Biography of Director Bala

Bala, born on 11 July, 1966, is a Tamil Film Director, screenwriter and producer.Born in Madurai, Bala is a graduate in Tamil literature from Madurai American College. His training began as an assistant director under acclaimed Tamil Director: BaluMahendra-with whom he worked on five films – all of which won National awards.He broke into the Tamil film industry with “SETHU” in 1999 in an explosive, revitalizing way that brought into focus a new school of auteur movies into Tamil mainstream. Sethu earned widespread critical appreciation and catapulted the leading actor,Vikram, into superstardom overnight.Bala’s films often feature thought-provoking themes woven in seemingly simple plots. His films are marked by complex characters, irreverent humor, and are often shot in the locales of his hometown – the flavor and color of which he captures with the eye of a connoisseur. He has a unique voice and is unafraid to delve into topics that are taboo or often ignored by the mainstream. At the same time, his movies have created a connect with people crossing the boundaries of mainstream or art house, with most of his films becoming commercial success.With a career spanning nearly a decade, he has garnered high critical acclaim and has been praised for handling serious issues whilst retaining the entertainment value in his films. His films enjoy a worldwide following and he has become a distinct voice on the stage of Tamil cinema with many aspiring directors, drawing inspiration from his work and emulating his style.His movies, while generally made in the Tamil language are often re-made in languages like Telegu and Hindi owing to their National appeal. His first three films won 13 filmfare awards amongst them. “PITHAMAGAN” has the distinct honor of being the only Tamil movie to be awarded with 6 Filmfare awards. Bala has won the prestigious Kalaimamani Award bestowed by the State of Tamil Nadu in 2007. His 4th film, “NAAN KADAVUL” – starring Arya, Pooja & others – won two National awards at the 56th National Film Awards, 2008 as well as3 State awards at the Tamil Nadu Government Film Awards, 2008. Director Bala won the Best Director award for NaanKadavul .Currently, he is readying for the release of his new venture Paradesi – set in pre-independence India. Bala, apart from directing, has also scripted and produced Paradesi.Bala has ventured into production under his home banner, B Studios. B Studios is committed to bringing quality Tamil movies – movies that are unique, real and entertaining at the same time.