Iyakkunar Sigaram turns 84 today.

Kailash Balachander descended from the theatre background to ideally make path-breaking films on women empowerment, societal pressures, introspection, relationship complexities, domesticated violence and the issues addressed just go on and on. From exteremely hard-hitting to rib-ticklers, K.B is a master. Thaneer Thaneer, Thillu Mullu, Abhoorva Raagangal, Punnagai Mannan, Server Sundaram, Kalyana Agadhigal are a few to establish his credibility and versatility.

 

Over 100 odd films, 'Iyakkunar Sigaram' as the title suggests was at the top always without a career dip, that would be gauged based on qualitative films having a run at the box office. He withholds the soul responsibility for doing women-centric films and also a renowned feat of not a single action block in the story.

 

K. Balachander was known for witty dialogues, extremely sensible character sketching, giving due importance to the song placement and narrative style. Starting with Neerkumuzhi in 1965 he ruled the roost for almost 45 years and is now busy acting for Kamal's Uttama Villain.

 

With a prolific track record and having given us the two biggest stars the industry will ever see, Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan grew as actors during his tutelage. Vivek, Prakash Raj, Saritha are other few noticeable names from his school. His collaboration with Nagesh is legendary.

 

As of 2013, Balachander has won nine National Film Awards and multiple Filmfare Awards. He was honoured with the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award in 1987, and is a recipient of the ANR National Award and Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest award in cinema.

 

Not just this. The inexhaustible screen writer had a revolutionary run with the TV serials also. He face-lifted soap operas and made it generic. Behindwoods wishes the maverick director a happy birthday and great health.