Balu Mahendra

Biography

Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran or commonly known as Balu Mahendra, was an Indian cinematographer, director, screenwriter and film editor. Born into a Sri Lankan Tamil household, Mahendra developed a passion towards photography and literature at a tender age. He was drawn towards film-making after witnessing the shoot of David Lean's The Bridge on the River Kwai in Sri Lanka. He started his career as a literary editor before gaining an admission to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to pursue a course in cinematography. Mahendra entered films as a cinematographer in the early 1970s and gradually rose to becoming a film-maker by the end of the decade.

Directed

1. Moondram Pirai (1982) — Director
2. Sadma (1983) — Director
3. Sathi Leelavathi (1995) — Director
4. Yathra (1985) — Director
5. Veedu (1988) — Director
6. Moodupani (1980) — Director
7. Un Kannil Neer Vazhinthal... (1985) — Director
8. Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005) — Director
9. Rettai Vaal Kuruvi (1987) — Director
10. Julie Ganapathi (2003) — Director
11. Sandhya Raagam (1989) — Director
12. Azhiyatha Kolangal (1979) — Director
13. Neengal Kettavai (1984) — Director
14. Olangal (1982) — Director
15. Vanna Vanna Pookkal (1992) — Director
16. Kokila (1977) — Director
17. Marupadiyum (1993) — Director
18. Nireekshana (1986) — Director
19. Raman Abdullah (1997) — Director
20. Oomakkuyil (1983) — Director
21. Aur Ek Prem Kahani (1996) — Director
22. Chakravyuham (1992) — Director
23. Poonthenaruvi Chuvannu (1991) — Director
24. Thalaimuraigal (2013) — Director
25. En Iniya Pon Nilavae (2001) — Director
26. Vasanthame Varuga (1983) — Director
27. Kathai Neram (2000) — Director

Also appeared in

1. Thalaimuraigal (2013) — Grandfather