S. Balachandra Menon (b. 1954)
Malayalam director and actor born in Ernakulam, Kerala. Journalist for the magazine Nana. Failing admission at the FTII, started an independent low-budget film-maker. Début Uthradha Rathri was a dark comedy about a hypochondriac doctor who commits suicide after making love to a colleague dying of cancer. Acts in all his films, but started playing the lead following his successful April 18.
FILMOGRAPHY: 1978: Uthradha Rathri; 1979: Radha Enna Pennkutti; 1980: Aniyatha Valakkal; Ishtamanu Pakshe; Kalika; Vaiki Vanna Vasantham; 1981: Maniyan Pillai Athava Maniyan Pillai; Prema Geethangal; Tharattu; 1982: Chiriyo Chiri; Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam; Kelkatha Shabdam; Kilukilukkam; 1983: Kariyam Nisaram; Prashnam Gurutharam; Sesham Kazhchayil; 1984: April 18; Arante Mulla Kochu Mulla; Oru Painkilli Katha; 1985: Ente Ammu Ninte Thulasi Avarude Chakki; Menechippu Thurannapol; Parvathi; 1986: Thaikku Oru Thalattu; Vivahitare Itihile; 1987: Achuvettante Veedu; Ruthubhedam (act only); Oru Maymasappularayil (act only); Vilambaram; 1988: Kandatham Kettatham; 1991: Nayam Vethamakkunnu; 1993: Ammayana Sathyam; 1994: Sukham Sukhakaram; Sandhanagopalam (act only); 1995: Avittam Thirunal Arogya Shriman (act only).