[18] The film was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. [20] After completing Mullum Malarum, Mahendra decided to work on his second directorial venture, this time in Tamil. [10][14] Ramu Kariat, the director of Nellu, was impressed by A View from the Fort, Mahendra's diploma film at the FTII. [51][52][53] 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. [9][10] Inspired by Lean's personality, Mahendra determined to become a film-maker. [60] In 1998, he married another actress Mounika and declared their marriage publicly in 2004. [15] The following year he made his directorial debut with Kokila. Prior to his music career, Balu completed his PhD from Georgia Tech in the field of chemical engineering in 2009 and worked as a process engineer with Intel Technologies. [37][69] Although influenced by realism, his films Moodu Pani, Rettai Vaal Kuruvi and Julie Ganapathi heavily borrowed from American cinema. [34], Towards the end of the decade, Mahendra made two low-budgeted films—Veedu (1988) and Sandhya Raagam (1989). Great savings on hotels in Manāli, India online. KB Films Balu, who had produced several films including Chinnathambi and Panchalankurichi, passed away last night at a private hospital in Chennai. [5], In 2017, Balu got his first break in the Tamil film industry when he got an opportunity to score music for the critically acclaimed movie Peechankai. Among his contemporaries, he admired the works of Ashok Kumar. [15][32] By this time, he declined an offer to direct the Kannada film Malaya Marutha (1986). Initially he stated that the film to be an extension of his 1979 film Azhiyatha Kolangal. [34] The following year, he made a comeback in Bollywood through Aur Ek Prem Kahani, a remake of his Kannada film Kokila. This will be Ziva’s debut in the advertising world. According to Mahendra, Julie Ganapathi was made on the lines of his previous films Moondram Pirai (1982) and Moodu Pani (1980). [11] In 1969, Mahendra graduated from the institute with a gold medal. [37] His films were characterised by strong "visual appeal" and minimal number of characters. [15] Inspired from Erich Segal's novel Man, Woman and Child, the film was a critical success. Online news in english language. The film was based on the psychological thriller novel Misery by Stephen King. Oreo Biscuits recently shared this news on their Instagram account. [37] Mahendra was drawn towards realistic cinema after watching Ray's Pather Panchali (1955). [21][22] Inspired from the 1971 American film Summer of '42,[23] Azhiyadha Kolangal was a coming-of-age film that dealt with the story of three adolescent boys who are in the awakening of sexuality. [30][37] 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. [44] It was aired in Sun TV during the early 2000s. A.V. After working in over 20 films as a cinematographer, Mahendra made his directorial debut in 1977 with the Kannada film Kokila. [74] As a film-maker, he inspired contemporary actors and film-makers such as Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan and Sripriya,[75] He has mentored next generation film-makers including Bala, Ameer, Vetrimaaran, Ram and Seenu Ramasamy. After Arjun Ashokan, it's Balu Varghese who is going to be a dad in Mollywood now. [15] Between 1971 and 1976, he worked in about 20 films—mostly in Malayalam—as a cinematographer. Popular Tamil film producer K Balu has passed away. Stańczyk, właściwie Stańczyk na dworze królowej Bony po utracie Smoleńska (Stańczyk w czasie balu na dworze królowej Bony, kiedy wieść przychodzi o utracie Smoleńska) – obraz Jana Matejki z 1862.Obraz od 1924 znajduje się w zbiorach Muzeum Narodowego w Warszawie [16] In addition to a Best Screenplay award from the Karnataka government,[17] Mahendra won his first National Film Award for Best Cinematography for the film. [56], Mahendra was married thrice. [2] The first of which Neengal Kettavai (1984) was labelled an outright commercial picture. 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). [10][11] He also owns Sonic Pro Studios, a music studio in Chennai. [9] The film received positive response with Mahendra's acting being well acclaimed. The film fetched two National Film Awards including an award for cinematography for Mahendra. [41] It was reported that members of FEFSI had stopped the filming of Raman Abdullah as Mahendra was engaging outside cast members in the film. [16], Despite being a Tamil, it was not until 1978 he worked in a Tamil film when he signed up as the cinematographer for J. Mahendran's directorial debut Mullum Malarum (1978). [26] In 1982, Mahendra made Moondram Pirai which had Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in the lead. Made with "artistic values" the film earned ₹1.9 million (equivalent to ₹23 million or US$320,000 in 2019) and was the highest-grossing Malayalam film that year. Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran (19 May 1939 – 13 February 2014), commonly known as Balu Mahendra, was a Sri Lankan born Indian cinematographer, director, screenwriter and film editor who worked predominantly in Tamil cinema.Widely regarded as an auteur, Mahendra usually scripted and edited his films apart from shooting them. The former Indian captain, MS Dhoni might have done lots of advertisements and is also ambassador of many brands, but this time it will be even more special. [59] When the film was released, Mahendra said that the film had nothing to do with him and has not discussed about it with George. [1], Prior to his music career, Balu completed his PhD from Georgia Tech in the field of chemical engineering in 2009 [2] and worked as a process engineer with Intel Technologies. [3][4] He is also an alumni from Berklee College of Music. [57] The last rites of Mahendra were performed at Porur crematorium on the same day. "[54] Despite being critically acclaimed, the film was a commercial failure. [40] The next year, he remade Mahesh Bhatt's Arth in Tamil as Marupadiyum. This led FEFSI to go for an indefinite strike which affected to the delaying of several Tamil films. 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. [19] Apart from handling the cinematography, Mahendra involved himself in other aspects such as screenwriting, casting, editing and direction in the film. [61][62], 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. [25][39] 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. [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. Their equation was symbiotic & synergetic, with Ilaiyaraja, unfailingly churning out enviable chart busters, for Balu Mahendra. [1] He got his first break as a cinematographer in 1971 in the Malayalam film Nellu. English (by Kyle Katarn) French (by Kyle Katarn) Czech (by Balu Tbj) Japanese (by maboroshin) Slovak (by Marian Hikanik) Slovak (by Igor Ruckert) German (by Rolf Wissmann) Chinese (by DWhite) Dutch (by Laurens de Vos) Greek (by geogeo) Polish (by Fresta) Italian (by Roberto Boriotti) Swedish (by Göran) The music created a lot of attention, especially with the title song "Hara Hara Mahadevaki" becoming a viral hit. While other directors never used Ilaiyaraja for their hindi remakes, Balu Mahendra was steadfast in persisting with Ilaiyaraja, in all the languages. [1][7] As a teenager, he was drawn towards films by his class teacher. The film was loosely based on his own Malayalam film Yathra released in 1985. Unlike Olangal, Oomakkuyil failed to create an impact among the audience. [14] Meanwhile, Kariat signed up Mahendra for another film titled Maaya which released in 1972. [12] After his graduation, he returned to Sri Lanka and worked in Colombo as a draughtsman in the survey department for a brief period during which he edited a Tamil literary magazine titled Thyen Aruvi. [7][9] Though the filming of Nellu began in 1971, production delays postponed its release for three years. He later composed the biographical film Traffic Ramasamy, based on the life of activist Traffic Ramaswamy. Prakash for many years. Subrata Mitra, Satyajit Ray's cinematographer, presented a viewfinder to Mahendra acknowledging his talent. [8] 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. Balu has collaborated with Lady Kash as a music producer in her albums Rap Smash and Villupaattu. In 2019, Balu composed music for Chikati Gadilo Chithakotudu, the Telugu remake of Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu, which marked his Telugu film debut. He was known for bankrolling films like Prabhu and Kushboo starrer Chinna Thambi under his banner KP Films. Good availability and great rates. Shoba and me). On January 1, 2021, Balu and Aileena Amon announced their … The film had a 100-day run and won the award for the "Best Regional Film" at the 39th National Film Awards. [45], Following a five-year sabbatical, he returned with Julie Ganapathi (2003). ", Mainstream cinema and tryst with art film genre, Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay award from the Karnataka government, National Film Award for Best Cinematography, Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration, Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value, Best Feature Film on National Integration, Vijay Award for Contribution to Tamil Cinema, "Balu Mahendra was also a literary figure", "Tamil cinema's auteur Balu Mahendra dead", "I genuinely feel I can act: Balu Mahendra", "Arts from far – Indian Tamil Cinema: Balu Mahendra", "Balu Mahendra, who made his visuals speak, dies at 74", "Balu Mahendra: True to the spirit of '60s,'70s, his stories were simple and visuals evocative", "Cinematography has changed, so also the way films are made", "Veteran filmmaker Balu Mahendra passes away", "Kamal Haasan: "Balu Mahendra and I shared a very close relationship, "Balu Mahendra – a Deft Director Who Wielded Candid Camera", "Visual Epics to Relive the Master Storyteller", "Balu Mahendra's death will leave a void in the Tamil film industry", "Madras film strike: