Remembering the prodigy: 10 most memorable films of K Balachander

Besides introducing stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, veteran filmmaker K Balachander scripted unparalleled impact both in celluloid and on the small screen by championing stories about women empowerment and social issues. We bring you his 10 best films. Iru Kodugal: The 1969 film won Balachander his first National Film Award. Starring Gemini Ganesan, Sowcar Janaki and Jayanthi, the Tamil hit was also remade in several language including Kannada (Srinath-Geetha-Saritha-starrer Eradu Rekhegalu, 1984) and Hindi (Amitabh Bachchan-Mala Sinha-starrer Sanjog, 1971).

Updated on: Jan 02, 2015 1:30 PM IST

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Besides introducing stars like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, veteran filmmaker K Balachander scripted unparalleled impact both in celluloid and on the small screen by championing stories about women empowerment and social issues. We bring you his 10 best films. Iru Kodugal: The 1969 film won Balachander his first National Film Award. Starring Gemini Ganesan, Sowcar Janaki and Jayanthi, the Tamil hit was also remade in several language including Kannada (Srinath-Geetha-Saritha-starrer Eradu Rekhegalu, 1984) and Hindi (Amitabh Bachchan-Mala Sinha-starrer Sanjog, 1971).

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Aval Oru Thodar Kathai: The Kamal Haasan-Sripriya-Vijaykumar-Sujatha-starrer Tamil film got Balachander Filmfare Award for best Director, Tamil in 1974.

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Apoorva Raagangal: The 1975 Tamil movie featured Kamal Haasan, Srividya and Rajinikanth in pivotal roles. It won three National Film Awards: for best feature film in tamil, best choreography and best female playback singer (Vani Jayaram).

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Avargal: The Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan-Sujatha-Ravi Kumar-starrer 1977 movie won the Fimfare Best Actress Award for Sujatha.

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Thappu Thalangal: The 1978 Tamil movie featured Rajinikanth and Saritha in lead roles.

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Varumayin Niram Sivappu: The Kamal Haasan-Sridevi-starrer 1980 movie talked about the disillusionment of a youth with a socialist Indian society. It was remade in Hindi by Balachander as Zara Si Zindagi with Anita Raj replacing Sridevi.

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Thanneer Thanneer: The 1981 movie, that won two National Film Awards, featured Saritha and Radha Ravi in lead roles. The movie was awarded for best screenplay and best feature film in Tamil.

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Ek Duuje Ke Liye: The Kamal Haasan-Rati Agnihotri-starrer 1981 Hindi movie was a remake of Balachander's Maro Charita. The movie was a hit at the box office and got wide critical acclaim as well for showcasing the love story of people who don't even know each other's languages.

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Achamillai Achamillai: The Saritha-Rajesh-starrer 1984 Tamil hit won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature film in Tamil.

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Rudraveena: The 1988 Telugu film featured Chiranjeevi and Shobana in lead roles. It won the National Film Awards for Best Feature Film on National Integration, Best Music Direction (Ilaiyaraja) and Best Male Playback Singer (SP Balasubramaniam). The movie premiered at the 12th International Film Festival of India.