Bala (director): Difference between revisions

Bala
Bala
	Bala at Salim Movie Audio Launch.
Born	Bala Palanisamy; 11 July 1966 (age 60); Uthamapalayam, Madras State, India
Alma mater	American College, Madurai
Occupation	Film director, Screenwriter, Film producer
Years active	1998–present
Spouse(s)	Muthumalar (m. 2004; div. 2022)

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Latest revision as of 09:18, 10 March 2026

Bala is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and film producer, working in Tamil cinema. Bala has been praised for "revolutionizing Tamil cinema"^[2]^[3]^[4] through his realistic, dark and disturbing depiction of the working class on celluloid screen.^[2]^[5] His films are known to be tragic and disturbing.

Film career[edit | edit source]

Bala was introduced by lyricist Arivumathi to director Balu Mahendra.^[6] Initially, he began working as a production assistant under him.^[7] Later Bala turned to work with him as assistant director in his movies.^[8]^[9] Bala made his directorial debut with Sethu in 1999, that gave a break to Vikram, the film's lead actor, who was also struggling in the Tamil film industry for almost a decade without a hit and recognition. More than 60 distributors saw the film and hesitated to screen it because of its tragic ending. The film was released on a low profile without any advertisement but after the first days the film started running to packed houses just through 'word of mouth'.^[10]^[11] The film was said to have initiated a 'new wave'^[12] as it received critical acclaim and became a hit. Its success led to remakes in Kannada (Huchcha), Telugu (Seshu), and Hindi (Tere Naam) languages. He next made Nandhaa in 2001, which gave a breakthrough for Suriya in the industry.^[13]

After delivering superhit films each with Vikram and Suriya, Bala reunited with both actors for the second time, and he made the two leading actors come together for the first time in Pithamagan (2003). Bala sketched the lead characters of the film well, and he impressed fans with the twists and turns in the film. Pithamagan mixed with different emotions made the audience enjoy the film, and the director gave an emotional climax to make the film remembered by fans for a long time.^[14]

Shaji N. Karun, who headed the jury of the 56th National Film Awards, said, "Bala is unique in many ways. The way he changed Tamil cinema's character was commendable ... There were many who tried for a change. Among the new generation of filmmakers, Bala leads the pack in bringing a change in Tamil cinema's outlook and approach."^[15]

In 2009, Naan Kadavul featuring Arya and Pooja Umashankar, won its first National Film Award for Best Direction.^[16] In 2011, Arya and Vishal playing the lead roles in the comedy drama Avan Ivan.^[17] Produced by Bala himself under the banner of B Studios, Paradesi (2013), takes on the challenge of transforming the boy-next-door looks of Atharvaa into an almost bald, unsophisticated village simpleton of a bygone era. After working with Ilaiyaraaja and Yuvan Shankar Raja in his earlier films, director Bala for the first time teams up with G. V. Prakash Kumar for the music of Paradesi.^[18] In 2016, overall the performances in Tharai Thappattai are of superior quality and so is the technical aspects.^[19] In 2018, Naachiyaar stars Jyothika in the titular role, while G. V. Prakash Kumar and newcomer Ivana play important supporting characters in this engaging crime thriller.^[20] In 2020, the romantic drama Varmaa was disappointed with critics.^[21] In 2025, Vanangaan, starring Arun Vijay, Roshni Prakash and Ridha, is a film where the hero takes justice into his hands. The film is yet another addition to movies insensitively portraying sexual crimes against women.^[22]

Dispute[edit | edit source]

Bala was chosen as the director of Varmaa, the Tamil remake of Arjun Reddy, for which the rights were bought by E4 Entertainment. Principal photography was wrapped up in September 2018. On 7 February 2019, E4 Entertainment issued a press statement stating that they would go for a complete re-shoot as they were not satisfied with the final cut provided by Bala. They added that the film would be relaunched with a completely new cast and crew while retaining lead actor Dhruv.^[23] Bala disagreed with these comments, saying it was his own decision to quit the film "in order to safeguard creative freedom" because he was asked to make changes.^[24] This became the first such incident in Tamil cinema that the producer of the film refused to release the film due to unsatisfactory final cut despite the completion of the film.^[25]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Bala was born and brought up in Madurai. His father worked in a bank in Madurai and his mother was a homemaker. Bala completed his graduation from American College with an aim to dive into the Tamil film industry.^[26] Bala married Muthumalar in 2004 and has a daughter. Bala and Muthumalar divorced in 2022, after 18 years of marriage.^[27]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Year	Film	Credited as			Notes
Year	Film	Director	Writer	Producer	Notes
1999	Sethu	Yes	Yes	No	Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director Cinema Express Award for Best Director – Tamil Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil
2001	Nandhaa	Yes	Yes	No	Cinema Express Award for Best Director^[28] Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil
2003	Pithamagan	Yes	Yes	No	ITFA Best Director Award Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil
2009	Naan Kadavul	Yes	Screenplay	No	National Film Award for Best Direction Vijay Award for Best Director Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil
2011	Avan Ivan	Yes	Yes	No
2013	Paradesi	Yes	Yes	Yes	South Indian Cinematographers Association Award for Best Director Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil Vijay Award for Best Director SIIMA Award for Best Director Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Director Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award Best Director Chennai International Film Festival Special Jury Award Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Film Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Film
2016	Tharai Thappattai	Yes	Yes	Yes
2018	Naachiyaar	Yes	Yes	Yes	^[29]^[30]^[31]
2020	Varmaa	Yes	No	No
2025	Vanangaan	Yes	Yes	Yes	^[32]

