ABOUT BALA PALANISAMY
Primarily known as just Bala and widely recognized for "revolutionizing Tamil cinema," he is a director, screenwriter and producer who won the National Film Award for Best Director for his 2009 film Naan Kadavul. His filmography as a director includes Sethu, Nandha, Pithamagan, Naan Kadavul, Avan Ivan, Paradesi and Tharai Thappattai.
Though not interested in school, he studied Tamil Literature at The American College in Madurai. He first worked in the film industry as an assistant director to Balu Mahendra .
He produced the films Maayavi, Pisaasu and Chandi Veeran, but did not direct them.
He was born in Periyakulam, Theni, Tamil Nadu, India. He has a daughter with Muthu Malar, whom he married in 2004.
His National Film Award-winning film Naan Kadavul starred Arya .
