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{{Short description|Film director in Indian cinema (1939–2014)}}
{{unreferenced}}
{{Indian name|Mahendra|Balanathan}}
[[Image:balumahendra.jpg|right]]
{{good article}}
'''Balu Mahendra''' is a film director from [[South India]]. He was born in [[Sri Lanka]] of [[Sri Lankan Tamil]] decent as Benjamin Mahendra in [[Batticaloa]], and developed an early interest in [[photography]].
{{EngvarB|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Balu Mahendra
| image = Balu Mahendra.JPG
| caption =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1939|05|19}}
| birth_place = [[Batticaloa]], [[British Ceylon]]
| death_date = {{Death date and age|df=yes|2014|02|13|1939|05|19}}
| death_place = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| birthname = Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran
| othername = Mahendra, Balu, Bala Mahendran
| occupation = {{Hlist | Cinematographer | director | screenwriter | film editor}}
| years_active = 1971–2013
| spouse = {{unbulleted list
| {{marriage|Ahileshwari |1963}}
| {{marriage|[[Shoba]]|1978|1980|end=died}}
| {{marriage|[[Mounika (actress)|Mounika]]|1998}}
}}
| children = 1
| education = {{Ubl | [[London University]] | [[Film and Television Institute of India]]}}
| awards =
| signature_alt =
}}


'''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> [[cinematographer]], director, screenwriter and [[Film editing|film editor]] who worked in [[Cinema of India|various Indian film industries]], primarily in [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] and [[Malayalam cinema]]. Born in Sri Lanka, Mahendran developed a passion for photography and literature at a young age, after witnessing the shoot of [[David Lean]]'s ''[[The Bridge on the River Kwai]]'' (1957) during a school trip in Sri Lanka, he was drawn towards filmmaking. After graduation he joined as an Aerial photographer in the Sri Lankan Government.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Al̲iyāta kōlaṅkaḷ: caka tiraikkalaiñarkaḷin̲, naṇparkaḷin̲ nin̲aivil... Pālumakēntirā |date=2020 |publisher=Vamci |isbn=978-93-84598-91-4 |editor-last=Tin̲ēṣ Kan̲n̲imāri |edition=Mutar̲patippu |location=Tiruvaṇṇāmalai |language=ta}}</ref> In 1966, he moved to India and gained admission to the [[Film and Television Institute of India]] (FTII) to pursue a course in motion picture photography. Upon completion of his diploma, he entered [[Malayalam cinema]] as a cinematographer in the early 1970s.
He graduated from the [[University of London]], a cinematography graduate and a gold medalist from the [[Film and Television Institute of India|FTII]] in Pune. He started his film career as a cameraman for the Malayalam film ''Nellu'' in 1974, which earned him the best cinematographer award from the Government of India. He has been chosen as the best cinematographer for as many as ten films. He pioneered innovative camera style for colour in South India.


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.
== Film career ==


==Early life==
His first film as a director was ''Kokila'' ([[Kannada]],1976), which earned him a National Award. ''Azhiyatha Kolanagl'' (1979) was his first directorial venture in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]. He is one of the few film makers in Tamil who can tell a story visually. He writes the script for his films, handles the camera and edits the film himself, thus retaining a firm control over his films.
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=dead |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 National 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 />


{{quote box|bgcolor=#CCDDFF|align=right|width=25em|quote="I used to cut my cinematography classes and attend classes conducted in the departments of direction, screenplay writing and editing. However, I used to get the top rank in cinematography, so the professor did not mind my going to other classes. My main concern at that time was direction and scripting with a little bit of interest in cinematography."||source=—Mahendra in an interview with ''[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]'' in 2013<ref name=frontline>{{cite web|author=S.R. Ashok Kumar |title=Cinematography has changed, so also the way films are made |url=http://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/cinema/cinematography-has-changed-so-also-the-way-films-are-made/article5184970.ece#test |work=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]] |access-date=22 February 2014 |date=18 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223064925/http://www.frontline.in/arts-and-culture/cinema/cinematography-has-changed-so-also-the-way-films-are-made/article5184970.ece |archive-date=23 February 2014 }}{{subscription required}}</ref>}}
He worked mainly in [[Malayalam]] for directors like [[K. S. Sethumadhavan]] and [[P. N. Menon]], before making his first film in [[Kannada]], and then moving on to direct films in Malayalam and the Tamil language. He regards his Malayalam films, made with greater freedom in a less demanding economic system as his best movies.


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 worked as an Aerial Photographer in the Sri Lankan Government.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.udumalai.com/azhiyatha-kolangal.htm | title=அழியாத கோலங்கள் - பாலுமகேந்திரா, Buy tamil book Azhiyatha Kolangal online, Balumahindra Books, கட்டுரைகள் }}</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 />
He made his first Hindi Film ''[[Sadma]]'',which is a remake of his own Tamil film ''[[Moondram Pirai]]'' with [[Kamal Hasan]] and [[Sridevi]]. This film is supposed to be one of the finest films made by him. The film superbly captures the emotions involved in the relationship between the two main characters. He made another Hindi film, ''[[Aur Ek Prem Kahani]]'' which was about the love affair between a young man and his maid told in a realistic and simple manner.


Mahendra's passion for cinema prompted him to leave for India and join the [[Film and Television Institute of India]], [[Pune]] in 1966.<ref name=ceylon_today /> He had to take up cinematography as he could not gain admissions to other disciplines.<ref name=IE1 /><ref name=hindu1>{{cite news|title=Veteran filmmaker Balu Mahendra passes away |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/veteran-filmmaker-balu-mahendra-passes-away/article5684162.ece |access-date=13 February 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=13 February 2014 |author=B. Kolappan |author2=Karthik Subramanian |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> At the institute he was exposed to [[world cinema]] as he got an opportunity to watch films made by [[François Truffaut]] and [[Jean-Luc Godard]], both associated with the [[French New Wave]] movement.<ref name=frontline /> In 1969, Mahendra graduated from the institute with a gold medal.<ref name=IE1 />
Mahendra is said to have witnessed the shooting of [[David Lean]]'s ''[[The Bridge on the River Kwai]]'' and was so impressed that he decided to become a filmmaker.


==Film career==
The film director [[Mani Ratnam]] approached Mahendra to work on the cinematography of his first [[Kannada]] film, ''Pallavi Anu Pallavi''. It has been reported that he almost refused to work with Ratnam whom he perceived as a novice at that time. He has since been quoted as admiring Ratnam for his 'infectious enthusiasm'.He never hesitated to work with Ratnam when Ratnam approached him. Instead he agreed to do the film enthusiastically when Ratnam met him and narrated the story to him.


