K. Balachander

K Balachander is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer who works mainly in the Tamil film industry. Well known for his distinct film-making style, the south Indian film industry knows him as a master of unconventional themes and hard-hitting subject matters of contemporary time. His films are well known for its portrayal of women as bold personalities and central characters. Popularly referred to as Iyakkunar Sigaram . His films are usually centered around unusual or complicated interpersonal relationships and social themes. Starting his cinematic career as a screenwriter, Balachander soon graduated as a director with Neerkumizhi in 1965. In a career that is spread over 45 years, he has contributed to nearly 100 feature films either as a screenwriter or director, thus becoming one of the most prolific film-makers in the country. Known among his colleagues as a tough task master, he is credited with having introduced and nurtured numerous actors, notably Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Saritha, Prakash Raj and Vivek.