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He is considered the ace cinematographer-cum-director who changed the phase of Indian cinema. He brought great repute to Tamil cinema with his honest approach and dwelling on realistic themes. He brought to light several talents and lapped up several awards in his career spanning over three decades. Balu Mahendra, the peerless film personality, is on a new role now. The movie who wielded the megaphone for several classics like Azhiyaadha Kolangal, Veedu, Sandhya Ragam, Marupadiyum and Moonram Pirai is penning his autobiography. One of the great film personalities, whose works have been showcased abroad in several film festivals, Balu Mahendra's autobiography would no doubt be a treasure for those who aspire to make a career in cinema.
Balu Mahendra to start film institute
The Indian film industry is the largest in the world in terms of number of films, and Tamil film industry is the third biggest regional film industry in India. Besides, there has been an upsurge of many talented, educated and techno-savvy youngsters who are making heads turn with their novel and experimental efforts and cinema today is not what it used to be decades back. There was a time when the educated did not prefer getting into the celluloid world but now, things have changed and yes, for the better. Despite these facts, there are not many institutes that offer professional training and guidance to aspiring film-makers and wannabe actors. This has been much talked about by people like Kamal Hassan and now, there is good news for those that shared similar views. Ace cinematographer and film-maker Balu Mahendra is all geared up to start an institute for films at Chennai and this, he said, will offer courses in acting, direction and cinematography. Balu Mahendra, a product of the Poona film institute himself, has been toying with the idea as many acquaintances had been asking him to start an institute for films. Now, he is all set to start this school and what's better, he will himself teach direction and cinematography for students of the institute! Gopali of the National School of Drama (NSD) will head the acting department and guest lectures will be presented by experienced hands from the south Indian film industry. This institute, named 'Balu Mahendra Cinema Pattarai' will be formally inaugurated on 7 September. So all ye creative minds, unite! For, you will be learning the art from the master himself!
Balu Mahendras new movie
Balu Mahendra, who has kept himself away from filmmaking, is all set to start his new project. His forthcoming project, 'Anal Kaatru' was launched today (February 6) at South Indian Film Chambers of Commerce, Chennai. 'Anal Kaatru' was one of the two films launched today, the other one being 'Indira Vizha' by K. Rajeswar, who has directed movies like 'Amaran' and 'Kovilpatti Veralakshmi'. The launch function was graced by the presence of Hindi Filmmaker Rajkumar Santhoshi, who participated as Chief Guest. Rajeshwar, who has penned the story and script for many distinguished films like 'Aval Appadiththaan' and 'Panneer Pushpangal', has written scripts for Santhoshi's Hindi films too. Santhoshi attended the function as a gesture of his friendship with Rajeshwar. Rama Narayanan, Sivasakthi Pandian, M. Gopalakrishnan, and Vairamuthu graced the function with their presence. Vairamuthu in his speech requested the producers ' particularly the corporate companies ' to look for good filmmakers instead of sticking to the heroes. Balu Mahendra revealed that though he has conceived a story for 'Anal Kaatru', the other things including cast and crew are yet to be decided. Rajeshwar's movie features Srikanth, Namitha, and Hema Malini, a newcomer from Mumbai. Earlier, a spirited dance show was staged by Dev's Dance School. A bunch of talented boys and girls danced for a couple of songs, which included a remix version of 'Oru Kinnathai Enthugiren'.
Balu Mahendra's cameo
Ace cinematographer - director Balu Mahendra will play himself in director Rajeshwar's 'Indira Vizha'. The movie, inspired by the Hindi hit 'Aitraaz', features Srikanth and Namitha in lead roles. Srikanth plays a TV journalist who interviews Balu Mahendra for a television program in the film. The scene was shot at AVM Studios in Chennai on Tuesday and the director appeared himself for the scene. Though Balu Mahendra had directed films for over three decades, it is the first time that he is appearing on screen as himself.
Director Balu Mahendra died!
Veteran filmmaker Balu Mahendra, who was admitted to Vijay Hospitals in Chennai today [Feb 13] in the morning passed away few minutes ago. Balumahendra, who served Indian film industry as a director, writer, producer, cinematographer, editor and actor is admitted to Vijaya Hospital after suffering illness Thursday morning and he breathed his last. Directors Bala, Ameer and Ram et al visited Balu Mahendra at the hospital in his last minutes. After entertaining cinema lovers for 42 years of his industry career, Balu Mahendra turned actor with his latest release Thalaimuraigal. He directed Nireekshana and Sathi Leelavathi et al in Telugu.
Nagma in Balu Mahendras film
Nagma is making a comeback to Tamil films and that too in 'Anal Katru', directed by the veteran filmmaker Balu Mahendra. While the cast and crew of the movie are yet to be decided, Balu has selected Nagma as the heroine. Nagma, the erstwhile sex bomb and the leading heroine of Kollywood, has been busy in Bhojpuri films, for quite some time now. She has immediately accepted the offer made by Balu Mahendra. She has so much respect on the veteran director that she has not even demanded him to tell her the story or even the synopsis. Balu Mahendra, who has shot most of his films in picturesque Ooty, has now planned to change it. It is said that many portions in the movie would be shot in Chennai. Nagma will be doubly happy, as this could give her a rare opportunity to spend some quality time with her sister's (Jyothika) child.