Balachandra Menon is a multi-faceted talent of Malayalam cinema. This all-rounder of Malayalam cinema needs no introduction to Malayalis. He has proven his talent in many fields including actor, director, screenwriter, playback singer and television presenter. But more than these attributes, Malayalis prefer to remember him as a filmmaker who understood the emotions and life experiences of ordinary people. His films, which portrayed the realities of middle-class life with the utmost simplicity and sincerity, are still beloved by Malayalis.
Key Facts
Full Name: Balachandra Menon
Born: January 11, 1954
Nationality: Indian
Birthplace: Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha, Kerala, India
Profession: Actor, Director, Screenwriter, Producer, Playback Singer, Music Director, Editor, Author, Television Presenter
Early life and Background
Balachandra Menon was born on January 11, 1954. He was active in the acting field during his school and college education. His passion to become a film Director was rooted in his young mind and the story he wrote in his college magazine while a Pre Degree student (imagining himself as a film Director in future) bears testimony to it. He started with plays. He constantly tried to enter the cinema and ended up working in journalism. He decided to choose Journalism and joined the course as suggested by ONV Sir, his professor, who understood his attitude and passion for cinema. He joined the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Institute of Journalism in Trivandrum so that he could simultaneously continue his drama and other cultural activities.
He graduated as a Gold Medalist in Reporting and was immediately offered a job at the Times of India with a handsome salary. However, he turned down the offer and chose to join the NANA film weekly in Madras for a modest salary of Rs. 250. His only motivation was to stay close to the film world, share experiences with film personalities, and observe cinema at close quarters.
He started his career in 1975 as a film journalist. His life in Madras was highly productive and, as he often described, the happiest phase of his life. Without any constraints, fully immersed in cinema, he moved between studios, met eminent personalities from all aspects of filmmaking, and frequently watched films in theatres. He was also a regular visitor at the American Consulate screenings, where he watched English films and actively participated in post-screening discussions.
Alongside his work, he remained committed and punctual, earning a strong reputation among film journalists. His columns became popular, helping him carve a niche for himself in the field. Over the course of a year in Madras, his experiences gradually paved the way for his entry into a career in cinema.
He started off his film career in 1977 with his first film UTHRADARATHRI ( released on 21st July 1978) and 2025 marks his 50th year of his career in Malayalam Cinema.
In all his films, one can find the dedication of the writer – director to stick to family sentiments without yielding to the bad influence of commercial cinema like sex and violence which fetched him the name ‘The Family Film Maker’.
A Filmmaker Who Redefined Realistic Cinema
His style was to deconstruct exaggerated storytelling and commercial cinema through his writing. He gave audiences films that they could always relate to their own lives. Human emotions, the struggles of ordinary people, and family relationships all became his themes.
The naturalness in Balachandra Menon’s acting has always been widely admired. At a time when many actors relied on dramatic expressions and theatrical performances, Balachandra Menon acted like an ordinary human being. That is why his characters never felt like typical cinema characters, but rather like people we see in our own homes and surroundings.
There was a calmness and restraint in his performances. He never needed loud dialogues or exaggerated emotions to express feelings. Through subtle expressions, pauses, and natural conversation, he managed to command the screen effortlessly. Every character he portrayed in front of the camera felt believable and real. The depth of his acting can be clearly seen in films like Samantharangal, which eventually earned him the National Award as well.
While many actors chased stardom and larger-than-life images, Balachandra Menon remained close to real life, and Malayali audiences embraced him wholeheartedly for that very reason.
Origin of the Headband
The story behind the kerchief tied around the head of Balachandra Menon comes from a Malayalam idiom that signifies readiness for action.
In Malayalam, the expression “Arayum Thalayum Murukkuka” roughly translates to tightening one’s belt or loincloth and tying a band around the head in preparation for action, such as a fight or a stunt. Symbolically, he describes it as tightening an invisible loincloth, while what the audience actually sees is only the kerchief around his head—signifying that he is ready for action.
The origin of this habit goes back to the shooting of the film Karyam Nissaram. During the shoot, he was required to wear a wig. A person had been sent to bring it, but it did not arrive on time. As shooting was about to begin, he became anxious and restless.
Noticing his concern, actor Shri Prem Nazir, who was also acting in the film, asked about the issue. After hearing the reason, he smiled and pointed to a workshop mechanic on the set who used to tie a kerchief around his head to keep his hair in place. He suggested that he could do the same and proceed with the shoot.
From that day onwards, he began tying a kerchief around his head, which later became a distinctive part of his on-screen and off-screen identity.
Introducing New Talent
He was not someone who remained confined only to acting or directing, but a person who discovered new talents and brought them before the audience. His role was crucial in the early journey of many actors who later became major stars in Malayalam cinema.
