Film Journalist-turned Malayalam films actor clocks 50 years in profession
Film Journalist-turned Malayalam films actor clocks 50 years in profession
Balachandra Menon clocks 50 years from film journalism to actor in Malayalam films.
It may sound trifling, but to endure in the glamour world for 50 long years with a kerchief around his forehead and patting on chest isn’t a trivial task.
However, Balachandra Menon, 71, has carved a distinctive route of innovation in Malayalam cinema. Notably, he continues to look forward to creating new films even as he completes 50 years in the industry.
Embarking in his professional career as a film journalist in 1975, Menon’s extraordinary career, which finally won him the National Award and the Padma Shri, is now being celebrated by his friends. Menon went on to say amidst a media briefing that he is still thinking about directing a film soon. Menon as at present is acting in
B Unnikrishnan’s film portraying former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. Reflecting on his 50-year cinematic journey, Menon says, that it’s a fortune to have sustained in cinema for half a century. Looking back, there is only joy.
His 50th-anniversary celebrations will be held on November 29 at Tagore Theatre under the leadership of Menon’s close friends from the ‘Rose – The Family Club’. On that day, he will also share his experiences in cinema with the media.
Menon stepped into the cinematic limelight in 1975 as a reporter for Nana Cinema Weekly. His journey as a film journalist eventually led him to realise his dream of making his own films. His directorial debut, Uthraada Rathri, was released in 1978. The film marked the beginning of what audiences described as the “Balachandra Menon touch” in cinema. He entertained Malayali audiences with emotional storytelling and ascending descending-style dialogues.
Menon contributed to nearly every aspect of filmmaking—acting, directing, writing, producing, music composition, singing, lyric writing, editing, distribution and authorship.
His popular family films include ‘Ishtamaanu Pakshe’, ‘Chiri O Chiri’, ‘Karyam Nissaram’, ‘Aarante Mulla Kochu Mulla’, ‘April 18’, ‘Kuruppinte Kanakkupusthakam’ and ‘Ammayaane Sathyam’, earning him accolades as a family favourite actor-director. He has won numerous awards, including two State Film Awards.
In 1998, he was honoured with the National Award for Best Actor for his direction and performance in ‘Samantharangal’, securing his place in parallel cinema. In 2007, the nation honoured him with the Padma Shri. Menon also introduced fresh talents to Malayalam cinema including Shobhana, Parvathy, Karthika, Rohini and Annie. He continues to grow in his chosen career.
News Edit KV Raman