===Debut as cinematographer===
Mahendra's strength as a cinematographer has helped him use visuals as an effective vehicle to carry the story forward. He has handled social issues like red tapism, corruption and old age in films like ''Sandhya Raagam''. The women in his films come out strongly as can be seen in ''Veedu'' (Tamilzh).
{{multiple image|total_width=300
|image1= DavidLean1965.jpg|alt1=David Lean pictured in 1965
|image2= SatyajitRay.jpg|alt2=A portrait of Satyajit Ray
|footer=[[David Lean]] (''left'') and [[Satyajit Ray]] (''right'') are two of Mahendra's biggest inspirations to become a filmmaker.
}}
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=dead |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 />


''Nellu'', shot in colour, won the [[Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography]] after it was released in 1974.<ref name=IE1 /> Mahendra had continued successes with films such as ''[[Prayanam (1975 film)|Prayanam]]'' (1975) and ''[[Chuvanna Sandhyakal]]'' (1975), both fetching the state award for best photography to him for the second consecutive time.<ref name=NIE /> Between 1971 and 1976, he worked in about 20 films—mostly in Malayalam—as a cinematographer.<ref name=NIE /> The following year he made his directorial debut with ''[[Kokila (1977 film)|Kokila]]''. Made in [[Kannada]], the film was a "triangular love story".<ref name=rediff1>{{cite web|title=The Best Films of Balu Mahendra |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-best-films-of-balu-mahendra-south/20140213.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=13 February 2014 |date=13 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705173900/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-the-best-films-of-balu-mahendra-south/20140213.htm |archive-date= 5 July 2015 }}</ref> In addition to a [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Screenplay|Best Screenplay award from the Karnataka government]],<ref name=Kokila>{{cite news|title=Kokila was Balu's first as director |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/kokila-was-balus-first-as-director/article5687412.ece |access-date=14 February 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222051807/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/kokila-was-balus-first-as-director/article5687412.ece |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref> Mahendra won his first [[National Film Award for Best Cinematography]] for the film.<ref>{{cite web|title=Balu Mahendra: The method, the madness |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/jan/07balu.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=13 February 2014 |date=7 January 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108141319/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2002/jan/07balu.htm |archive-date= 8 November 2012 }}</ref> The film was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. It was equally successful in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu and has the distinction of being the only Kannada film to complete 150 days in Madras (now [[Chennai]]) as of 2014.<ref name=rediff1/>
== Landmark films ==
* ''[[Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam]]''(2005)
* ''[[Julie Ganapathy]]'' (2003)
* ''Aur Ek Prem Kahani'' (1996)
* ''Sathi Leelavathi'' (1995)
* ''Marupadiyum'' (1993)
* ''Vanna Vanna Pookal'' (1991)
* ''Sandhya Raagam'' (1989)
* ''Veedu'' (1988)
* ''Rettai Vaal Kuruvi'' (1987)
* ''Yathra'' (1985) - Malayalam
* ''Neengal Kettavai'' (1984)
* ''Un Kannil Neer Vazhinthaal'' -
* ''Sadma'' (1983)
* ''Moondram Pirai'' (1983)
* ''Olangal'' (1982) - Malayalam
* ''Moodupani'' (1980)
* ''Azhiyadha Kolangal'' (1979)
* ''Kokila'' (1977)


== Facts ==
===Entry into Tamil films===
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=dead |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 />
{{trivia}}

* Mahendra was not in any way connected to the movie 'Motor Sundaram Pillai'.
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}}
* His original name is B.Mahendra (Balanathan Mahendra)

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 />

===Mainstream cinema and tryst with art film genre===
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 200days 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=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419001300/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article362277.ece |archive-date=19 April 2014 }}</ref>

Towards the end of the decade, Mahendra made two low-budgeted films—''[[Veedu]]'' (1988) and ''[[Sandhya Raagam (1989 film)|Sandhya Raagam]]'' (1989). While ''Veedu'' focused on the life of a lower middle-class urban woman and her struggle to build a house,<ref>{{cite web|title=Eyecatchers |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/paris-based-designer-hemant-sagar-hopes-to-sell-clothes-in-india-soon/1/329292.html |work=India Today |access-date=23 April 2014 |date=15 May 1988 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714192327/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/paris-based-designer-hemant-sagar-hopes-to-sell-clothes-in-india-soon/1/329292.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref><ref name=Veedu>{{cite web|title=Veedu (1988) |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-the-best-films-of-balu-mahendra-south/20140213.htm#5 |publisher=Rediff |access-date=3 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205121819/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/slide-show-1-the-best-films-of-balu-mahendra-south/20140213.htm |archive-date= 5 February 2017 }}</ref> ''Sandhya Raagam'' dealt with "old age".<ref name=P.K. />{{Sfn|Baskaran|2013|p=122}} At the [[35th National Film Awards|35th]], ''Veedu'' won two National Film Awards—including one for [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil|Best Regional Film]]—and ''Sandhya Raagam'' won the [[National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare|Best Film on Family Welfare]] [[37th National Film Awards|two years later]].<ref name=Veedu /> According to Mahendra, both the films were a tribute to his mother and father respectively.{{Sfn|Baskaran|2013|p=122}}<ref name=P.K. /> He named these two films as his best works as they were made with fewest mistakes and compromises.<ref>{{cite web|title=Balu Mahendra: The method, the madness |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/jan/07balu.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=3 August 2014 |date=7 January 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204211448/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2002/jan/07balu.htm |archive-date= 4 February 2016 }}</ref>

In 1992, Mahendra made ''[[Vanna Vanna Pookkal]]'' which was produced by [[S. Dhanu]]. The film had a 100-day run and won the award for the "Best Regional Film" at the [[39th National Film Awards]].<ref name=Venkateswaran /><ref>{{cite news|last=Mannath|first=Malini|title=Run-of-the-mill fare|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19930101&printsec=frontpage|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=1 January 1993|access-date=23 April 2014|archive-date=30 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430013639/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=P9oYG7HA76QC&dat=19930101&printsec=frontpage|url-status=live}}</ref> During this time [[M. Night Shyamalan]], then a newcomer, approached Mahendra to be the cinematographer for his directorial debut ''[[Praying with Anger]]'' to which he refused.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Warrier |first1=Shobha |title=Thamizh MA will be a sensation |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/ram/20071008.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=29 November 2014 |date=8 October 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205102529/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/ram/20071008.htm |archive-date= 5 December 2014 }}</ref> The next year, he remade [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s ''[[Arth (film)|Arth]]'' in Tamil as ''Marupadiyum''. Mahendra made the film as he felt it was close to his personal life.<ref name=P.K. /> He then came up with a full-length comedy ''Sathi Leelavathi'' in 1995 which was produced by Kamal Haasan.<ref name=Malini /> The following year, he made a comeback in Bollywood through ''[[Aur Ek Prem Kahani]]'', a remake of his Kannada film ''Kokila''.<ref name=rediff1 /> He then made ''[[Raman Abdullah]]'' (1997), which deals with a friendship between two friends belonging to different religions. The film's shoot became the epicentre of a dispute that arose between the Tamil Film Producers Council and [[Film Employees Federation of South India]] (FEFSI).{{Sfn|Baskaran|2009|p=114}} It was reported that members of FEFSI had stopped the filming of ''Raman Abdullah'' as Mahendra was engaging outside cast members in the film. This led FEFSI to go for an indefinite strike which affected to the delaying of several Tamil films.{{Sfn|Kindem|2000|p=50}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Madras film strike: Producers demand their pound of flesh |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/jul/07madras.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140721182353/http://www.rediff.com/news/jul/07madras.htm |archive-date=21 July 2014 }}</ref> The film received negative reviews and failed at the box-office.<ref name=toi1 /> He then attempted to make film titled ''Vaarayo Vennilave'' with [[Prabhu (actor)|Prabhu]] in the lead role, but the project was later dropped.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.minnoviyam.com/star/track12.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19990420104400/http://www.minnoviyam.com/star/track12.html|archive-date = 20 April 1999|title = Cardano news kurs-the best payaone}}</ref>

After ''Raman Abdullah'', Mahendra took a break from films during which he made ''Kathai Neram'', a television series based on different short stories, mostly by [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=V. Raman |first1=Mohan |title=The Balu Mahendra I knew |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/the-balu-mahendra-i-knew/article5693236.ece |access-date=30 July 2014 |work=The Hindu |date=15 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518203219/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/the-balu-mahendra-i-knew/article5693236.ece |archive-date=18 May 2014 }}</ref> It was aired in [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]] during the early 2000s.<ref>{{cite web|title=A Chennai landmark shuts down |url=http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/apr/23slid4.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=22 April 2014 |date=23 April 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225725/http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/apr/23slid4.htm |archive-date= 3 March 2016 }}</ref>

