Balachandra Menon — a name that needs no introduction in Mollywood — has completed 50 remarkable years in the film industry. Widely celebrated as the all-rounder of Malayalam cinema, Menon has excelled in almost every department of filmmaking, including acting, directing, editing and music direction, making him one of the most versatile talents Malayalam cinema has ever seen.
Once the undisputed favorite of family audiences, Menon still enjoys a loyal fan base for the memorable characters he portrayed on screen. With a long list of hits and superhits to his credit, his half-century in cinema marks an important milestone not only for the actor-filmmaker but also for the Malayalam industry itself.
Born on January 11, 1954, Balachandra Menon developed a love for the arts at a young age, performing in school and college plays. His dream to enter the world of films led him first to journalism, which he later described as a stepping stone to his true passion — direction. In 1978, he made his directorial debut with Uthradaratri, and the success of the film soon made him the face of Malayalam family dramas. His signature look — a turban tied on the head — became instantly recognizable among audiences.
Throughout his career, Menon not only delivered blockbuster films but also introduced several leading heroines to Malayalam cinema, including Shobhana, Parvathy, Lissy, Karthika and Usha. He first sang playback in the film Pinkili Katha and later expanded his contribution to films by taking up music direction and editing. He also produced films under his banner V & V.
Although known mainly as a director-actor, Menon first acted in a film not directed by him in Ritubhedam, after which he collaborated with many leading directors. His performance in Samantharangal (which he himself directed) earned him the National Award for Best Actor in 1997. The country further honored his contributions by conferring him with the prestigious Padma Shri.
Balachandra Menon on completing 50 years in cinema
“People say ‘50 years’ so easily. But I never imagined I would cross that milestone. I began as a journalist—not to create wonders there, but to prepare myself for filmmaking. I always believed that my films would work only if I wrote and directed them myself. Many have stories written for them, but that alone is not enough. I have never felt tired of making films, and the day that happens, I will stop working. The greatest strength I have is the freedom of a writer. If Malayalis accepted a man sitting on screen with a turban on his head, I bow before them with respect.”