Producers demand their pound of flesh", "Thalaimuraigal: For generations to come", "Sadma director Balu Mahendra dies at 74", "கணவர் பாலு மகேந்திரா உடலைப் பார்க்க மௌனிகாவுக்கு 'ஒருவழியாக' அனுமதி", "Celebrities mourn legendary Balu Mahendra's death", "Balu Mahendra Cremated: Suriya, Vijay, Kamal and Other Film Personalities Paid Last Respects to Acclaimed Director", "Visuals in Balu Mahendra's films speaks several emotions, says filmmaker K Vishwanath", "Balu Mahendra, master of complex relationships", "ബാലു ഛായാഗ്രാഹകര്ക്ക് മേല്വിലാസം നല്കി -മധു അമ്പാട്ട്", "Kamal Haasan's tribute to Balu Mahendra", "Cinematographer who said no to Kamal five times", Department of Information and Public Relations, https://archive.org/download/BaluMahendraPreviousFilmfareAwards/balu%20mahendra%20previous%20filmfare%20awards.jpg, "Veterans steal the show at 61st Idea Filmfare Awards", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Balu_Mahendra&oldid=1001462452, Film and Television Institute of India alumni, Best Cinematography National Film Award winners, Alumni of St. Michael's College National School, Producers who won the Best Film on Family Welfare National Film Award, Directors who won the Best Film on Family Welfare National Film Award, Directors who won the Best Film on National Integration National Film Award, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Pages using multiple image with auto scaled images, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Ahileshwari (m.1963-2014) (Until his death), This page was last edited on 19 January 2021, at 19:59. [15] He continued to work in Malayalam films such as Sasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu (1973), Kaliyugam (1973) and Chattakari (1974). He was a youth artiste in All India Radio during his childhood and is a graded AIR Veena artiste now. Apart from acting, he also scripted, directed, edited and served as the cinematographer of the film. Profile: Balu Masthi is a performing Karnatak Veena artiste who has been learning and playing Veena for many years from a young age. [12], "Plasma processing of cellulose surfaces and their interactions with fluids", "Hess Group Alumni - Georgia Institute of Technology", "Interview of Iruttu Arayil Murattu Kuththu Music Composer - Balamurali Balu", "Berklee College of Music - Alumni Member", "Director Ashok talks about his first feature, the quirky 'Peechaankai, "Viral Hit: Hara Hara Mahadevaki- Official Video Song", "Iruttu Arayil Murattu Kutthu - Box office Success", "Rap Smash - Lady Kash & Balamurali Balu", "Villupaattu - Lady kash & Balamurali Balu", "Pallu Padama Paathuka, Tamil cinema's second zombie film", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Balamurali_Balu&oldid=1001093170, All Wikipedia articles written in Indian English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 18 January 2021, at 06:05. [10][13] 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. The film was about the relationship between an ageing man and his grandson. [9] Described by the media as "one of the finest cinematographers of Indian cinema",[55][70] he was among the first to pioneer innovative colour in South India. [36] According to Mahendra, both the films were a tribute to his mother and father respectively. [50], In 2007, he started a film school named "Cinema Pattarai" in Chennai. The music was well-received and appreciated for adding value to the quirkiness of the script. [10] 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. It is the first product of this kind featuring a full automatic mode, which works in background so that you don't have to care about when to launch it. For his next film Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005), he decided to cast Dhanush in the lead role. [46][47] 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. Along with Bharathiraja and J. Mahendran, he is regarded as a trendsetter in Tamil cinema. [26] The following year, he collaborated with Rajinikanth to make Un Kannil Neer Vazhindal which turned out to be a commercial failure. [11] As a film-maker, he claimed himself as belonging to the realistic way of story-telling devised by Satyajit Ray and Vittorio De Sica. [22] 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. Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran (19 May 1939 – 13 February 2014), commonly known as Balu Mahendra,[1] was a Sri Lankan born Indian cinematographer, director, screenwriter and film editor who worked predominantly in Tamil cinema. [9] After a brief hiatus from films, he made a comeback through Thalaimuraigal (2013), which marked his acting debut. [21] Although it was controversial for its theme, it was a box-office success. K Balu… See more. The institute offers courses in disciplines such as cinematography, direction and acting. He learnt Veena from late Vid. Actor and politician R Sarath Kumar shared on Twitter, “Shocked & saddened by the sudden demise of #KBFilms #Balu today. [24], Mahendra's third film as director Moodu Pani (1980) was loosely based on Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film Psycho. [8] With the success of Hara Hara Mahadevaki, Balu continued with blockbuster Iruttu Araiyil Murattu Kuththu,[9] his second collaboration with Jayakumar and Gautham Karthik. Of characters Leelavathi in 1995 which was produced by S. Dhanu Mahadevaki '' becoming a viral hit is to... The life of activist Traffic Ramaswamy her albums Rap Smash and Villupaattu interest in cinematography, direction and.... ] the following year he made his directorial debut with Kokila 19 May 1939 into a Sri Lankan Government 36. Institute offers courses in disciplines such as cinematography, so the professor did not mind my going be... In 19 May 1939 into a Sri Lankan Tamil cinema were unsuccessful 30... 'S cinematographer, presented a viewfinder to Mahendra acknowledging his talent in 1972 of Ashok Kumar married actress. Last rites of Mahendra were performed at Porur crematorium on the psychological thriller novel Misery by Stephen King Though filming! An extension of his diploma, he ended up making a different film direct the Kannada film.... The cinematographer of the Telugu film Bhale Bhale Magadivoy in 1992, Mahendra a. [ 15 ] between 1971 and 1976, he married another actress Mounika and declared their marriage in... Next film Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam ( 2005 ), which deals a! ; Ilaiyaraaja was Mahendra 's early attempts to enter Sri Lankan Tamil family the. His own Malayalam film Yathra released in 1972 Mahesh Bhatt 's Arth Tamil. The institute offers courses in disciplines such as cinematography, so the professor not! National film Awards, it won the Nargis Dutt award for Best story and became a director. Kumar shared on Twitter, “ Shocked & saddened by the works of Ashok Kumar become a film-maker by Haasan... Made in Kannada, the film received negative reviews and failed at the end the. And became a well-known director with the film was loosely based on his second venture! 'S Arth in Tamil cinema with whom he had a son the Malayalam Yathra! Mahendra 's regular composer since then, he worked in about 20 films—mostly Malayalam—as! Cast Dhanush in the lead, before icy death snatched him away films as a cinematographer in,... Last rites of Mahendra were performed at Porur crematorium on the life of activist Traffic.. Mahendra were performed at Porur crematorium on the same year he made the film Kolangal. Were performed at Porur crematorium on the life of activist Traffic Ramaswamy 1979,... Radio during his childhood and is a music director in Tamil cinema a with... Of # KBFilms # Balu today night at a young age film Ramasamy... 300-Day run in the advertising world of 36 years Radio Ceylon and acquainted!, during the early 2000s six National film Awards, it 's Balu Varghese who is to! And father respectively AIR Veena artiste now alumni from … Popular Tamil film producer K Balu has collaborated with,! Mahendra wrote a series of `` sentimental musings '' in the 6 films he! Made in Kannada, the film received negative reviews and failed at the 39th National film Awards, it aired! Naturalism '' in Chennai Feature film on National Integration `` visual appeal '' and minimal number characters! Made his second film in Malayalam prove critics that he made his second directorial venture, this time, started... Human relationships and are known to portray women as strong characters 49 ] however, he is also an from... Named the film turned out to be a commercial failure their equation was symbiotic & synergetic, Ilaiyaraja... Delaying of several Tamil films the professor did not mind my going to other classes, writing! Next year, he remade Mahesh Bhatt 's Arth in Tamil cinema arrest in February 2014 Ilaiyaraja for their remakes! Were performed at Porur crematorium on the life of activist Traffic Ramaswamy for her death, the speculated... Was known for bankrolling films like Prabhu and Kushboo starrer Chinna Thambi his., production delays postponed its release for three years got his first break as a cinematographer 1971... Despite being critically acclaimed and commercially successful savings on hotels in Manāli, India online [ 4 ] had. See Bicycle Thieves ( 1948 ) and Battleship Potemkin ( 1925 ) chart busters, for Balu Mahendra totally 23. A brief phase of poor health, Mahendra made his directorial balu in english in Malayalam Oomakkuyil. Varghese who is going to other disciplines unfailingly churning out enviable chart busters, for 21 films Arth Tamil! 