As producer[edit | edit source]

Year	Film	Notes
2006	Maayavi
2014	Pisaasu
2015	Chandi Veeran
2018	Naachiyaar
2022	Visithiran

As an actor[edit | edit source]

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1988	Veedu	Postman	Uncredited role
2011	Avan Ivan	Auto driver	Uncredited appearance

References[edit | edit source]

↑ "Varmaa controversy: Director Bala says he stepped down after he was asked to make changes to the Dhruv Vikram-starrer". Cinema Express. 9 February 2019. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 "Bala: Man of the moment". The Times of India. 25 January 2010. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 27 February 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2023.
↑ Naan Kadavul fever begins worldwide!. Sify.com (3 February 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.
↑ Pyramid Saimira releasing Naan kadavul in USA. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved on 21 June 2011.
↑ Bala's change for Soundarya Archived 29 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Behindwoods.com (24 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.
↑ Saravanan, T. (9 October 2014). "Man of his word". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
↑ "To Sir, with love". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
↑ Kolappan, B.; Subramanian, Karthik (13 February 2014). "Master craftsman who was also a great teacher". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
↑ "5 Filmmaking Tropes of Bala". Film Companion. 24 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
↑ The Hindu : About maternal bond^[usurped]. Hinduonnet.com (19 October 2001). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.
↑ 'You can't compare Bala to anyone else' Archived 15 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Specials.rediff.com (10 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.
↑ Exclusive: Bala on Naan Kadavul, God and faith Archived 6 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Specials.rediff.com (10 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.
↑ "Strangely familiar".
↑ "20 years of 'Pithamagan': Five soundest outcomes of Bala's directorial featuring Vikram and Suriya". The Times of India.
↑ Vilakudy, Rajaneesh (28 January 2010). "I never expected a film like Naan Kadavul from Tamil". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2013.
↑ "Bala bags National Award for Naan Kadavul". 16 May 2012.
↑ "Avan Ivan". 17 June 2011.
↑ "Review: Paradesi is exceptional".
↑ "Thaarai Thappattai - Movie Review". 13 January 2016.
↑ "Naachiyaar Movie Review". 16 February 2018.
↑ "Varmaa Movie Review". 6 October 2020.
↑ "Vanangaan review: Director Bala's film on sexual violence has contrasting ideologies".
↑ "E4 Entertainment not happy with Bala's Varmaa; to re-shoot the Arjun Reddy remake with a new team". Cinema Express. 7 February 2019. Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
↑ "Varmaa controversy: Director Bala says he stepped down after he was asked to make changes to the Dhruv Vikram-starrer". Cinema Express. 9 February 2019. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
↑ Sekar, Raja (7 February 2019). "Varmaa: Tamil remake of cult Telugu film Arjun Reddy dropped; producers and director Bala at loggerheads". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 9 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
↑ "azhiyadha kolangal book - Google Search". www.google.com. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
↑ "Director Bala and Muthumalar get divorced after 18 years of marriage". The Indian Express. 8 March 2022. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
↑ "'Kannathil Muthamittal' bags 6 Cinema Express awards". The Hindu. 22 December 2002. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
↑ "First look of Jyothika-Bala film". The Times of India. 28 February 2017. Archived from the original on 8 April 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
↑ "Naachiyar first look: Suriya unveils Jyothika's never-seen-before avatar, see pics". Indian Express. 28 February 2017. Archived from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
↑ "Jyothika, G.V. Prakash to star in Bala's next". The Hindu. 28 February 2017. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2017.
↑ "First look of Arun Vijay - Bala's 'Vanangaan' out". The Hindu. 25 September 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.

External links[edit | edit source]

Bala on IMDb

Template:Bala (director)

[1] "Varmaa controversy: Director Bala says he stepped down after he was asked to make changes to the Dhruv Vikram-starrer". Cinema Express. 9 February 2019. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.

[:0-2] 2.0 ^2.1 "Bala: Man of the moment". The Times of India. 25 January 2010. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 27 February 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2023.

[3] Naan Kadavul fever begins worldwide!. Sify.com (3 February 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.

[4] Pyramid Saimira releasing Naan kadavul in USA. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved on 21 June 2011.

[5] Bala's change for Soundarya Archived 29 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Behindwoods.com (24 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.

[6] Saravanan, T. (9 October 2014). "Man of his word". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2020.

[7] "To Sir, with love". The New Indian Express. 16 May 2012. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.

[8] Kolappan, B.; Subramanian, Karthik (13 February 2014). "Master craftsman who was also a great teacher". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2020.

[9] "5 Filmmaking Tropes of Bala". Film Companion. 24 April 2017. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2020.

[10] The Hindu : About maternal bond^[usurped]. Hinduonnet.com (19 October 2001). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.

[11] 'You can't compare Bala to anyone else' Archived 15 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Specials.rediff.com (10 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.

[12] Exclusive: Bala on Naan Kadavul, God and faith Archived 6 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Specials.rediff.com (10 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.

[13] "Strangely familiar".

[14] "20 years of 'Pithamagan': Five soundest outcomes of Bala's directorial featuring Vikram and Suriya". The Times of India.

[15] Vilakudy, Rajaneesh (28 January 2010). "I never expected a film like Naan Kadavul from Tamil". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2013.

[16] "Bala bags National Award for Naan Kadavul". 16 May 2012.

[17] "Avan Ivan". 17 June 2011.

[18] "Review: Paradesi is exceptional".

