Manobala
Indian film director, producer and actor (1953–2023) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Balachandar (8 December 1953 – 3 May 2023), known by his stage name Manobala (/mənoʊbɑːlɑː/), was an Indian actor, film producer, director, comedian, and YouTuber who predominantly played supporting roles in Tamil-language films. He worked predominantly in the film industry for nearly forty years and was notable for his unique body language and dialogue delivery and was also well known for his intonation.[3]
Manobala | |
|---|---|
| மனோபாலா | |
Manobala in 2019 | |
| Born | Balachandar 8 December 1953[1] |
| Died | 3 May 2023 (aged 69) |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, director, producer |
| Years active | 1979–2023 |
| Spouse | Usha Mahadevan |
| Children | 1 |
Early life
Manobala was born as Balachandar[4] in a Marungoor village near Thirumarugal , Nagapattinam District, but did most of his primary education in Bangalore and Thirukattupalli for grades 10 and 11. He later studied at the Government College of Fine Arts, when he started writing articles under the pen name Manobala, and also learnt Bharatanatyam and the Veena.[5][6]
Career
Summarize
Perspective
Manobala started his career in Tamil cinema in the early 1970s and with a reference from Kamal Haasan became an assistant director on Bharathiraja's 1979 film Puthiya Vaarpugal.[5][7] He made his directorial debut with Agaya Gangai (1982) but it was a box office failure.[8] His second film as director, Pillai Nila (1985) was more successful.[7]
Manobala continued to direct with such films as Oorkavalan (1987), En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan (1989), and Dhoorathu Pachai (1987) which were critically acclaimed by the critics and were well received by audiences.[9] He often collaborated with some of the leading actors of his generation, including Vijayakanth, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Karthik.[9] He made his Bollywood debut as director with Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai (1990),[10] and his television serial directorial debut with Panchavaranam. He had directed 24 films in his career, but he later focused his career as an actor in the 2000s when he began working full time as an actor.[3]
Manobala appeared in over 976 films.[10] He played minor roles in most of the films as he regularly shared screenspace with veteran comedians Vadivelu and Vivek. He was known for his comic roles in films including Ice, Nanban, Chandramukhi, Pithamagan, Thamizh Padam, Kavalai Vendam, Kalakalappu, Siruthai, Alex Pandian, Aranmanai, Aambala, and Yaaradi Nee Mohini.[11] Manobala made his debut as film producer with H. Vinoth's directorial venture Sathuranga Vettai, for which he received the Best Debut Film Producer award at the South Indian International Movie Awards.[12]
Manobala launched a YouTube channel named "Waste Paper", where he interviewed several directors and actors.[13] In 2022, he received a doctorate degree from the South Western American University in recognition of his contributions to films. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Global Achievers Council.[11] He featured as one of the contestants in the reality television show Cooku with Comali in 2022.[14]
Personal life
Manobala was married to Usha Mahadevan, and they have a son.[5]
