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.
Filmography
all 53
Movies 52
Director 29
Writer 2
TV Shows 1
Original Story

Rama Shama Bhama (2005)
Movie
Director

Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam (2005)
Movie
Director

Julie Ganapathi (2003)
Movie
Director

En Iniya Pon Nilavae (2001)
Movie
Creator / Director

Kathai Neram (2000)
TV
Director / Editor / Story / Screenplay / Director of Photography

Raman Abdullah (1997)
Movie
Director

Aur Ek Prem Kahani (1996)
Movie
Director

Sathi Leelavathi (1995)
Movie
Director

Marupadiyum (1993)
Movie
Director

Chakravyuham (1992)
Movie
Director

Vanna Vanna Pookkal (1992)
Movie
Cinematographer

Lambadolla Ramadasu (1991)
Movie
Director

Sandhya Raagam (1989)
Movie
Director / Editor / Screenplay / Dialogue / Director of Photography

Veedu (1988)
Movie
Director

Rettai Vaal Kuruvi (1987)
Movie
Director

Yathra (1985)
Movie
Director

Neengal Kettavai (1984)
Movie
Director

Oomakkuyil (1983)
Movie
Director

Sadma (1983)
Movie
Director of Photography

Urangatha Ninaivugal (1983)
Movie
Screenplay / Director / Director of Photography / Editor / Story

Vasanthame Varuga (1983)
Movie
Cinematographer

Pallavi Anu Pallavi (1983)
Movie
Director

Nireekshana (1982)
Movie
Director / Story / Screenplay / Dialogue / Director of Photography

Moondram Pirai (1982)
Movie
Director

Olangal (1982)
Movie
Cinematographer

Seethakoka Chilaka (1981)
Movie
Director / Screenplay / Director of Photography

The Mist (1980)
Movie
Cinematographer

Sankarabharanam (1980)
Movie
Director

Azhiyatha Kolangal (1979)
Movie
Cinematographer

Ulkadal (1979)
Movie
Cinematographer

Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (1979)
Movie
Cinematographer

Manavoori Pandavulu (1978)
Movie
Cinematographer

Mullum Malarum (1978)
Movie
Director of Photography

Panthulamma (1978)
Movie
Director

Kokila (1977)
Movie
Director of Photography

America Ammayi (1976)
Movie
Cinematographer

Ponni (1976)
Movie
Cinematographer

Raagam (1975)
Movie
Cinematographer

Prayanam (1975)
Movie
Cinematographer

Cheenavala (1975)
Movie
Cinematographer

Chattakkari (1974)
Movie
Cinematography

Jeevikkan Marannupoya Sthree (1974)
Movie
Cinematographer

Nellu (1974)
Movie
Cinematographer

Sasthram Jayichu Manushyan Thottu (1973)
Movie
Cinematography

Kaliyugam (1973)
Movie
Cinematographer

Chukku (1973)
Movie
Cinematographer

Maaya (1972)
Movie
Cinematographer

Kaliyugam
Movie
Information
Known ForDirecting
GenderMale
Birthday1939-05-19
Deathday2014-02-13 (74 years old)
Birth Nameபாலநாதன் மகேந்திரன்
Birth PlaceBatticaloa, Sri Lanka
ReligionHinduism
RelationshipsMounika (1998 - 2014), Shoba (1978 - 1980)
CitizenshipsIndia
Also Known As Balanathan Benjamin Mahendran, பாலு மகேந்திரா
AwardsNational Film Award for Best Cinematography
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