[19] "Thaarai Thappattai - Movie Review". 13 January 2016.

[20] "Naachiyaar Movie Review". 16 February 2018.

[21] "Varmaa Movie Review". 6 October 2020.

[22] "Vanangaan review: Director Bala's film on sexual violence has contrasting ideologies".

[reshot-23] "E4 Entertainment not happy with Bala's Varmaa; to re-shoot the Arjun Reddy remake with a new team". Cinema Express. 7 February 2019. Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.

[24] "Varmaa controversy: Director Bala says he stepped down after he was asked to make changes to the Dhruv Vikram-starrer". Cinema Express. 9 February 2019. Archived from the original on 10 February 2019. Retrieved 10 February 2019.

[25] Sekar, Raja (7 February 2019). "Varmaa: Tamil remake of cult Telugu film Arjun Reddy dropped; producers and director Bala at loggerheads". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 9 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.

[26] "azhiyadha kolangal book - Google Search". www.google.com. Retrieved 19 November 2024.

[27] "Director Bala and Muthumalar get divorced after 18 years of marriage". The Indian Express. 8 March 2022. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.

[28] "'Kannathil Muthamittal' bags 6 Cinema Express awards". The Hindu. 22 December 2002. Archived from the original on 7 June 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2018.

[FL-29] "First look of Jyothika-Bala film". The Times of India. 28 February 2017. Archived from the original on 8 April 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2017.

[pics-30] "Naachiyar first look: Suriya unveils Jyothika's never-seen-before avatar, see pics". Indian Express. 28 February 2017. Archived from the original on 28 February 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2017.

[naach-31] "Jyothika, G.V. Prakash to star in Bala's next". The Hindu. 28 February 2017. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2017.