===Final years===
Following a five-year sabbatical, he returned with ''[[Julie Ganapathi]]'' (2003). The film was based on the psychological thriller novel ''[[Misery (novel)|Misery]]'' by [[Stephen King]]. According to Mahendra, ''Julie Ganapathi'' was made on the lines of his previous films ''Moondram Pirai'' (1982) and ''Moodu Pani'' (1980).<ref>{{cite web|last=Warrier |first=Shobha |title=Julie Ganapathy was a big risk |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/mar/04balu.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=22 February 2014 |date=4 March 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213104702/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/mar/04balu.htm |archive-date=13 December 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |title=Julie Ganapathy |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/02/21/stories/2003022101120200.htm |access-date=21 April 2014 |date=21 February 2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225182043/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/02/21/stories/2003022101120200.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=25 February 2008 }}</ref> A review from ''[[Rediff.com]]'' stated, "Balu Mahendra has kept the flag of sensible cinema within the commercial format once again in his latest offering ''Julie Ganapathy''" and rated the film as one of the best thrillers ever made.<ref>{{cite web|title=Julie Ganapathy |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/julie-ganapathy-review-tamil-12617881.html |publisher=Rediff |access-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408185719/http://www.sify.com/movies/julie-ganapathy-review-tamil-12617881.html |archive-date= 8 April 2014 }}</ref> In spite of being a critical success, the film turned out to be a commercial failure. For his next film ''[[Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam]]'' (2005), he decided to cast [[Dhanush]] in the lead role. Initially he stated that the film to be an extension of his 1979 film ''[[Azhiyatha Kolangal]]''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Warrier |first=Shobha |title=Sex and teenage fantasies |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2003/aug/18balu.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=22 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924131722/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2003/aug/18balu.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref> However, he ended up making a different film. The film was loosely based on his own Malayalam film ''Yathra'' released in 1985. When asked about the difference between the two films, he said "Yat[h]ra was the love story of two adults, this is the love story of two adolescents."<ref name=rediff_2005>{{cite web|title=Athu Oru Kana Kaalam disappoints |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/08athu.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=22 February 2014 |date=8 November 2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530163706/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/nov/08athu.htm |archive-date=30 May 2013 }}</ref> Shobha Warrier of ''Rediff.com'' wrote that the film was "extremely disappointing".<ref name=rediff_2005 />

In 2007, he started a film school named "Cinema Pattarai" in Chennai. The institute offers courses in disciplines such as cinematography, direction and acting.<ref name=toi1 /> After a brief hiatus from films, he made a comeback through ''[[Thalaimuraigal]]'' (2013), which marked his acting debut. Apart from acting, he also scripted, directed, edited and served as the cinematographer of the film. The film was about the relationship between an ageing man and his grandson.<ref name=toi1 /> The film received positive response with Mahendra's acting being well acclaimed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/039thalaimuraigal039-review-roundup-balu-mahendra039s-film-gets-positive-response-531401 |title='Thalaimuraigal' Review Roundup: Balu Mahendra's Film Gets Positive Response |work=International Business Times |date=22 December 2013 |access-date=23 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050454/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/039thalaimuraigal039-review-roundup-balu-mahendra039s-film-gets-positive-response-531401 |archive-date= 8 August 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Suganth|first=M|title=Thalaimuraigal|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/thalaimuraigal/movie-review/28019810.cms|access-date=22 February 2014|newspaper=The Times of India|date=27 December 2013|archive-date=30 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030005513/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/thalaimuraigal/movie-review/28019810.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Saraswathi |first=S |title=Review: Thalaimuraigal is brilliant |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-thalaimuraigal-is-brilliant-south/20131223.htm |publisher=Rediff |access-date=22 February 2014 |date=23 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226160755/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-thalaimuraigal-is-brilliant-south/20131223.htm |archive-date=26 February 2014 }}</ref> Malathi Rangarajan of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated, "If Mahendra's aim was to make a film that can compete on a global level, ''Thalaimuraigal'' is a concrete step in that direction."<ref>{{cite news|last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |title=Thalaimuraigal: For generations to come |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thalaimuraigal-for-generations-to-come/article5486872.ece |access-date=22 February 2014 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=21 December 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228170807/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/thalaimuraigal-for-generations-to-come/article5486872.ece |archive-date=28 February 2014 }}</ref> Despite being critically acclaimed, the film was a commercial failure.<ref name=HT>{{cite news|title=Sadma director Balu Mahendra dies at 74 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil-filmmaker-balu-mahendra-of-sadma-fame-passes-away/article1-1183501.aspx |newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]] |date=13 February 2014 |access-date=16 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216091954/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil-filmmaker-balu-mahendra-of-sadma-fame-passes-away/article1-1183501.aspx |archive-date=16 February 2014 }}</ref> At the [[61st National Film Awards]], it won the [[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration]].<ref name=61stNFA>{{cite press release|title=61st National Film Awards Announced|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=104863|format=PDF|publisher=[[Press Information Bureau]] (PIB), India|date=16 April 2014|access-date=16 April 2014|archive-date=16 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182538/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=104863|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Balu Mahendra funeral (10).JPG|250px|thumbnail|right|[[Bharathiraja]] and [[Mahendran (filmmaker)|Mahendran]] attending the funeral|alt=P. Bharathiraja and J. Mahendran are among the others seen in the picture]]
Mahendra was married thrice. He was first married to Akhileshwari with whom he had a son.<ref name=IToday1 /><ref name=toi2>{{cite news|last=Mathai |first=Kamini |title=To Balu sir with love |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/To-Balu-sir-with-love/articleshow/30373400.cms |access-date=15 February 2014 |newspaper=The Times of India |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140215110504/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/To-Balu-sir-with-love/articleshow/30373400.cms |archive-date=15 February 2014 }}</ref> His relationship with actress [[Shoba]] ended in 1980 after she committed suicide following their marriage.<ref name=ceylon_today /> Upon her death, the media speculated that Mahendra was responsible for her death. Following that, Mahendra wrote a series of "sentimental musings" in the Tamil magazine ''[[Kumudam]]'' under the title ''Shobavum Naanum'' (lit. Shoba and me).<ref name=mint>{{cite web|title=Silk Route |url=http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/tbb41xSiFdBXsY8zcK346M/Silk-Route.html |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |access-date=21 February 2014 |date=30 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416103742/http://www.livemint.com/Leisure/tbb41xSiFdBXsY8zcK346M/Silk-Route.html |archive-date=16 April 2015 }}</ref> Their relationship was explored by [[K. G. George]] (Mahendra's junior at the FTII) in his 1983 Malayalam film ''[[Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Joy|first=Prathibha|title=Veteran director Balu Mahendra no more|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/Veteran-director-Balu-Mahendra-no-more/articleshow/30334092.cms|access-date=21 February 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=13 February 2014|archive-date=1 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001155925/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/Veteran-director-Balu-Mahendra-no-more/articleshow/30334092.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> When the film was released, Mahendra said that the film had nothing to do with him and has not discussed about it with George.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pillai |first1=Sreedhar |title=Imitation of Life |url=http://bharatgopy.com/press-mentions/imitation-of-life/ |website=[[India Today]] |publisher=reprinted by bharatgopy.com |access-date=30 July 2014 |date=15 May 1983 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051712/http://bharatgopy.com/press-mentions/imitation-of-life/ |archive-date= 8 August 2014 }}</ref> In 1998, he married another actress [[Mounika (actress)|Mounika]] and declared their marriage publicly in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=பாலு மகேந்திரா உடலுக்கு மெளனிகா அஞ்சலி |url=http://tamil.thehindu.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE-%E0%AE%89%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BE-%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%9E%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%BF/article5688509.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu (Tamil)|The Hindu]] |language=ta |date=14 February 2014 |access-date=7 May 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508025032/http://tamil.thehindu.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%BE-%E0%AE%89%E0%AE%9F%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%86%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%A9%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%BE-%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%9E%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9A%E0%AE%B2%E0%AE%BF/article5688509.ece |archive-date= 8 May 2014 }}</ref><ref name=oneindia>{{cite web|title=கணவர் பாலு மகேந்திரா உடலைப் பார்க்க மௌனிகாவுக்கு 'ஒருவழியாக' அனுமதி |url=http://tamil.oneindia.in/movies/news/finally-mounika-gets-her-right-pay-homage-balu-mahendra-193516.html |publisher=[[Oneindia.in]] |access-date=21 February 2014 |author=Shankar |language=ta |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301000431/http://tamil.oneindia.in/movies/news/finally-mounika-gets-her-right-pay-homage-balu-mahendra-193516.html |archive-date= 1 March 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>