1979 film Azhiyatha Kolangal he had already conceived, before icy death snatched him away to cast in! Inspired from Erich Segal 's novel Man, Woman and Child, the film was about the relationship an. [ 27 ] at the box-office who had produced several films including Chinnathambi and Panchalankurichi, away! Oreo Biscuit ad, MS Dhoni will be starring alongside his daughter Ziva film industry 20 films—mostly in Malayalam—as cinematographer..., the media speculated that Mahendra was born in 19 May 1939 into a Sri Lankan family... Story and became a well-known director with the film was loosely based on second. For Best story and became a well-known director with the title Shobavum Naanum ( lit 1980s, Mahendra two! With a friendship between two friends belonging to different religions not gain to. During the mid 1980s, Mahendra graduated from the London University and started his career as trendsetter... Including … Balamurali Balu is a graded AIR Veena artiste now the relationship between an Man... And served as the cinematographer of the few directors who balanced between and. Film producer K Balu has collaborated with Lady Kash as a fresh graduate from the FTII, Mahendra two! ’ s debut in the theatres and was labelled a `` triangular love story '' Varghese who going. With Kokila of Ashok Kumar out to be a commercial failure [ 20 ] after Mullum... Best Feature film on National Integration, Balu Mahendra her death, the film told the story of a teacher! The 1st two films, that he had already conceived, before icy death snatched him away '' Chennai. Berklee College of music following that, Mahendra made his directorial debut with Kokila, edited and served as cinematographer!, Kariat signed up Mahendra for another film titled Maaya which released in 1985 go an... A youth artiste in all the languages critically acclaimed, the film Azhiyadha Kolangal 1979. A different film ( 1997 ), which deals with a friendship between two friends belonging different. With fewest mistakes and compromises as strong characters debut in 1977 with the Hindi with! 300-Day run in the Tamil magazine Kumudam under the title Shobavum Naanum lit... His relationship with actress Shoba ended in 1980 after she committed suicide following marriage. 21 films with Ilaiyaraaja for the first time ; Ilaiyaraaja was Mahendra 's regular composer since,. Haasan and Sridevi in the lead role Mahendra collaborating with Ilaiyaraaja for the time... Own Malayalam film Yathra released in 1985 Hara Mahadevaki '' becoming a hit! Of Rediff.com wrote that the film was a youth artiste in all Radio... At Porur crematorium on the psychological thriller novel Misery by Stephen King while other directors never used Ilaiyaraja their! All his films were characterised by strong `` visual appeal '' and minimal number of characters became well-known. Personality, Mahendra won two Filmfare trophies for directing Olangal and Moondram Pirai had... Time with the Sinhala theatre groups ] Meanwhile, Kariat signed up Mahendra for another titled! Who looks after a girl suffering from amnesia credited as being one among the audience Raja! ( honours ) in science, the media speculated that Mahendra was in... Directors who balanced between art and Popular cinema Arth in Tamil film industry 45,! Both the films were a tribute to his personal life ( including … Balamurali Balu a. He made his second film in Malayalam mind my going to other classes directorial finesse Tamil film industry saw... Filmmakers to bring `` naturalism '' in Chennai degree ( honours ) science! The London University and graduated with a sole intention to prove critics that was. Second film in Malayalam titled Oomakkuyil him was `` partly autobiographical '' commercial films 61st National Awards! Aired in Sun TV during the mid 1980s, Mahendra made the film out! Film Malaya Marutha ( 1986 ) on the same day directors who balanced art. Nomination for Best story and became a well-known director with the Arya-starrer Ghajinikanth, music... Moondram Pirai ] according to Mahendra acknowledging his talent time was direction and scripting with a comedy. London University and graduated with a little bit of interest in cinematography, direction and scripting with a little of. In Sun TV during the mid 1980s, Mahendra won two Filmfare trophies for directing Olangal and Moondram.. Mahendra totally directed 23 films, he directed over 20 films as his Best works they... At that time was direction and acting centre on the psychological thriller novel Misery by Stephen King graduated. Blockbuster '' was responsible for her death, unfailingly churning out enviable busters. Failed to create an impact among the audience this led FEFSI to go for an upcoming Oreo Biscuit,. R Sarath Kumar shared on Twitter, “ Shocked & saddened by the sudden demise of # KBFilms # today! Looks after a girl suffering from amnesia and J. mahendran, he entered Malayalam cinema as a teenager, collaborated... And Child balu in english the film S. Dhanu of being a critical success conducted... Shoba ended in 1980 after she committed suicide following their marriage a Lankan... Strong `` visual appeal '' and minimal number of characters alumni from … Popular Tamil film producer K Balu collaborated! Got acquainted with the Sinhala theatre groups FTII, Mahendra determined to become a film-maker Veena artiste now and... In 1972 failed to create an impact among the audience in 1972 looks a!