[32] "First look of Arun Vijay - Bala's 'Vanangaan' out". The Hindu. 25 September 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|Indian film director and screenwriter}}
 {{Use Indian English|date=February 2019}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
 {{Infobox person
-| name               = Bala
+| name               =
 | image              = Director Bala at Salim Movie Audio Launch.jpg
-| caption            = Bala at ''[[Salim (film)|Salim ]]'' Movie Audio Launch.
+| caption            = Bala at ''[[Salim (film)|Salim]]'' Movie Audio Launch.
-| birthname          = Bala Palanisamy<ref>{{cite news |title=Varmaa controversy: Director Bala says he stepped down after he was asked to make changes to the Dhruv Vikram-starrer |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/09/varmaa-controversy-director-bala-says-he-stepped-down-after-he-was-asked-to-make-changes-to-the-dhr-10036.html |access-date=10 February 2019 |work=[[Cinema Express]] |date=9 February 2019}}</ref>
+| birthname          = Bala Palanisamy<ref>{{cite news |title=Varmaa controversy: Director Bala says he stepped down after he was asked to make changes to the Dhruv Vikram-starrer |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/09/varmaa-controversy-director-bala-says-he-stepped-down-after-he-was-asked-to-make-changes-to-the-dhr-10036.html |access-date=10 February 2019 |work=[[Cinema Express]] |date=9 February 2019 |archive-date=10 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210042225/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/09/varmaa-controversy-director-bala-says-he-stepped-down-after-he-was-asked-to-make-changes-to-the-dhr-10036.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
-| birth_date         = <!-- Please cite a reliable source for date of birth -->
+| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1966|07|11|df=y}}
-| birth_place        = Narayanathevanpatti, [[Chinnamanur]], [[Theni district|Theni]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
+| birth_place        = [[Uthamapalayam]], [[Madras State]], [[India]]
 | death_date         =
 | death_place        =
 | othername          =
-| occupation         = Director, screenwriter, film producer
+| occupation         = Film director, Screenwriter, Film producer
+| alma_mater         = [[American College, Madurai]]
 | years_active       = 1998–present
-| spouse             = {{marriage|Muthumalar|2004}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/lf/2004/07/08/stories/2004070810040200.htm |website=[[The Hindu]] |date=2004-07-08 |title=A star-studded wedding }}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
+| spouse             = {{marriage|Muthumalar|July 5, 2004|March 5, 2022|end=div}}
-| children           = Praarthana
+| children           =
 | domesticpartner    =
 }}
-'''Bala  Palanisamy''' is an Indian [[film director]], [[screenwriter]], and producer, working in [[Tamil cinema]]. Often considered to be one of the finest Indian directors, Bala is widely acclaimed for "revolutionizing Tamil cinema"<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110811030631/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-25/news-interviews/28141393_1_tamil-cinema-national-award-antaheen Bala: Man of the moment]. indiatimes.com (25 January 2010). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110710033701/http://www.sify.com/movies/naan-kadavul-fever-begins-worldwide-news-tamil-kkfsxoejhec.html Naan Kadavul fever begins worldwide!]. Sify.com (3 February 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/44767.html Pyramid Saimira releasing Naan kadavul in USA]. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref> through his realistic, dark and disturbing depiction of the working class on celluloid screen.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110811030631/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-01-25/news-interviews/28141393_1_tamil-cinema-national-award-antaheen Bala: Man of the moment]. Timesofindia.indiatimes.com (25 January 2010). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-09-04/bala-24-03-09.html Bala's change for Soundarya]. Behindwoods.com (24 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref>
+'''Bala ''' is an Indian film director, screenwriter, and film producer, working in [[Tamil cinema]]. Bala has been praised for "revolutionizing Tamil cinema"<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=25 January 2010 |title=Bala: Man of the moment |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/bala-man-of-the-moment/articleshow/5495035.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-11 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=27 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227183004/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Bala-Man-of-the-moment/articleshow/5495035.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110710033701/http://www.sify.com/movies/naan-kadavul-fever-begins-worldwide-news-tamil-kkfsxoejhec.html Naan Kadavul fever begins worldwide!]. Sify.com (3 February 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090206053947/http://indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/44767.html Pyramid Saimira releasing Naan kadavul in USA]. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref> through his realistic, dark and disturbing depiction of the working class on celluloid screen.<ref name=":0" /><ref>[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-09-04/bala-24-03-09.html Bala's change for Soundarya] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429093937/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-09-04/bala-24-03-09.html |date=29 April 2009 }}. Behindwoods.com (24 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref> His films are known to be tragic and disturbing.
-Just within directing a handful of films, his movies went on to win 6 National Awards, 13 State awards, 15 Filmfare Awards, 14 International Festival Awards and numerous coveted state awards which created a storm within the Indian movie scene. Apart from the awards, actors who played lead roles were transformed into brand new avatars and became stars.
+== Film career ==
+Bala was introduced by lyricist [[Arivumathi]] to director [[Balu Mahendra]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Saravanan|first=T.|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/poet-and-lyricist-arivumathi-talks-about-his-struggles-to-stay-afloat-in-the-mad-rush-to-name-and-fame/article6485201.ece|title=Man of his word|date=2014-10-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128090921/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/poet-and-lyricist-arivumathi-talks-about-his-struggles-to-stay-afloat-in-the-mad-rush-to-name-and-fame/article6485201.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Initially, he began working as a production assistant under him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/sep/25/to-sir-with-love-294459.html|title=To Sir, with love|website=The New Indian Express|date=16 May 2012 |access-date=2020-03-26|archive-date=26 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326162020/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/sep/25/to-sir-with-love-294459.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later Bala turned to work with him as assistant director in his movies.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Kolappan|first1=B.|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/master-craftsman-who-was-also-a-great-teacher/article5684162.ece|title=Master craftsman who was also a great teacher|date=2014-02-13|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-26|last2=Subramanian|first2=Karthik|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=29 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229121324/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/master-craftsman-who-was-also-a-great-teacher/article5684162.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/5-filmmaking-tropes-of-bala|title=5 Filmmaking Tropes of Bala|date=2017-04-24|website=Film Companion|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-26|archive-date=2 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002192346/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/5-filmmaking-tropes-of-bala|url-status=live}}</ref> Bala made his directorial debut with ''[[Sethu (film)|Sethu]]'' in 1999, that gave a break to [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]], the film's lead actor, who was also struggling in the Tamil film industry for almost a decade without a hit and recognition. More than 60 distributors saw the film and hesitated to screen it because of its tragic ending. The film was released on a low profile without any advertisement but after the first days the film started running to packed houses just through 'word of mouth'.<ref>{{usurped|[https://web.archive.org/web/20020526050958/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/10/19/stories/09190224.htm The Hindu : About maternal bond]}}. Hinduonnet.com (19 October 2001). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref><ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/10slde2-bala-on-naan-kadavul-god-and-faith.htm 'You can't compare Bala to anyone else'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415142836/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/10slde2-bala-on-naan-kadavul-god-and-faith.htm |date=15 April 2009 }}. Specials.rediff.com (10 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref> The film was said to have initiated a 'new wave'<ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/10slde1-bala-on-naan-kadavul-god-and-faith.htm Exclusive: Bala on Naan Kadavul, God and faith] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906113338/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/10slde1-bala-on-naan-kadavul-god-and-faith.htm |date=6 September 2009 }}. Specials.rediff.com (10 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref> as it received critical acclaim and became a hit. Its success led to remakes in Kannada (''[[Huchcha]]''), Telugu (''[[Seshu]]''), and Hindi (''[[Tere Naam]]'') languages. He next made ''[[Nandhaa]]'' in 2001, which gave a breakthrough for [[Suriya (actor)|Suriya]]  in the industry.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/2001/dec/06nandha.htm|title = Strangely familiar}}</ref>
+After delivering superhit films each with [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]] and [[Suriya (actor)|Suriya]], Bala reunited with both actors for the second time, and he made the two leading actors come together for the first time in ''[[Pithamagan]]'' (2003). Bala sketched the lead characters of the film well, and he impressed fans with the twists and turns in the film. ''Pithamagan'' mixed with different emotions made the audience enjoy the film, and the director gave an emotional climax to make the film remembered by fans for a long time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/20-years-of-pithamagan-five-soundest-outcomes-of-balas-directorial-featuring-vikram-and-suriya/photostory/104727090.cms?picid=104727115|title = 20 years of 'Pithamagan': Five soundest outcomes of Bala's directorial featuring Vikram and Suriya| website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref>
+[[Shaji N. Karun]], who headed the jury of the [[56th National Film Awards]], said, "Bala is unique in many ways. The way he changed Tamil cinema's character was commendable ... There were many who tried for a change. Among the new generation of filmmakers, Bala leads the pack in bringing a change in Tamil cinema's outlook and approach."<ref>{{cite web |last=Vilakudy |first=Rajaneesh |title=I never expected a film like Naan Kadavul from Tamil |url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/28/why-bala-got-his-national-award.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=16 March 2013 |date=28 January 2010 |archive-date=20 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220060830/http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/28/why-bala-got-his-national-award.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>
-== Film career ==
+In 2009, ''[[Naan Kadavul]]'' featuring [[Arya (actor)|Arya]] and [[Pooja Umashankar]], won its first [[National Film Award for Best Direction]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2010/Jan/24/bala-bags-national-award-for-naan-kadavul-163885.html|title = Bala bags National Award for Naan Kadavul| date=16 May 2012 }}</ref> In 2011, Arya and [[Vishal (actor)|Vishal]] playing the lead roles in the comedy drama ''[[Avan Ivan]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/avan-ivan-tamil-movie-12014|title = Avan Ivan| date=17 June 2011 }}</ref> Produced by Bala himself under the banner of [[B Studios]], ''[[Paradesi (2013 film)|Paradesi]]'' (2013), takes on the challenge of transforming the boy-next-door looks of [[Atharvaa]] into an almost bald, unsophisticated village simpleton of a bygone era. After working with [[Ilaiyaraaja]] and [[Yuvan Shankar Raja]] in his earlier films, director Bala for the first time teams up with [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]] for the music of ''Paradesi''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-review-paradesi-is-exceptional/20130315.htm|title = Review: Paradesi is exceptional}}</ref> In 2016, overall the performances in ''[[Tharai Thappattai]]'' are of superior quality and so is the technical aspects.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/thaarai-thappattai/thaarai-thappattai-review.html|title = Thaarai Thappattai - Movie Review| date=13 January 2016 }}</ref> In 2018, ''[[Naachiyaar]]'' stars [[Jyothika]] in the titular role, while [[G. V. Prakash Kumar]] and newcomer [[Ivana (actress)|Ivana]] play important supporting characters in this engaging crime thriller.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/naachiyaar/naachiyaar-review.html|title = Naachiyaar Movie Review| date=16 February 2018 }}</ref> In 2020, the romantic drama ''[[Varmaa]]'' was disappointed with critics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies/varmaa/varmaa-review.html|title = Varmaa Movie Review| date=6 October 2020 }}</ref> In 2025, ''[[Vanangaan]]'', starring [[Arun Vijay]], [[Roshni Prakash]] and Ridha, is a film where the hero takes justice into his hands. The film is yet another addition to movies insensitively portraying sexual crimes against women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/vanangaan-movie-review-director-bala-arun-vijay-film-on-sexual-violence-has-contrasting-ideologies-2662949-2025-01-10|title = Vanangaan review: Director Bala's film on sexual violence has contrasting ideologies}}</ref>
- [[File:Bala Paradesi Shoot.jpg|thumb|Bala on the sets of his film ''[[Paradesi (2013 film)|Paradesi]]''.]]