He was always a trendsetter who consistently promoted new talent across every department of filmmaking. Among those who received early opportunities through him were Viji Thampi, R. Gopinath, and Rajan Sankaradi (directors); Shajiyem (art and poster design); Mahendran (art direction); Hemachandran (cinematography); K. P. Nambiathiri and R. Gopalkrishnan (still photography); Sasikala Menon and Devadas (lyrics); Kizhillom Velayudhan (costume design); Raman Nair and Viswanathan (editing); and Marcose, Preetha, Janaki Devi, Kaladevi, Sreevidya, Bharat Gopi, and Venu Nagavally (playback singing), among many others.
It also deserves special mention that actors such as Srinath, Shanawas, Maniyanpilla Raju, Baiju, Riyaz Khan, and Yadukrishnan, along with many of the leading heroines of Malayalam cinema from the 1980s onwards—including Shobana, Karthika, Parvathy, Lissy, Nandini, Annie, Usha, Meera, Sara and Dakshina—were introduced or nurtured by him, making a significant contribution to Malayalam cinema.
He also holds the rare distinction of introducing actors Shammi Kapoor and Rohini Hattangadi, along with music director Ravindra Jain, to Malayalam cinema.
A True Multi-Talented Personality
Very few people in Malayalam cinema have successfully handled multiple roles the way Balachandra Menon did. He worked as:
- Director
- Actor
- Screenplay Writer
- Editor
- Playback Singer
- Music Director
- Producer
- Distributor
- Television Host
His ability to contribute creatively in so many different areas made him one of the industry’s most respected all-round talents.
LIST OF BALACHANDRA MENON FILMS
Uthrada Rathri (1978)
Radha Enna Penkutty (1979)
Kalika (1980)
Aniyatha Valakal (1980)
Ishtamaanu Pakshe (1980)
Vaiki Vanna Vasantham (1980)
Maniyanpilla Adhava Maniyanpilla (1981)
Prema Geethangal (1981)
Tharattu (1981)
Kelkkatha Shabdam (1982)
Kilukilukkam (1982)
Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam (1982)
Chiriyo Chiri (1982)
Karyam Nissaram (1983)
Sesham Kazhchayil (1983)
Prasnam Gurutharam (1983)
April 18 (1984)
Arante Mulla Kochu Mulla (1984)
Oru Painkilikkatha (1984)
Manicheppu Thurannappol (1985),
Ente Ammu Ninte Thulasi Avarude Chakki (1985),
Vivahitare Ithile (1986)
Vilambaram(1987)
Achuvettante Veedu (1987)
Kandathum Kettathum (1989)
Njangalude Kochu Doctor (1989)
Kuruppinte Kanakkupusthakam (1990)
Nayam Vykthamakkunnu (1991)
Ammayane Sathyam (1993)
Sukham Sukhakaram (1994)
April 19 (1996),
Samantharangal (1998)
Krishna Gopalakrishna (2002)
Dhe Ingottu Nokkiye (2008)
Njan Samvidhanam Cheyyum (2016)
Ennalum Sarath (2018)
He also directed a Tamil Movie Thaikkoru Thalattu in 1986 with the thespians Sivaji Ganesan, Padmini in the main lead.
As An Actor With Other Directors
Daivatheyorth – R. Gopinath
Oru Maymasa Pulariyil – V. R. Gopinath
Rithubhedham – Prathap Pothen
Oohakkachavadam – K. Madhu
Kudumbapuranam – Sathyan Anthikad
Janmanthram -Thampi Kannanthanam
Isabella – Mohan
David David Mr. David – Viji Thampi
Sasneham – Sathyan Anthikad
Varthamana Kalam – I. V. Sasi
Santhanagopalam – Sathyan Anthikad
Avittam Thirunal Aarogya Sreeman – Viji Thampi
Janadhipathyam – K. Madhu
Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu – Kamal
The Truth – Shaji Kailas
Sathyameva Jayathe – Viji Thampi
Melevaaryathe Malakhakkuttikal – Thulasidas
Sathyam Shivam Sundaram – Raffi–Mecartin
Ishtam – Sibi Malayil
Nammal – Kamal
Saphalam – Asok R. Nath
Varum Varunnu Vannu – K.R. Ramadas
Rappakal – Kamal
December – Ashok R. Nath
Classmates – Lal Jose
College Kumaran – Thulasidas
Pranayakalam – Uday Ananthan
Nammal Thammil – Viji Thampi
Utharaswayamvaram – Remakanth Sarju
Buddy – Raaj Prabavathy Menon
Kunjananthante Kada – Salim Ahamed
Kadal Kadannoru Mathukutty – Ranjith
Oozham – Jeethu Joseph
One – Santhosh Viswanath
Pulimada – A. K. Sajan
A Ranjith Cinema – Nishanth Sattu
Prathichaya – B. Unnikrishnan
He also acted in a Tamil Movie titled ‘Album’ directed by Vasantha Balan with Saritha under the banner of K. Balachander’s Kavithalaya Productions —
Books Authored
Ammayane Sathyam ( an autobiography)
Kaanatha Sultanu Senhapoorvam ( Essay collection)
Ninne Enthinu Kollam? ( Collection of essays)
Ariyathathu Ariyendathu ( Essays)
Balachandramenonte 12 cherukathal ( short stories)
Ithiri neram othiri karyam (Filmy experiences)
Ente adhika prasangangal ( Speeches compilation)
Mukham abhimukham ( an interview collection)
Achuvetantey veedu ( screenplay adaptation)
Samantharangal ( screenplay adaptation)
April 18 ( screenplay adaption)
Krishna gopalakrishna ( screenplay adaptation)
Manicheppu Thurannappol (Flashes from flashback)
Start Acttion, Musings of a Movie Maker (English)
AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS in Cinema
1.Kerala State Award as the Best Story Writer – 1979.