==Style and legacy==
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 |website=[[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=dead |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 |website=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 />

=== Collaboration With Ilaiyaraja ===

Balu Mahendra totally directed 23 films, in 5 languages. Except the 1st two films, he collaborated with Ilaiyaraja consecutively, for 21 films. He intended to collaborate with Raja in the 6 films, that he had already conceived, before icy death snatched him away. While other directors never used Ilaiyaraja for their Hindi remakes, Balu Mahendra was steadfast in persisting with Ilaiyaraja, in all the languages. Their equation was symbiotic & synergetic, with Ilaiyaraja, unfailingly churning out enviable chart busters, for Balu Mahendra.
An exceptional highlight of their creative bonding being, the eternal superhit Thumbi Vaa ..... from Olangal-1982, was used by them 5 times, in 4 languages [Mal-1, Tamizh-2, Tel-1 & Hin-1, apart from in Paa by R. Balki & a Vocal-Orchestra Symphony version, in Raja's Concert in Italy–2004, titled as Mood Kaapi.<ref>Joseph Dias</ref>

==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-right: 0;"
|+ Awards and nominations received by Balu Mahendra
|-
! Year
! Award
! Category
! Work(s)
! Result
|-
|1974
|[[Kerala State Film Award]]
|[[Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]] (colour)
|''[[Nellu (1974 film)|Nellu]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=Venkateswaran>{{cite news|last=Venkateswaran|first=N|title=Balu Mahendra, who made his visuals speak, dies at 74|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-02-14/india/47335698_1_balu-mahendra-state-film-moodupani|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140216155315/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2014-02-14/india/47335698_1_balu-mahendra-state-film-moodupani|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 February 2014|access-date=16 February 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=14 February 2014}}</ref>
|-
|1975
|[[Kerala State Film Award]]
|Best Cinematography (black-and-white)
|''[[Prayanam (1975 film)|Prayanam]]'', ''[[Chuvanna Sandhyakal]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=IPRD>{{cite web |title=State Film Awards 1969&nbsp;– 2011 |url=http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawares.htm |publisher=[[Department of Information and Public Relations (Kerala)|Department of Information and Public Relations]] |access-date=16 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232254/http://www.prd.kerala.gov.in/stateawares.htm |archive-date=3 March 2016 }}</ref>
|-
|1977
|[[25th National Film Awards|National Film Awards]]
|[[National Film Award for Best Cinematography|Best Cinematography]] (black-and-white)
|''[[Kokila (1977 film)|Kokila]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=Venkateswaran />
|-
|1978
|[[Nandi Awards]]
|[[Nandi Award for Best Cinematographer|Best Cinematographer]]
|''[[Manavoori Pandavulu]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=cinejosh>{{cite web|title=Balu Mahendra Is No More |url=http://www.cinejosh.com/telugu-news-gossip/32815/balu-mahendra-is-no-more.html |publisher=cinejosh.com |access-date=16 February 2014 |date=14 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214134738/http://www.cinejosh.com/telugu-news-gossip/32815/balu-mahendra-is-no-more.html |archive-date=14 February 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|1979
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil|Best Director (Tamil)]]
|''[[Azhiyatha Kolangal]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|rowspan=4|1982
|[[30th National Film Awards|National Film Awards]]
|Best Cinematography (Colour)
|rowspan=2|''[[Moondram Pirai]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=Venkateswaran />
|-
|rowspan=2|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director|Best Director (Tamil)]]
|{{won}}{{Sfn|Reed|1984|pp=234–235}}
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Malayalam Director|Best Director (Malayalam)]]
|''[[Olangal]]''
|{{won}}{{Sfn|Reed|1984|pp=234–235}}
|-
| [[Karnataka State Film Awards]]
| [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Cinematographer|Best Cinematography]]
| ''[[Pallavi Anupallavi]]''
| {{won}}
|-
|1983
|[[Filmfare Awards]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Story|Best Story]]
|''[[Sadma]]''
|{{nom}}<ref>{{cite news|title=The Nominations&nbsp;– 1983 |url=http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/367131.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708212739/http://filmfareawards.indiatimes.com/articleshow/articleshow/367131.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 July 2012 |publisher=[[Indiatimes]] |access-date=16 February 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|1985
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Malayalam Director|Best Director (Malayalam)]]
|''[[Yathra]]''
|{{Won}}<ref name="archive1">[https://archive.org/download/BaluMahendraPreviousFilmfareAwards/balu%20mahendra%20previous%20filmfare%20awards.jpg Lifetime Achievement Prize. Balu Mahendra]</ref>
|-
|rowspan="3"|1986
|[[Kerala State Film Award]]
|[[Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value]]
|''[[Yathra]]''
|{{Won}}<ref name="archive1"/>
|-
|[[Nandi Awards]]
|Best Cinematography
|''[[Nireekshana]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=cinejosh />
|-
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Telugu|Best Director (Telugu)]]
|''[[Nireekshana]]''
|{{nom}}
|-
|1987
|[[35th National Film Awards|National Film Awards]]
|[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil|Best Feature Film in Tamil]]
|''[[Veedu]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=Venkateswaran />
|-
|1988
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director|Best Director (Tamil)]]
|''[[Veedu]]''
|{{won}}<ref name="archive1"/>
|-
|1989
|[[37th National Film Awards|National Film Awards]]
|[[National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare|Best Film on Family Welfare]]
|''[[Sandhya Raagam (1989 film)|Sandhya Raagam]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=Venkateswaran />
|-
|1991
|[[39th National Film Awards|National Film Awards]]
|Best Feature Film in Tamil
|''[[Vanna Vanna Pookkal]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=Venkateswaran />
|-
|2013
|[[61st National Film Awards|National Film Awards]]
|[[Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration|Best Feature Film on National Integration]]
|''[[Thalaimuraigal]]''
|{{won}}<ref name=61stNFA />
|-
|rowspan=2|2013
|rowspan=2|[[61st Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director|Best Tamil Director]]
|''Thalaimuraigal''
|{{nom}}{{efn|Nominated posthumously}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Best Director |url=http://awards.filmfare.com/tamil/best-director.php |website=[[Filmfare]] |access-date=3 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714224042/http://awards.filmfare.com/tamil/best-director.php |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|[[Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award – South|Lifetime Achievement Award – South]]
|{{center|{{mdash}}}}
|{{won}}{{efn|name=pos|Awarded posthumously}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Veterans steal the show at 61st Idea Filmfare Awards |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Hyderabad/Veterans-steal-the-show-at-61st-Idea-Filmfare-Awards/articleshow/38287055.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=13 July 2014 |access-date=13 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714034517/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Veterans-steal-the-show-at-61st-Idea-Filmfare-Awards/articleshow/38287055.cms |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|2014
|[[8th Vijay Awards]]
|[[Vijay Award for Contribution to Tamil Cinema]]
|{{center|{{mdash}}}}
|{{won}}{{efn|name=pos}}
|-
|2017
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Story Writer|Best Story Writer]]
|''Thalaimuraigal''
|{{won}}{{efn|name=pos}}
|}