-Bala was introduced by lyricist [[Arivumathi]] to director [[Balu Mahendra]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Saravanan|first=T.|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/poet-and-lyricist-arivumathi-talks-about-his-struggles-to-stay-afloat-in-the-mad-rush-to-name-and-fame/article6485201.ece|title=Man of his word|date=2014-10-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Initially he was working as a production assistant in Balu Mahendra movie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/sep/25/to-sir-with-love-294459.html|title=To Sir, with love|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> Later Bala turned to work with him as assistant director in his movies.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Kolappan|first1=B.|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/master-craftsman-who-was-also-a-great-teacher/article5684162.ece|title=Master craftsman who was also a great teacher|date=2014-02-13|work=The Hindu|access-date=2020-03-26|last2=Subramanian|first2=Karthik|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/5-filmmaking-tropes-of-bala/|title=5 Filmmaking Tropes of Bala|date=2017-04-24|website=Film Companion|language=en-US|access-date=2020-03-26}}</ref> Bala made his directorial debut with ''[[Sethu (film)|Sethu]]'' in 1999, that gave a break to [[Vikram (actor)|Vikram]], the film's lead actor, who was also struggling in the Tamil film industry for almost a decade without a hit and recognition. More than 60 distributors saw the film and hesitated to screen it because of its tragic ending. The film was released on a low profile without any advertisement but after the first days the film started running to packed houses just through 'word of mouth'.<ref>[http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2001/10/19/stories/09190224.htm The Hindu : About maternal bond]. Hinduonnet.com (19 October 2001). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref><ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/10slde2-bala-on-naan-kadavul-god-and-faith.htm 'You can't compare Bala to anyone else']. Specials.rediff.com (10 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref> The film was said to have initiated a 'new wave'<ref>[http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2009/mar/10slde1-bala-on-naan-kadavul-god-and-faith.htm Exclusive: Bala on Naan Kadavul, God and faith]. Specials.rediff.com (10 March 2009). Retrieved on 21 June 2011.</ref> as it received critical acclaim and became a hit. Its success led to remakes in Kannada (''[[Huchcha]]''), Telugu (''[[Seshu]]'') and Hindi (''[[Tere Naam]]'') languages.
+== Dispute ==
+Bala was chosen as the director of ''[[Varmaa]]'', the Tamil remake of ''[[Arjun Reddy]]'', for which the rights were bought by E4 Entertainment. Principal photography was wrapped up in September 2018. On 7 February 2019, E4 Entertainment issued a press statement stating that they would go for a complete re-shoot as they were not satisfied with the final cut provided by Bala. They added that the film would be relaunched with a completely new cast and crew while retaining lead actor Dhruv.<ref name="reshot">{{Cite news |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/07/e4-entertainment-not-happy-with-of-balas-varmaa-to-re-shoot-the-arjun-reddy-remake-with-a-new-team-10004.html |title=E4 Entertainment not happy with Bala's Varmaa; to re-shoot the Arjun Reddy remake with a new team |date=7 February 2019 |work=[[Cinema Express]] |access-date=7 February 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207131854/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/07/e4-entertainment-not-happy-with-of-balas-varmaa-to-re-shoot-the-arjun-reddy-remake-with-a-new-team-10004.html |archive-date=7 February 2019}}</ref> Bala disagreed with these comments, saying it was his own decision to quit the film "in order to safeguard creative freedom" because he was asked to make changes.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/09/varmaa-controversy-director-bala-says-he-stepped-down-after-he-was-asked-to-make-changes-to-the-dhr-10036.html |title=Varmaa controversy: Director Bala says he stepped down after he was asked to make changes to the Dhruv Vikram-starrer |date=9 February 2019 |work=[[Cinema Express]] |access-date=10 February 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190210042225/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/feb/09/varmaa-controversy-director-bala-says-he-stepped-down-after-he-was-asked-to-make-changes-to-the-dhr-10036.html |archive-date=10 February 2019}}</ref> This became the first such incident in Tamil cinema that the producer of the film refused to release the film due to unsatisfactory final cut despite the completion of the film.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/varmaa-tamil-remake-of-cult-telugu-film-arjun-reddy-dropped-producers-and-director-bala-at-loggerheads-6047231.html |title=Varmaa: Tamil remake of cult Telugu film Arjun Reddy dropped; producers and director Bala at loggerheads |last=Sekar |first=Raja |date=7 February 2019 |website=[[Firstpost]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124526/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/varmaa-tamil-remake-of-cult-telugu-film-arjun-reddy-dropped-producers-and-director-bala-at-loggerheads-6047231.html |archive-date=9 February 2019 |access-date=7 February 2019}}</ref>
-== Quotes ==
+== Personal life ==
-"Bala is unique in many ways. The way he changed Tamil cinema's character was commendable ... There were many who tried for a change. Among the new generation of filmmakers, Bala leads the pack in bringing a change in Tamil cinema's outlook and approach." [[Shaji N. Karun]], who headed the jury of the [[56th National Film Awards]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Vilakudy |first=Rajaneesh |title=I never expected a film like Naan Kadavul from Tamil |url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/28/why-bala-got-his-national-award.htm |publisher=Rediff.com |access-date=16 March 2013 |date=28 January 2010}}</ref>
+Bala was born and brought up in Madurai. His father worked in a bank in [[Madurai]] and his mother was a homemaker. Bala completed his graduation from  [[American College, Madurai|American College]] with an aim to dive into the Tamil film industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=azhiyadha kolangal book - Google Search |url=https://www.google.com/search?q=azhiyadha+kolangal+book#ip=1 |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=www.google.com}}</ref> Bala married Muthumalar in 2004 and has a daughter. Bala and Muthumalar divorced in 2022, after 18 years of marriage.<ref>{{cite news |title=Director Bala and Muthumalar get divorced after 18 years of marriage |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/director-bala-and-muthumalar-legally-end-their-18-years-of-marriage-7806316/ |access-date=14 July 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=8 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714052200/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/director-bala-and-muthumalar-legally-end-their-18-years-of-marriage-7806316/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 == Filmography ==
 {| class="wikitable sortable"
+! rowspan="2" |Year
+! rowspan="2" |Film
+! colspan="3" |Credited as
+! rowspan="2" style="text-align: center;" |Notes
 |-
-! rowspan="2" style="width:20px;"| Year
+!Director
-! rowspan="2" style="width:100px;"| Film
+!Writer
-! colspan="3" | Credited as
+!Producer
-! rowspan="2"  style="text-align:center; width:500px;" class="unsortable"| Awards/Nominations
 |-
-! style="width:10px;" | Director
+| 1999 || ''[[Sethu (film)|Sethu]]''
-! style="width:20px;" | Writer
+|{{Yes}}
-! width=30 | Producer
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{No}}||
+[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director]]<br />[[Cinema Express Award for Best Director – Tamil]]<br />
+[[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil]]<br />[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]]
 |-
-| 1999 || ''[[Sethu (film)|Sethu]]'' || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} ||
+| 2001 || ''[[Nandhaa]]''
-[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director]]<br />[[Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil]]<br />
+|{{Yes}}
-[[Filmfare Award for Best Director&nbsp;– Tamil]]<br />[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]]
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{No}}|| [[Cinema Express Awards|Cinema Express Award for Best Director]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2002/12/22/stories/2002122206330300.htm |title='Kannathil Muthamittal' bags 6 Cinema Express awards |access-date=5 February 2018 |archive-date=7 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607071034/http://www.hindu.com/2002/12/22/stories/2002122206330300.htm |website=[[The Hindu]] |date=2002-12-22 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br />Nominated, [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil]]
 |-
-| 2001 || ''[[Nandha]]'' || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} ||
+| 2003 || ''[[Pithamagan]]''
-Nominated – [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil]]<br />
+|{{Yes}}
-[https://web.archive.org/web/20171024031912/http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/22/stories/2002122206330300.htm 22nd Cinema Express Award for Best Director– Tamil]
+|{{Yes}}
-|-
+|{{No}}||
-| 2003 || ''[[Pithamagan]]'' || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} ||
 [[ITFA Best Director Award]]<br />
 [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil]]
 |-
-| 2005 || ''[[Maayavi]]'' || {{no}} || {{no}} || {{yes}} ||
+| 2009 || ''[[Naan Kadavul]]''
-|-
+|{{Yes}}
-| 2009 || ''[[Naan Kadavul]]'' || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} ||
+|{{partial|Screenplay}}
+|{{No}}||
 [[National Film Award for Best Direction]]<br />
 [[Vijay Award for Best Director]] <br />
-Nominated – [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil]]
+Nominated, [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil]]
 |-
-| 2011 || ''[[Avan Ivan]]'' || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} ||
+| 2011 || ''[[Avan Ivan]]''
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{No}}||
 |-
-| 2013 || ''[[Paradesi (2013 film)|Paradesi]]'' || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}} ||
+| 2013 || ''[[Paradesi (2013 film)|Paradesi]]''
-South Indian Cinematographers Association (SICA) Awards – Best Director<br />
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}||
+South Indian Cinematographers Association Award for Best Director<br />
 [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil]] <br />
 [[Vijay Award for Best Director]] <br />
-B – [[3rd South Indian International Movie Awards]]<br />
+[[3rd South Indian International Movie Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Director]]<br />
-Best Director – [[Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards]]<br />
+[[Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards|Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Director]]<br />
-Best Director – [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards]]<br />
+[[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards|Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award Best Director]]<br />
-Special Jury Award – [[11th Chennai International Film Festival]]<br />
+[[11th Chennai International Film Festival|Chennai International Film Festival Special Jury Award]]<br />
-Best Film – [[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards]]<br />
+[[Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards|Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Film]]<br />
-Best Film (Special Appreciation) – [http://siima.in/2014/winners.html 3rd South Indian International Movie Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519165255/http://siima.in/2014/winners.html |date=19 May 2017 }}<br />
+[[Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards|Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Film]] <br />
-Best Film – [[Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards]]<br />
+|-
+| 2016 || ''[[Tharai Thappattai]]''
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}||
+|-
+| 2018 || ''[[Naachiyaar]]''
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}|| <ref name="FL">{{cite news |title=First look of Jyothika-Bala film |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-look-of-jyothika-bala-film/articleshow/57390391.cms |access-date=1 March 2017 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=28 February 2017 |archive-date=8 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408063503/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-look-of-jyothika-bala-film/articleshow/57390391.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="pics">{{cite news |title=Naachiyar first look: Suriya unveils Jyothika's never-seen-before avatar, see pics |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/naachiyar-first-look-suriya-unveils-jyothika-never-seen-before-avatar-see-pics-4547968/ |access-date=1 March 2017 |work=[[Indian Express]] |date=28 February 2017 |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228114955/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/naachiyar-first-look-suriya-unveils-jyothika-never-seen-before-avatar-see-pics-4547968/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="naach">{{cite news |title=Jyothika, G.V. Prakash to star in Bala's next |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jyothika-gv-prakash-to-star-in-balas-next/article17382016.ece |access-date=1 March 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 February 2017 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407024031/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jyothika-gv-prakash-to-star-in-balas-next/article17382016.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
+|-
+|2020
+|''[[Varmaa]]''
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{No}}
+|{{No}}||
+|-
+| 2025
+|''[[Vanangaan]]''
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}
+|{{Yes}}||<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-25 |title=First look of Arun Vijay - Bala's 'Vanangaan' out |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/first-look-of-arun-vijay-balas-vanangaan-out/article67343731.ece |access-date=2023-09-25 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=25 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925115735/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/first-look-of-arun-vijay-balas-vanangaan-out/article67343731.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
+|-
+|}
+===As producer===
+{| class="wikitable sortable"
 |-
-| 2014 || ''[[Pisaasu]]'' || {{no}} || {{no}} || {{yes}}||
+! style="width:20px;"| Year
+! style="width:100px;"| Film
+!  style="text-align:center; width:50px;" class="unsortable"| Notes
 |-
-| 2015 || ''[[Chandi Veeran]]'' || {{no}} || {{no}} || {{yes}}||
+| 2006 || ''[[Maayavi]]'' ||
 |-
-| 2016 || ''[[Tharai Thappattai]]'' || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{no}} ||
+| 2014 || ''[[Pisaasu]]'' ||
 |-
-| 2018 || ''[[Naachiyaar]]'' || {{yes}} || {{yes}} || {{yes}} ||<ref name="FL">{{cite news |title=First look of Jyothika-Bala film |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/first-look-of-jyothika-bala-film/articleshow/57390391.cms |access-date=1 March 2017 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=28 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="pics">{{cite news |title=Naachiyar first look: Suriya unveils Jyothika's never-seen-before avatar, see pics |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/naachiyar-first-look-suriya-unveils-jyothika-never-seen-before-avatar-see-pics-4547968/ |access-date=1 March 2017 |work=[[Indian Express]] |date=28 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="naach">{{cite news |title=Jyothika, G.V. Prakash to star in Bala's next |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jyothika-gv-prakash-to-star-in-balas-next/article17382016.ece |access-date=1 March 2017 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=28 February 2017}}</ref>
+| 2015 || ''[[Chandi Veeran]]'' ||
 |-
-|2020
+| 2018 || ''[[Naachiyaar]]'' ||
-|''[[Varmaa]]''
-| {{yes}}
-| {{no}}
-| {{no}}
-|
 |-
-|2021
+|2022
 |''[[Visithiran]]''
-| {{no}}
-| {{no}}
-| {{yes}}
 |
+|-
 |}
+===As an actor===
+{| class="wikitable sortable"
+|-
+! Year
+! Title
+! Role
+! Notes
+|-
+| 1988 || ''[[Veedu]]'' || Postman || Uncredited role
+|-
+| 2011 || ''[[Avan Ivan]]'' || Auto driver || Uncredited appearance
+|}
 == References ==
@@ Line 113: / Line 167: @@
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Bala}}
 [[Category:Living people]]
-[[Category:20th-century Indian film directors]]
+[[Category:20th-century Indian people]]
-[[Category:21st-century Indian film directors]]
+[[Category:21st-century Indian screenwriters]]
 [[Category:Best Director National Film Award winners]]
 [[Category:Filmfare Awards South winners]]
@@ Line 123: / Line 177: @@
 [[Category:Tamil screenwriters]]
 [[Category:Screenwriters from Tamil Nadu]]
-[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
+[[Category:1966 births]]