Death
Manobala died at his residence in Chennai on 3 May 2023, reportedly due to liver issues, at age 69.[15][16][17] Prior to this, he had also undergone an angio treatment in January 2023 after experiencing chest pain.[18][19] He was a heavy smoker of cigarettes and was addicted to smoking during the peak of his career as a film director.[20][21]
Partial filmography
Director
Films
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Agaya Gangai | |
| 1985 | Pillai Nila | |
| Naan Ungal Rasigan | ||
| 1986 | Paaru Paaru Pattanam Paaru | |
| December 31 | Kannada film | |
| 1987 | Sirai Paravai | |
| Dhoorathu Pachai | ||
| Oorkavalan | ||
| 1988 | Chutti Poonai | |
| 1989 | En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan | |
| Moodu Manthiram | ||
| Thendral Sudum | ||
| 1990 | Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai | Hindi film |
| Mallu Vetti Minor | ||
| 1991 | Vetri Padigal | |
| Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum | ||
| 1992 | Senbaga Thottam | |
| 1993 | Mutrugai | |
| Karuppu Vellai | ||
| Paarambariyam | ||
| 1997 | Nandhini | |
| 1999 | Siragugal | Telefilm |
| 2000 | Annai | |
| 2002 | Naina |
Serials
| Year | Series | Network |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Panchavarnam | Sun TV |
| 2000 | Punnagai | |
| 2009 | 777 | Polimer TV |
As an actor
Tamil films
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Puthiya Vaarpugal | Panchayat Member | |
| Niram Maaratha Pookkal | Unknown | ||
| 1980 | Kallukkul Eeram | Shooting assistant | Uncredited role |
| 1981 | Tik Tik Tik | Unknown | Uncredited role |
| 1982 | Gopurangal Saivathillai | Pathani Bhai | |
| 1994 | Rasa Magan | Broker | |
| Thozhar Pandian | |||
| Thai Maaman | Guest appearance | ||
| 1995 | Gangai Karai Paattu | ||
| Rani Maharani | |||
| 1997 | Nesam | Telephone booth owner | |
| Nandhini | |||
| Pagaivan | Govindhan | ||
| Ratchagan | Kanniyappan | ||
| 1998 | Swarnamukhi | Translator | |
| Natpukkaga | Madurai | ||
| Kalyana Galatta | |||
| Thalaimurai | |||
| 1999 | Chinna Raja | ||
| Anantha Poongatre | Poongavanam | ||
| Minsara Kanna | Vedhachalam's henchman | ||
| Taj Mahal | |||
| Sethu | Tamil Teacher | ||
| 2000 | Annai | Moses | |
| James Pandu | Railway porter | ||
| 2001 | Nila Kaalam | ||
| Samudhiram | Professor | ||
| 2002 | Villain | Minister's brother-in-law | |
| 2003 | Banda Paramasivam | Police Inspector | |
| Indru Mudhal | Doctor | ||
| Nala Damayanthi | Passport Officer | ||
| Jayam | Kamalesh | ||
| Whistle | College professor | ||
| Ice | Director | ||
| Kaakha Kaakha | Ramana | Uncredited | |
| Diwan | |||
| Boys | Ajay | ||
| Three Roses | |||
| Pithamagan | Sakthi's uncle | ||
| Jay Jay | Jamuna's family friend | ||
| Anbe Un Vasam | Professor | ||
| Kadhal Kirukkan | Doctor | ||
| Soori | Container passenger | ||
| 2004 | Aethirree | Seshagopalan | |
| Campus | Nallathambi | ||
| Arul | Customer | ||
| Perazhagan | Nair | ||
| M. Kumaran Son of Mahalakshmi | Ganesh's father | ||
| Bose | |||
| Attahasam | Semi Joseph | ||
| Dreams | Moosa | ||
| Maha Nadigan | |||
| 2005 | Aayudham | ||
| Ji | Train passenger | ||
| Kodambakkam | |||
| Thaka Thimi Tha | Bala | ||
| Chandramukhi | Fake Exorcist | ||
| Priyasakhi | Babloo | ||
| 6'2 | Krishnamurthy's father | ||
| Anniyan | Ticket Conductor | ||
| Ghajini | Ad Director | ||