==Filmography==
===As film director, cinematographer and editor===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Year
! rowspan="2" | Film
! rowspan="2" | Language
! colspan="3" | Credited as
! rowspan="2" | Notes
|-
!style="width:60px;"|Director
!style="width:60px;"|Cinematographer
!style="width:60px;"|Editor
|-
|rowspan="3"|1972||''[[Panimudakku]]''||rowspan="4"|[[Malayalam]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Maaya (1972 film)|Maaya]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM>{{cite web|title=Balu Mahendra: Camera |url=http://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=camera&artist=Balu%20Mahendra |publisher=Malayalam Music Movie Encyclopedia |access-date=16 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221212847/http://en.msidb.org/displayProfile.php?category=camera&artist=Balu%20Mahendra |archive-date=21 February 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|''[[Nirthasala]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||One Song
|-
|rowspan="4"|1973||''[[Sasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''Abhimanavanthulu''||[[Telugu language|Telugu]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Kaliyugam]]''||rowspan="11"|[[Malayalam]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Chukku]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|rowspan="5"|1974||''[[Nellu (1974 film)|Nellu]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Rajahamsam]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM />
|-
|''[[Chattakkari (1974 film)|Chattakari]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Jeevikkan Marannu Poya Sthree]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM />
|-
|''[[Makkal]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM />
|-
|rowspan="6"|1975||''[[Raagam]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM />
|-
|''[[Prayanam (1975 film)|Prayanam]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Tourist Bungalow]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM />
|-
|''[[Chuvanna Sandhyakal]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM />
|-
|''Anuraagaalu''||[[Telugu Language|Telugu]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Cheenavala]]''||rowspan="4"|[[Malayalam]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM />
|-
|rowspan="4"|1976||''[[Missi (film)|Missi]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=MM />
|-
|''[[Ponni (1976 film)|Ponni]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Chennaaya Valarthiya Kutty]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[America Ammayi (film)|America Ammayi]]''||rowspan="3"|[[Telugu Language|Telugu]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|rowspan="3"|1977||''[[Tharam Marindi]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||{{Sfn|Garga|1996|p=292}}
|-
|''[[Panthulamma]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Kokila (1977 film)|Kokila]]''||[[Kannada]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|rowspan="3"|1978||''Lambadolla Ramadasu''||[[Telugu language|Telugu]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=aptalkies>{{cite web|title=Artist Profile: Balu Mahendra |url=http://www.aptalkies.com/artistdetails.php?id=1717&artist=Balu%20Mahendra |publisher=aptalkies.com |access-date=3 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812062209/http://www.aptalkies.com/artistdetails.php?id=1717&artist=Balu%20Mahendra |archive-date=12 August 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|''[[Mullum Malarum]]''||[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Manavoori Pandavulu]]''||rowspan="2"|[[Telugu language|Telugu]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|rowspan="3"|1979||''[[Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Ulkatal]]''||[[Malayalam]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Azhiyadha Kolangal]]''||rowspan="2"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|rowspan="3"|1980||''[[Moodu Pani]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Sankarabharanam (1980 film)|Sankarabharanam]]''||rowspan="2"|[[Telugu language|Telugu]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''Kaliyuga Ravanasurudu''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref name=aptalkies />
|-
|rowspan="3"|1982||''[[Moondram Pirai]]''||rowspan="2"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
||''[[Echchil Iravugal]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||{{Sfn|Ramachandran|1982|p=96}}
|-
|''[[Olangal]]''||[[Malayalam]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|rowspan="4"|1983||''[[Sadma]]''||[[Hindi]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|''[[Pallavi Anu Pallavi]]''||[[Kannada]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||
|-
|''[[Oomakkuyil]]''||[[Malayalam]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|''[[Urangatha Ninaivugal]]''||rowspan="3"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{n}}||<ref>{{cite web|title=Urangatha Ninaivugal |url=http://www.upperstall.com/films/1983/urangatha-ninaivugal |publisher=Upperstall.com |access-date=16 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222051819/http://www.upperstall.com/films/1983/urangatha-ninaivugal |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref>
|-
|1984||''[[Neengal Kettavai]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|rowspan="2"|1985||''[[Un Kannil Neer Vazhindal]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|''[[Yathra]]''||[[Malayalam]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|1986||''[[Nireekshana]]''||[[Telugu language|Telugu]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|1987||''[[Rettai Vaal Kuruvi]]''||rowspan="4"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|1988||''[[Veedu]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|1989||''[[Sandhya Raagam (1989 film)|Sandhya Raagam]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||Also Producer
|-
|rowspan="2"|1992||''[[Vanna Vanna Pookkal]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|''[[Chakravyuham]]''||[[Telugu language|Telugu]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|1993||''[[Marupadiyum]]''||rowspan="2"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|1995||''[[Sathi Leelavathi (1995 film)|Sathi Leelavathi]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|1996||''[[Aur Ek Prem Kahani]]''||[[Hindi]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|1997||''[[Raman Abdullah]]''||rowspan="5"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|2001||''[[En Iniya Ponnilave]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|2003||''[[Julie Ganapathy]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|2005||''[[Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||
|-
|2013||''[[Thalaimuraigal]]''||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||style="text-align:center;"|{{y}}||Also actor
|-
|}

===Television===
* ''Kathai Neram'' (2000)

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=25em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin|35em}}
*{{cite book|last=Baskaran|first=Sundararaj Theodre|title=The Eye of the Serpent: An Introduction to Tamil Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3jBcAgAAQBAJ|year=2013|publisher=Westland|isbn=978-93-83260-74-4|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-date=25 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425111045/https://books.google.com/books?id=3jBcAgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}
*{{cite book|last=Baskaran|first=Sundararaj Theodore|title=History through the lens: perspectives on South Indian cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fNgqAQAAIAAJ|year=2009|publisher=Orient Blackswan|isbn=978-81-250-3520-6|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-date=24 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424175514/https://books.google.com/books?id=fNgqAQAAIAAJ|url-status=live}}
*{{cite book|last=Dey|first=Ajoy Kumar|title=IFSON, special issue, Filmotsav, '82|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oD9NAQAAIAAJ|year=1982|publisher=[[Federation of Film Societies of India]]|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-date=28 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160528193730/https://books.google.com/books?id=oD9NAQAAIAAJ|url-status=live}}
*{{cite book|last=Garga|first=Bhagwan Das|title=So many cinemas: the motion picture in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wXRZAAAAMAAJ|year=1996|publisher=Eminence Designs|isbn=978-81-900602-1-9|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-date=15 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515100946/https://books.google.com/books?id=wXRZAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}
*{{cite book|last=Kindem|first=Gorham Anders|title=The International Movie Industry|url=https://archive.org/details/The_International_Movie_Industry|year=2000|publisher=SIU Press|isbn=978-0-8093-2299-2}}
*{{cite book|last=Kumar|first=Keval J.|title=Mass Communication in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ECF7hjnZWfcC|year=2000|publisher=Jaico Publishing House|isbn=978-81-7224-373-9|edition=4th|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-date=30 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430220827/https://books.google.com/books?id=ECF7hjnZWfcC|url-status=live}}
*{{cite book|last1=Rajadhyaksha|first1=Ashish|last2=Willemen|first2=Paul|title=Encyclopaedia of Indian cinema|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopaediaofi0000raja|url-access=registration|year=1999|publisher=[[British Film Institute]]|isbn=9780851706696}}
*{{cite book|last=Ramachandran|first=T.M.|title=Film World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=enxTAAAAYAAJ|volume=19|year=1982|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508163311/https://books.google.com/books?id=enxTAAAAYAAJ|url-status=live}}
*{{cite book|last=Reed|first=Sir Stanley|title=The Times of India Directory and Year Book Including Who's who|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xU3jAAAAMAAJ|year=1984|publisher=[[The Times Group]]|access-date=14 June 2015|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729074809/https://books.google.com/books?id=xU3jAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{imdb name|id=0536818|name=Balu Mahendra}}
{{Commons category|Balu Mahendra}}
* [http://www.filmmakerbalumahendra.blogspot.in Balu Mahendra's official blog] {{in lang|ta}}
* {{IMDb name|id=0536818|name=Balu Mahendra}}