v t e National Film Award for Best Direction
1967–1980	Satyajit Ray (1967) Satyajit Ray (1968) Mrinal Sen (1969) Satyajit Ray (1970) Girish Karnad and B. V. Karanth (1971) Adoor Gopalakrishnan (1972) Mani Kaul (1973) Satyajit Ray (1974) Satyajit Ray (1975) P. Lankesh (1976) G. Aravindan (1977) G. Aravindan (1978) Mrinal Sen (1979) Mrinal Sen (1980)
1981–2000	Aparna Sen (1981) Utpalendu Chakrabarty (1982) Mrinal Sen (1983) Adoor Gopalakrishnan (1984) Shyam Benegal (1985) G. Aravindan (1986) Adoor Gopalakrishnan (1987) Shaji N. Karun (1988) Adoor Gopalakrishnan (1989) Tapan Sinha (1990) Satyajit Ray (1991) Goutam Ghose (1992) T. V. Chandran (1993) Jahnu Barua (1994) Saeed Akhtar Mirza (1995) Agathiyan (1996) Jayaraj (1997) Rajeevnath (1998) Buddhadeb Dasgupta (1999) Rituparno Ghosh (2000)
2001–present	B. Lenin (2001) Aparna Sen (2002) Goutam Ghose (2003) Buddhadeb Dasgupta (2004) Rahul Dholakia (2005) Madhur Bhandarkar (2006) Adoor Gopalakrishnan (2007) Bala (2008) Rituparno Ghosh (2009) Vetrimaaran (2010) Gurvinder Singh (2011) Shivaji Lotan Patil (2012) Hansal Mehta (2013) Srijit Mukherji (2014) Sanjay Leela Bhansali (2015) Rajesh Mapuskar (2016) Jayaraj (2017) Aditya Dhar (2018) Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan (2019)

