ |url=http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/429894/ |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |access-date=2 March 2014 |language=ml |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302002536/http://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies/malayalam/429894/ |archive-date= 2 March 2014 }}</ref> Lauded for usage of "natural lighting",<ref name=toi1 /><ref name=DNA>{{cite web|last=Krishnan |first=Rukmini |title=Balu Mahendra: A legend that lives on |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/blogs/post-balu-mahendra-a-legend-that-lives-on-1963176 |work=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |date=18 February 2014 |access-date=21 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205155707/http://www.dnaindia.com/blogs/post-balu-mahendra-a-legend-that-lives-on-1963176 |archive-date= 5 December 2014 }}</ref> Mahendra was considered "one of the few filmmakers in Tamil who believes in telling a story visually".<ref>{{cite news|title=Style meets substance |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/style-meets-substance/article3186397.ece |access-date=28 November 2013 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 January 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203155525/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/style-meets-substance/article3186397.ece |archive-date= 3 December 2013 }}</ref> Kamal Haasan described that he was one of the few directors who balanced between art and popular cinema.<ref>{{cite news|last=Haasan |first=Kamal |title=Kamal Haasan's tribute to Balu Mahendra |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/kamal-haasans-tribute-to-balu-mahendra/article5688417.ece |access-date=14 February 2014 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213075430/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/kamal-haasans-tribute-to-balu-mahendra/article5688417.ece |archive-date=13 December 2014 }}</ref> As a film-maker, he inspired contemporary actors and film-makers such as Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan and [[Sripriya]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Sampath |first=Janani |title=Eighties Flavour Keen to Leave Imprint |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Eighties-Flavour-Keen-to-Leave-Imprint/2014/01/25/article2016445.ece#.UwdE3x2L-Nw |access-date=21 February 2014 |newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=15 January 2014 |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213101510/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Eighties-Flavour-Keen-to-Leave-Imprint/2014/01/25/article2016445.ece |archive-date=13 December 2014 }}</ref> He has mentored next generation film-makers including [[Bala (director)|Bala]], [[Ameer (director)|Ameer]], [[Vetrimaaran]], [[Ram (director)|Ram]] and [[Seenu Ramasamy]].<ref name=toi1 /> Cinematographers like [[Santosh Sivan]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Awesome Few |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Awesome-Few/281021 |work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]] |access-date=1 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808055049/http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Awesome-Few/281021 |archive-date= 8 August 2014 }}</ref> [[Ravi K. Chandran]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Cinematographer who said no to Kamal five times |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/cinematographer/ravi-k-chandran.html |publisherwebsite=Behindwoods.com |access-date=1 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112152539/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/cinematographer/ravi-k-chandran.html |archive-date=12 November 2013 }}</ref> [[Natarajan Subramaniam]] and [[K. V. Anand]] have taken inspirations from him.<ref>{{cite web|title=The legacy of Balu Mahendra |url=http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/the-legacy-of-balu-mahendra/ |publisher=India Webportal Private Limited |access-date=14 February 2014 |author=Cineswami |date=13 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213145327/http://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/the-legacy-of-balu-mahendra/ |archive-date=13 February 2014 }}</ref> The [[Negative (photography)|negatives]] of his acclaimed films—''Moodu Pani'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/The-chronicler-of-Kollywood/articleshow/7745961.cms |title=The chronicler of Kollywood |work=The Times of India |date=20 March 2011 |access-date=17 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919121207/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/The-chronicler-of-Kollywood/articleshow/7745961.cms |archive-date=19 September 2015 }}</ref> ''Veedu'', ''Sandhya Raagam'', ''Marupadiyum'' and ''Sathi Leelavathi''—are lost.<ref name=DNA />

|rowspan=54|1982

|{{Won}}<ref name="archive1">[https://archive.org/download/BaluMahendraPreviousFilmfareAwards/balu%20mahendra%20previous%20filmfare%20awards.jpg {{BareLifetime URLAchievement image|date=MarchPrize. Balu 2022}}Mahendra]</ref>

|rowspan="3"|1986

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* |''[[Chennaaya Valarthiya Kutty]]'' (1976||style="text-align:center; Malayalam film)"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||

* [http://www.filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in Balu Mahendra's official blog] ({{in Tamil)]lang|ta}}

[[Category:Sri Lankan Tamil film directorspeople]]

[[Category:20th-century Indian film directorspeople]]

[[Category:21st-century Indian film directorspeople]]