{{Balu Mahendra}}
{{National Film Award Best Cinematography}}
{{Kerala State Film Award Best Cinematography}}
{{FilmfareAwardBestTamilDirector}}
{{Filmfare Award Best Malayalam Director}}
{{FilmfareLifetimeAchievementAwardSouth}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mahendra, Balu}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mahendra, Balu}}
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil film directors]]
[[Category:Tamil Sri Lankans]]
[[Category:Film and Television Institute of India alumni]]
[[Category:Film and Television Institute of India alumni]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of London]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of London]]
[[Category:Kerala State Film Award winners]]

[[Category:Malayalam film cinematographers]]
[[ta:பாலுமகேந்திரா]]
[[Category:Malayalam film directors]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan Tamil people]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan film directors]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan emigrants to India]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
[[Category:Tamil film cinematographers]]
[[Category:Telugu film directors]]
[[Category:Kannada film directors]]
[[Category:Best Cinematography National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Tamil film editors]]
[[Category:1939 births]]
[[Category:2014 deaths]]
[[Category:Alumni of St. Michael's College National School]]
[[Category:Cinematographers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian people]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian people]]
[[Category:Film directors from Chennai]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian photographers]]
[[Category:Tamil screenwriters]]
[[Category:Screenwriters from Chennai]]
[[Category:Film editors from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan film editors]]
[[Category:People from Eastern Province, Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan screenwriters]]
[[Category:Sri Lankan cinematographers]]
[[Category:Producers who won the Best Film on Family Welfare National Film Award]]
[[Category:Directors who won the Best Film on Family Welfare National Film Award]]
[[Category:Directors who won the Best Film on National Integration National Film Award]]
[[Category:Tamil television directors]]

Latest revision as of 02:05, 22 September 2024

Balu Mahendra
Born
Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran

(1939-05-19)19 May 1939
Died13 February 2014(2014-02-13) (aged 74)
Other namesMahendra, Balu, Bala Mahendran
Education
Occupations
  • Cinematographer
  • director
  • screenwriter
  • film editor
Years active1971–2013
Spouses
  • Ahileshwari
    (m. 1963)
  • (m. 1978; died 1980)
  • (m. 1998)
Children1

Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran (19 May 1939 – 13 February 2014), commonly known as Balu Mahendra,[1] cinematographer, director, screenwriter and film editor who worked in various Indian film industries, primarily in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. Born in Sri Lanka, Mahendran developed a passion for photography and literature at a young age, after witnessing the shoot of David Lean's The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) during a school trip in Sri Lanka, he was drawn towards filmmaking. After graduation he joined as an Aerial photographer in the Sri Lankan Government.[2] In 1966, he moved to India and gained admission to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to pursue a course in motion picture photography. Upon completion of his diploma, he entered Malayalam cinema as a cinematographer in the early 1970s.

After working in over 20 films as a cinematographer, Mahendra made his directorial debut in 1977 with the Kannada film Kokila. Since then, he directed over 20 films in a span of 36 years. Along with Bharathiraja and Mahendran, he is regarded as a trendsetter in Tamil cinema. Widely regarded as an auteur,[3][4] Mahendra usually scripted and edited his films apart from shooting them. He was the recipient of six National Film Awards (including two for 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.

Early life

[edit]

Mahendra was born on 19 May 1939 into a Sri Lankan Tamil Christian family in the village Amirthakali near Batticaloa, British Ceylon (Sri Lanka).[5][6] Born to a professor father,[7] he did his schooling at Methodist Central College and St. Michael's College National School.[1][8] As a teenager, he was drawn towards films by his class teacher.[9] It was during this time he happened to see Bicycle Thieves (1948) and Battleship Potemkin (1925).[9] 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.[10][11] Inspired by Lean's personality, Mahendra determined to become a film-maker.[9][11]

"I used to cut my cinematography classes and attend classes conducted in the departments of direction, screenplay writing and editing. However, I used to get the top rank in cinematography, so the professor did not mind my going to other classes. My main concern at that time was direction and scripting with a little bit of interest in cinematography."

—Mahendra in an interview with Frontline in 2013[12]

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.[13] After his graduation, he worked as an Aerial Photographer in the Sri Lankan Government.[14] for a brief period during which he edited a Tamil literary magazine titled Thyen Aruvi.[1] In Colombo, he worked as an amateur drama artist with Radio Ceylon and got acquainted with the Sinhala theatre groups.[1]

Mahendra's passion for cinema prompted him to leave for India and join the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune in 1966.[1] He had to take up cinematography as he could not gain admissions to other disciplines.[11][15] At the institute he was exposed to world cinema as he got an opportunity to watch films made by François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, both associated with the French New Wave movement.[12] In 1969, Mahendra graduated from the institute with a gold medal.[11]

Film career

[edit]

Debut as cinematographer

[edit]
David Lean pictured in 1965
A portrait of Satyajit Ray
David Lean (left) and Satyajit Ray (right) are two of Mahendra's biggest inspirations to become a filmmaker.

As a fresh graduate from the FTII, Mahendra's early attempts to enter Sri Lankan Tamil cinema were unsuccessful.[1] He got his first break as a cinematographer in 1971 in the Malayalam film Nellu.[11][16] Ramu Kariat, the director of Nellu, was impressed by A View from the Fort, Mahendra's diploma film at the FTII.[8][10] Though the filming of Nellu began in 1971, production delays postponed its release for three years.[16] Meanwhile, Kariat signed up Mahendra for another film titled Maaya which released in 1972. However, P. N. Menon's Panimudakku (1972) got released before Maaya, thus becoming Mahendra's first release.[17] He continued to work in Malayalam films such as Sasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu (1973), Kaliyugam (1973) and Chattakari (1974).[11]

Nellu, shot in colour, won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography after it was released in 1974.[11] Mahendra had continued successes with films such as Prayanam (1975) and Chuvanna Sandhyakal (1975), both fetching the state award for best photography to him for the second consecutive time.[17] Between 1971 and 1976, he worked in about 20 films—mostly in Malayalam—as a cinematographer.[17] The following year he made his directorial debut with Kokila. Made in Kannada, the film was a "triangular love story".[18] In addition to a Best Screenplay award from the Karnataka government,[19] Mahendra won his first National Film Award for Best Cinematography for the film.[20] The film was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. It was equally successful in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu and has the distinction of being the only Kannada film to complete 150 days in Madras (now Chennai) as of 2014.[18]