v t e Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Director
1972–1990	P. Madhavan (1972) A. C. Tirulokchandar (1973) K. Balachander (1974) K. Balachander (1975) S. P. Muthuraman (1976) S. P. Muthuraman (1977) Bharathiraja (1978) Mahendran (1979) K. Balachander (1980) K. Balachander (1981) Balu Mahendra (1982) A. Jagannathan (1983) K. Balachander (1984) Fazil (1985) Mani Ratnam (1986) Bharathiraja (1987) Balu Mahendra (1988) K. Balachander (1989) Mani Ratnam (1990)
1991–2010	Mani Ratnam (1991) K. Balachander (1992) Shankar (1993) Shankar (1994) Mani Ratnam (1995) Agathiyan (1996) Cheran (1997) Cheran (1998) Bala (1999) Rajiv Menon (2000) Cheran (2001) Mani Ratnam (2002) Bala (2003) Cheran (2004) Shankar (2005) Vasanthabalan (2006) Ameer Sultan (2007) M. Sasikumar (2008) Priyadarshan (2009) Vasanthabalan (2010)
2011–present	Vetrimaaran (2011) Balaji Sakthivel (2012) Bala (2013) AR Murugadoss (2014) Mohan Raja (2015) Sudha Kongara (2016) Pushkar–Gayathri (2017)