| Sorry Enaku Kalyanamayidichu | |||
| 2006 | Thambi | ||
| Unarchigal | Manager | ||
| Thirupathi | Police inspector | ||
| Thalai Nagaram | Police inspector | ||
| Parijatham | |||
| Naalai | |||
| Kusthi | |||
| Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikecei | Kollan | ||
| Ilavattam | partially reshot version | ||
| Dharmapuri | Silandhi Karuppu's henchman | ||
| Varalaru | Police Constable | ||
| Vathiyar | Ayyanar's father | ||
| 2007 | Deepavali | Villager | |
| Muruga | |||
| Koodal Nagar | Doctor | ||
| Parattai Engira Azhagu Sundaram | |||
| Madurai Veeran | Shiva's grandfather | ||
| Nee Naan Nila | Professor | ||
| Thullal | Building secretary | ||
| Kireedam | Constable | ||
| Malaikottai | Bhaskar's aide | ||
| Pasupathi c/o Rasakkapalayam | Constable Naidu | ||
| Azhagiya Thamizh Magan | TTR | ||
| Kannamoochi Yenada | Senthilkannu | ||
| Polladhavan | |||
| 2008 | Pirivom Santhippom | Natesan's manager | |
| Sila Nerangalil | |||
| Vambu Sandai | |||
| Maanavan Ninaithal | Professor | ||
| Vaitheeswaran | Dhanasekaran's Henchman | ||
| Yaaradi Nee Mohini | Balu | ||
| Santhosh Subramaniam | Loan Officer | ||
| Arai En 305-il Kadavul | Vengi Raja | ||
| Madurai Ponnu Chennai Paiyan | Bala Nair | ||
| Sutta Pazham | Assistant commissioner | ||
| Kuselan | Sub-Inspector | ||
| Unnai Naan | Vijay's father | ||
| Dhanam | Cop | ||
| Seval | |||
| Thenavattu | |||
| Silambaattam | Jaanu's father | ||
| Abhiyum Naanum | Vardarajan | ||
| Dindigul Sarathy | Photographer | ||
| Panchamirtham | |||
| 2009 | Villu | Cyclist | Deleted scene |
| Anjathe | Murugesan | ||
| TN 07 AL 4777 | Police constable | ||
| Guru En Aalu | Traffic Inspector | ||
| Thoranai | Birth and Death administration officer | ||
| Maasilamani | Advocate | ||
| Sirithal Rasipen | Siddhu's father | ||
| Indira Vizha | |||
| Ninaithale Inikkum | Class Teacher | ||
| Aarumugam | |||
| Oru Kadhalan Oru Kadhali | Ramaiah | ||
| Aadhavan | Tara's Uncle | ||
| Kanden Kadhalai | Mayilvahanam | ||
| Vettaikkaaran | Reporter | ||
| 2010 | Thamizh Padam | Siddharth | |
| Thairiyam | |||
| Rettaisuzhi | |||
| Goripalayam | |||
| Kutti Pisasu | |||
| Kattradhu Kalavu | |||
| Singam | Mayil's lawyer | ||
| Pournami Nagam | Swamy | ||
| Indrasena | |||
| Thillalangadi | Priest | ||
| Baana Kaathadi | Conductor | ||
| Neeyum Naanum | |||
| Puzhal | Alex | ||
| Drohi | Raghu | ||
| Thottupaar | |||
| Chikku Bukku | Sekhar's cousin | ||
| Kalloori Kalangal | Professor | ||
| Agam Puram | C. Singamuthu | ||
| Siddhu +2 | |||
| 2011 | Madhuvum Mythiliyum | ||
| Siruthai | Bhoom Bhoom | ||
| Payanam | Narayana Shastry | ||
| Thambikottai | Puli | ||
| Seedan | Sozhiyoor Somalingam | ||
| Bhavani | Ramakrishnan | ||
| Appavi | College Professor | ||
| Maappillai | Astrologer | ||
| Eththan | Bank Manager | ||
| Aanmai Thavarael | |||
| Udhayan | |||
| Doo | |||
| Ramanathapuram | |||
| Konjam Veyil Konjam Mazhai | |||
| Mudhal Idam | |||
| Muni 2: Kanchana | Priest | ||
| Puli Vesham | |||
| Kasethan Kadavulada | Balram Naidu | ||
| Vandhaan Vendraan | |||
| Vellore Maavattam | |||
| Sadhurangam | Thiru's neighbour | ||
| Mambattiyaan | Annachchi's Accountant | ||
| Mahaan Kanakku | Traffic Police Officer | ||
| 2012 | Vilayada Vaa | Kothandam | |
| Nanban | Bose | ||
| Oru Nadigaiyin Vaakkumoolam | |||
| Kondaan Koduthaan | |||