Entry into Tamil films

[edit]

Despite being a Tamil, it was not until 1978 he worked in a Tamil film when he signed up as the cinematographer for Mahendran's directorial debut Mullum Malarum (1978).[21] Apart from handling the cinematography, Mahendra involved himself in other aspects such as screenwriting, casting, editing and direction in the film.[22] 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".[23][24] Inspired from the 1971 American film Summer of '42,[25] Azhiyadha Kolangal was a coming-of-age film that dealt with the story of three adolescent boys who are in the awakening of sexuality.[23] Although it was controversial for its theme, it was a box-office success.[24] During this time he did the cinematography of K. Vishwanath's Telugu film Sankarabharanam (1979) which turned out to be a major critical and commercial success.[26]

Mahendra's third film as director Moodu Pani (1980) was loosely based on Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho.[27] Moodu Pani saw Mahendra collaborating with Ilaiyaraaja for the first time; Ilaiyaraaja was Mahendra's regular composer since then.[28] 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.[26] The same year he made Olangal (1982) which marked his directorial debut in Malayalam.[17] Inspired from Erich Segal's novel Man, Woman and Child, the film was a critical success.[29] At the end of the year, Mahendra won two Filmfare trophies for directing Olangal and Moondram Pirai.[30]

In 1983, Mahendra entered Hindi cinema with Sadma, a remake of Moondram Pirai, with Kamal Hasan and Sridevi reprising their roles. Mahendra received a Filmfare nomination for Best Story and became a well-known director with the Hindi audience with the film.[31] The same year, he worked as the cinematographer of the Kannada film Pallavi Anu Pallavi, Mani Ratnam's debut film.[32] During this time, he made his second film in Malayalam titled Oomakkuyil. Unlike Olangal, Oomakkuyil failed to create an impact among the audience.[17]

Mainstream cinema and tryst with art film genre

[edit]

During the mid 1980s, Mahendra concentrated on mainstream films.[3] 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.[28] The following year, he collaborated with Rajinikanth to make Un Kannil Neer Vazhindal which turned out to be a commercial failure.[3][33] 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. Made with "artistic values" the film earned 1.9 million (equivalent to 28 million or US$340,000 in 2023) and ran for more than 200days in theatres and went on to become the highest-grossing Malayalam film of that year.[17][34] By this time, he declined an offer to direct the Kannada film Malaya Marutha (1986).[19] 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.[35] The film would serve as a base for his future films Marupadiyum (1993) and Sathi Leelavathi (1995) which explored similar themes.[36]

Towards the end of the decade, Mahendra made two low-budgeted films—Veedu (1988) and Sandhya Raagam (1989). While Veedu focused on the life of a lower middle-class urban woman and her struggle to build a house,[37][38] Sandhya Raagam dealt with "old age".[32][39] At the 35th, Veedu won two National Film Awards—including one for Best Regional Film—and Sandhya Raagam won the Best Film on Family Welfare two years later.[38] According to Mahendra, both the films were a tribute to his mother and father respectively.[39][32] He named these two films as his best works as they were made with fewest mistakes and compromises.[40]

In 1992, Mahendra made Vanna Vanna Pookkal which was produced by S. Dhanu. The film had a 100-day run and won the award for the "Best Regional Film" at the 39th National Film Awards.[27][41] During this time M. Night Shyamalan, then a newcomer, approached Mahendra to be the cinematographer for his directorial debut Praying with Anger to which he refused.[42] The next year, he remade Mahesh Bhatt's Arth in Tamil as Marupadiyum. Mahendra made the film as he felt it was close to his personal life.[32] He then came up with a full-length comedy Sathi Leelavathi in 1995 which was produced by Kamal Haasan.[36] The following year, he made a comeback in Bollywood through Aur Ek Prem Kahani, a remake of his Kannada film Kokila.[18] He then made Raman Abdullah (1997), which deals with a friendship between two friends belonging to different religions. The film's shoot became the epicentre of a dispute that arose between the Tamil Film Producers Council and Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI).[43] It was reported that members of FEFSI had stopped the filming of Raman Abdullah as Mahendra was engaging outside cast members in the film. This led FEFSI to go for an indefinite strike which affected to the delaying of several Tamil films.[44][45] The film received negative reviews and failed at the box-office.[10] He then attempted to make film titled Vaarayo Vennilave with Prabhu in the lead role, but the project was later dropped.[46]

After Raman Abdullah, Mahendra took a break from films during which he made Kathai Neram, a television series based on different short stories, mostly by Sujatha.[47] It was aired in Sun TV during the early 2000s.[48]

Final years

[edit]

Following a five-year sabbatical, he returned with Julie Ganapathi (2003). The film was based on the psychological thriller novel Misery by Stephen King. According to Mahendra, Julie Ganapathi was made on the lines of his previous films Moondram Pirai (1982) and Moodu Pani (1980).[49][50] A review from Rediff.com stated, "Balu Mahendra has kept the flag of sensible cinema within the commercial format once again in his latest offering Julie Ganapathy" and rated the film as one of the best thrillers ever made.[51] In spite of being a critical success, the film turned out to be a commercial failure. For his next film Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005), he decided to cast Dhanush in the lead role. Initially he stated that the film to be an extension of his 1979 film Azhiyatha Kolangal.[52] However, he ended up making a different film. The film was loosely based on his own Malayalam film Yathra released in 1985. When asked about the difference between the two films, he said "Yat[h]ra was the love story of two adults, this is the love story of two adolescents."[53] Shobha Warrier of Rediff.com wrote that the film was "extremely disappointing".[53]

In 2007, he started a film school named "Cinema Pattarai" in Chennai. The institute offers courses in disciplines such as cinematography, direction and acting.[10] After a brief hiatus from films, he made a comeback through Thalaimuraigal (2013), which marked his acting debut. Apart from acting, he also scripted, directed, edited and served as the cinematographer of the film. The film was about the relationship between an ageing man and his grandson.[10] The film received positive response with Mahendra's acting being well acclaimed.[54][55][56] Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu stated, "If Mahendra's aim was to make a film that can compete on a global level, Thalaimuraigal is a concrete step in that direction."[57] Despite being critically acclaimed, the film was a commercial failure.[58] At the 61st National Film Awards, it won the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration.[59]

Personal life

[edit]
P. Bharathiraja and J. Mahendran are among the others seen in the picture
Bharathiraja and Mahendran attending the funeral

Mahendra was married thrice. He was first married to Akhileshwari with whom he had a son.[33][60] His relationship with actress Shoba ended in 1980 after she committed suicide following their marriage.[1] Upon her death, the media speculated that Mahendra was responsible for her death. Following that, Mahendra wrote a series of "sentimental musings" in the Tamil magazine Kumudam under the title Shobavum Naanum (lit. Shoba and me).[61] Their relationship was explored by K. G. George (Mahendra's junior at the FTII) in his 1983 Malayalam film Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback.[62] When the film was released, Mahendra said that the film had nothing to do with him and has not discussed about it with George.[63] In 1998, he married another actress Mounika and declared their marriage publicly in 2004.[64][65]

Following a 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.[66][67] Shortly after the news of his death, members of the Indian film industry posted their condolences in Twitter and Facebook.[68] The Tamil film fraternity mourned the death and paid homage to him at his "film school" in Saligramam, Chennai,[26] and decided not to work on the following day as a sign of respect.[60] The last rites of Mahendra were performed at Porur crematorium on the same day.[69]

Style and legacy

[edit]