v t e Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Director
1967–1980	C. N. Shanmugam (1967) Krishnan–Panju (1968) P. Neelakantan (1969) P. Madhavan (1970) Not awarded (1971) Not awarded (1972) Not awarded (1973) Not awarded (1974) Not awarded (1975) Not awarded (1976) Bharathiraja (1977) Durai (1978) S. P. Muthuraman (1979) K. Balachander (1980)
1981–2000	Bharathiraja (1981) Muktha Srinivasan (1982) Not awarded (1983) Not awarded (1984) Not awarded (1985) Not awarded (1986) Not awarded (1987) P. R. Devaraj (1988) K. Balachander (1989) Vikraman (1990) P. Vasu (1991) Mani Ratnam (1992) Shankar (1993) K. S. Ravikumar (1994) Vasanth (1995) Agathiyan (1996) Vikraman & Cheran (1997) R. Parthiepan (1998) Bala (1999) Vikraman (2000)
2001–present	Susi Ganesan (2001) Mani Ratnam (2002) Karu Pazhaniappan (2003) Cheran (2004) Shankar (2005) Thirumurugan (2006) Thangar Bachan (2007) Radha Mohan (2008) Vasanthabalan (2009) Prabhu Solomon (2010) A. L. Vijay (2011) Balaji Sakthivel (2012) Ram (2013) N. Ragavan (2014)

Bala
Bala at Salim Movie Audio Launch.
Born	Bala Palanisamy^[1] (1966-07-11) 11 July 1966 (age 60) Uthamapalayam, Madras State, India
Alma mater	American College, Madurai
Occupation	Film director, Screenwriter, Film producer
Years active	1998–present
Spouse(s)	Muthumalar ( m. 2004; div. 2022)