2.Kunchacko Award for the Best Director – 1980.
3.Filmfare Award for the Best Director -1983.
4.Cinema Express A ward for the Best Director – 1984.
5.National Award for the Best Actor – 1997.
6.National Award for the Best Feature Film on Family Welfare as Producer -1997.
7.National Award for the Best Feature Film on Family Welfare as Director -1997.
8.Kerala State Award for EXCELLENCE in Various Areas of Film Making – 1997.
9.Filmfare Award for the Best Actor – 1998.
10.Sathyan National Award as Actor – 1998.
11.Film Critics Television. Award for the Best Actor in Television.
12.Muthukulam Award as Best Screenplay Writer in 1998.
13.Rajiv Gandhi Award for ALL round EXCELLENCE in Film making in 1998.
14.Lions Award of Excellence in appreciation of invaluable service rendered to Indian Cinema as Writer , Director & Actor in 2000.
15.Highest Award CHALACHITHRA RATNA by the Kerala Critics Association CHALACHITRA RATNA in 2000.
16.Premnazir Foundation Award for Achievements in Cinema in 2006.
17.Bharat Gopi Foundation Award for Best All rounder in Cinema in 2007.
18. Balachandra Menon was the proud recipient of the PADMASRI title the Nation conferred upon him in 2007 handed over by His Excellency The President of India Sri A P J Abdul Kalaam.
19. As the Author of the book ‘ Start Action : Musings of a Movie Maker ‘ Balachandra Menon received Special Mention for the Book Award for Excellence in Writing on Cinema at the 20th Mumbai Film Festival in 2018
20. Lifetime Achievement in Malayalam Cinema from ‘Vanitha’ Film Awards ( Malayala Manorama Group ) in 2019.
Other Unique Achievements:
- As a singer, he might be the only actor to have lent his voice not only for himself but also for three other actors, namely Madhu, Bharath Gopi, and Manoj K. Jayan.
- Introduced the successful ONV–Johnson duo to the Malayalam music industry.
- He was a music director for four films, an editor for five films, a background scorer for one film, produced and distributed six films, and acted in 35 films directed by others, apart from the 30 films he himself directed.
- Winner of the Karshakasri Award for the Best Farmer in 1998.
- An author of nine books, script adaptations of five films, and a publisher of three books.
- He is an orator and perhaps the only filmmaker to have published a compilation of his speeches and interviews.
- He is perhaps the only Indian filmmaker whose film Samantharangal won the National Award for Best Actor as well as the National Award for Best Feature Film on Family Welfare as both producer and director. It is also worth noting that Balachandra Menon handled ten departments in the film: story, screenplay, dialogue, direction, acting, editing, music direction, background music, production, and distribution.
- He also produced and directed telefilms and documentaries based on socially relevant themes such as road safety, environmental cleanliness, and the misuse of telephones.
- Founder of Roses, the family club that promotes healthy co-existence, and a stage performer who spreads social values through his songs and speeches.
- Entered the Limca Book of Records in 2018 as the filmmaker who scripted, acted in, and directed the highest number of films (29) by himself. His latest film increased that record to 30 films.
Balachandra Menon and the Changing Malayalam Cinema
Since the time Balachandra Menon entered cinema, the Malayalam film industry has undergone major changes when examined today. The methods of storytelling, technologies, and the audience’s perspective towards cinema have all changed according to the times. Today, Malayalam cinema has evolved into a style that is faster-paced and gives greater importance to technical excellence and visual beauty.
However, even amidst such changes, Balachandra Menon’s films continue to remain relevant. The reason for that is very clear. No matter how much times change, human happiness, sorrows, and the complexities of life never become outdated for audiences. That is precisely why film lovers are still able to hold his films close to their hearts even today.
Legacy
Balachandra Menon is respected across generations for the contributions he made to Malayalam cinema by leaving his unique mark in many fields including direction, acting, writing, and anchoring. Even after more than 50 years, he continues to remain one of the most respected multi-talented personalities in Malayalam cinema. No matter how much generations change, his films will always have a special place in the hearts of Malayalam audiences.