As a photographer, Mahendra was inspired by the works of Néstor Almendros and Michael Chapman. Among his contemporaries, he admired the works of Ashok Kumar. Mahendra believed a "well-photographed movie is that which is very close to the script".[12] As a film-maker, he claimed himself as belonging to the realistic way of story-telling devised by Satyajit Ray and Vittorio De Sica.[39] Mahendra was drawn towards realistic cinema after watching Ray's Pather Panchali (1955).[26] He is credited as being one among the earliest filmmakers to bring "naturalism" in Tamil cinema in the 1970s.[3][70] He usually photographed, scripted and edited all his films.[39] His films were characterised by strong "visual appeal" and minimal number of characters.[71] A majority of his films centre on the complexity of human relationships and are known to portray women as strong characters.[39][72] Although influenced by realism, his films Moodu Pani, Rettai Vaal Kuruvi and Julie Ganapathi heavily borrowed from American cinema.[39]

Mahendra was equally praised for his cinematography and directorial finesse.[10] Described by the media as "one of the finest cinematographers of Indian cinema",[58][73] he was among the first to pioneer innovative colour in South India. Subrata Mitra, Satyajit Ray's cinematographer, presented a viewfinder to Mahendra acknowledging his talent.[10] 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.[74] Lauded for usage of "natural lighting",[10][75] Mahendra was considered "one of the few filmmakers in Tamil who believes in telling a story visually".[76] Kamal Haasan described that he was one of the few directors who balanced between art and popular cinema.[77] As a film-maker, he inspired contemporary actors and film-makers such as Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan and Sripriya,[78] He has mentored next generation film-makers including Bala, Ameer, Vetrimaaran, Ram and Seenu Ramasamy.[10] Cinematographers like Santosh Sivan,[79] Ravi K. Chandran,[80] Natarajan Subramaniam and K. V. Anand have taken inspirations from him.[81] The negatives of his acclaimed films—Moodu Pani,[82] Veedu, Sandhya Raagam, Marupadiyum and Sathi Leelavathi—are lost.[75]

Collaboration With Ilaiyaraja

[edit]

Balu Mahendra totally directed 23 films, in 5 languages. Except the 1st two films, he collaborated with Ilaiyaraja consecutively, for 21 films. He intended to collaborate with Raja in the 6 films, that he had already conceived, before icy death snatched him away. While other directors never used Ilaiyaraja for their Hindi remakes, Balu Mahendra was steadfast in persisting with Ilaiyaraja, in all the languages. Their equation was symbiotic & synergetic, with Ilaiyaraja, unfailingly churning out enviable chart busters, for Balu Mahendra. An exceptional highlight of their creative bonding being, the eternal superhit Thumbi Vaa ..... from Olangal-1982, was used by them 5 times, in 4 languages [Mal-1, Tamizh-2, Tel-1 & Hin-1, apart from in Paa by R. Balki & a Vocal-Orchestra Symphony version, in Raja's Concert in Italy–2004, titled as Mood Kaapi.[83]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Awards and nominations received by Balu Mahendra
Year Award Category Work(s) Result
1974 Kerala State Film Award Best Cinematography (colour) Nellu Won[27]
1975 Kerala State Film Award Best Cinematography (black-and-white) Prayanam, Chuvanna Sandhyakal Won[84]
1977 National Film Awards Best Cinematography (black-and-white) Kokila Won[27]
1978 Nandi Awards Best Cinematographer Manavoori Pandavulu Won[85]
1979 Filmfare Awards South Best Director (Tamil) Azhiyatha Kolangal Nominated
1982 National Film Awards Best Cinematography (Colour) Moondram Pirai Won[27]
Filmfare Awards South Best Director (Tamil) Won[30]
Best Director (Malayalam) Olangal Won[30]
Karnataka State Film Awards Best Cinematography Pallavi Anupallavi Won
1983 Filmfare Awards Best Story Sadma Nominated[86]
1985 Filmfare Awards South Best Director (Malayalam) Yathra Won[87]
1986 Kerala State Film Award Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value Yathra Won[87]
Nandi Awards Best Cinematography Nireekshana Won[85]
Filmfare Awards South Best Director (Telugu) Nireekshana Nominated
1987 National Film Awards Best Feature Film in Tamil Veedu Won[27]
1988 Filmfare Awards South Best Director (Tamil) Veedu Won[87]
1989 National Film Awards Best Film on Family Welfare Sandhya Raagam Won[27]
1991 National Film Awards Best Feature Film in Tamil Vanna Vanna Pookkal Won[27]
2013 National Film Awards Best Feature Film on National Integration Thalaimuraigal Won[59]
2013 61st Filmfare Awards South Best Tamil Director Thalaimuraigal Nominated[a][88]
Lifetime Achievement Award – South
Won[b][89]
2014 8th Vijay Awards Vijay Award for Contribution to Tamil Cinema
Won[b]
2017 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards Best Story Writer Thalaimuraigal Won[b]

Filmography

[edit]

As film director, cinematographer and editor

[edit]
Year Film Language Credited as Notes
Director Cinematographer Editor
1972 Panimudakku Malayalam Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Maaya Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
Nirthasala Red XN Green tickY Red XN One Song
1973 Sasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Abhimanavanthulu Telugu Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Kaliyugam Malayalam Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Chukku Red XN Green tickY Red XN
1974 Nellu Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Rajahamsam Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
Chattakari Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Jeevikkan Marannu Poya Sthree Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
Makkal Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
1975 Raagam Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
Prayanam Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Tourist Bungalow Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
Chuvanna Sandhyakal Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
Anuraagaalu Telugu Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Cheenavala Malayalam Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
1976 Missi Red XN Green tickY Red XN [90]
Ponni Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Chennaaya Valarthiya Kutty Red XN Green tickY Red XN
America Ammayi Telugu Red XN Green tickY Red XN
1977 Tharam Marindi Red XN Green tickY Red XN [91]
Panthulamma Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Kokila Kannada Green tickY Red XN Red XN
1978 Lambadolla Ramadasu Telugu Red XN Green tickY Red XN [92]
Mullum Malarum Tamil Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Manavoori Pandavulu Telugu Red XN Green tickY Red XN
1979 Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Ulkatal Malayalam Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Azhiyadha Kolangal Tamil Green tickY Red XN Red XN
1980 Moodu Pani Green tickY Red XN Red XN
Sankarabharanam Telugu Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Kaliyuga Ravanasurudu Red XN Green tickY Red XN [92]
1982 Moondram Pirai Tamil Green tickY Red XN Red XN
Echchil Iravugal Red XN Green tickY Red XN [93]
Olangal Malayalam Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1983 Sadma Hindi Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
Pallavi Anu Pallavi Kannada Red XN Green tickY Red XN
Oomakkuyil Malayalam Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
Urangatha Ninaivugal Tamil Red XN Green tickY Red XN [94]
1984 Neengal Kettavai Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1985 Un Kannil Neer Vazhindal Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
Yathra Malayalam Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1986 Nireekshana Telugu Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1987 Rettai Vaal Kuruvi Tamil Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1988 Veedu Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1989 Sandhya Raagam Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Also Producer
1992 Vanna Vanna Pookkal Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
Chakravyuham Telugu Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1993 Marupadiyum Tamil Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1995 Sathi Leelavathi Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1996 Aur Ek Prem Kahani Hindi Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
1997 Raman Abdullah Tamil Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
2001 En Iniya Ponnilave Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
2003 Julie Ganapathy Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
2005 Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY
2013 Thalaimuraigal Green tickY Green tickY Green tickY Also actor

Television

[edit]
  • Kathai Neram (2000)

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Nominated posthumously
  2. ^ a b c Awarded posthumously

References

[edit]
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Bibliography

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