| Sooriya Nagaram | |||
| Kalakalappu | Marudhamuthu | ||
| Idhayam Thiraiarangam | |||
| Saguni | Induratagaval | ||
| Meeravudan Krishna | |||
| Ajantha | |||
| Thuppakki | Nisha's father | ||
| Akilan | |||
| 2013 | Kurumbukara Pasanga | Cop | |
| Alex Pandian | Captain Divakaran | ||
| Puthagam | Kalyanasundaram aka Kallis | ||
| Sillunu Oru Sandhippu | |||
| Onbadhule Guru | Bun Rotti Babu | ||
| Oru Mutham Oru Yutham | Finance Company Boss | partially reshot version | |
| Chennaiyil Oru Naal | Sathyamoorthy | ||
| Vetkathai Kettal Enna Tharuvaai | |||
| Settai | Gourishankar | ||
| Ethir Neechal | Gunasekara Raja | ||
| Neram | Doctor | ||
| Masani | Priest | ||
| Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru | Pencil Mama / Cone Ice | ||
| Thillu Mullu | Sounderrajan | ||
| Thulli Vilayadu | |||
| Pattathu Yaanai | |||
| Sonna Puriyathu | Rajesh Kanna | ||
| Thalaivaa | Viswa's Follower | ||
| Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu | Yoga Instructor | ||
| Raja Rani | Air Voice CEO-Ramamoorthy | ||
| Naiyaandi | |||
| Vanakkam Chennai | Constable | ||
| Ragalaipuram | Inspector | ||
| Maayai | |||
| Naveena Saraswathi Sabatham | Naradhar | ||
| Kolagalam | Roadside stall owner | ||
| 2014 | Ninaivil Nindraval | ||
| Virattu | |||
| Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaanikalum | Chetan | ||
| Tenaliraman | Education Minister | ||
| Damaal Dumeel | |||
| Thalaivan | |||
| Yennamo Yedho | Guruji | ||
| Enna Satham Indha Neram | |||
| Ramanujan | Krishna Rao | ||
| Anjaan | Director | ||
| Aindhaam Thalaimurai Sidha Vaidhiya Sigamani | Soori | ||
| Jamai | Sangili Murugan | ||
| Aranmanai | Eshwari's husband | ||
| Irumbu Kuthirai | Pizza Shop Manager | ||
| Poojai | Kovai Group's Secretary | ||
| Kalkandu | Principal Kamalnath | ||
| Jaihind 2 | Nandhini's father | ||
| Velmurugan Borewells | |||
| Naaigal Jaakirathai | Pichumani | ||
| Lingaa | Train Driver | ||
| Vellaikaara Durai | |||
| 2015 | Vettaiyadu | ||
| Aambala | Police Commissioner | ||
| Touring Talkies | Koteeswaran | ||
| Tamizhuku En Ondrai Azhuthavum | Swaminathan | ||
| Kaaki Sattai | Jyothi Lingam | ||
| JK Enum Nanbanin Vaazhkai | Drawing Artist | ||
| Ivanuku Thannila Gandam | Dr. Markandeyan | ||
| Sonna Pochu | |||
| Nannbenda | Senthamarai | ||
| Thunai Mudhalvar | |||
| Kanchana 2 | Arnold | ||
| Vai Raja Vai | Mano | ||
| India Pakistan | Idichapuli | ||
| Vindhai | |||
| Massu Engira Masilamani | Arnold | ||
| Soan Papdi | |||
| Palakkattu Madhavan | Madhavan's boss | ||
| Aavi Kumar | |||
| Idhu Enna Maayam | |||
| Kalai Vendhan | |||
| Savaale Samaali | Manobala | ||
| Maanga | Rengasamy Nagarajan | ||
| 10 Endrathukulla | Road Transport Officer Manikandan | ||
| Urumeen | Soundappan | ||
| 2016 | Karai Oram | ||
| Peigal Jaakkirathai | |||
| Rajinimurugan | Kunjithapatham | ||
| Aranmanai 2 | Komalam's brother | ||
| Kanithan | Anu's father | ||
| Pokkiri Raja | Raghav | ||
| Sowkarpettai | Mani | ||
| Mapla Singam | |||
| Thozha | Old Age Home Warden | ||
| Theri | School principal | ||
| Unnodu Ka | Traffic police | ||
| Pandiyoda Galatta Thaangala | |||
| Vellikizhamai 13am Thethi | Doctor | ||
| Nayagi | Saradha's husband | ||
| Kadalai | Businessman | ||
| Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru | Pesuvadhellam Unmai show director | ||
| Kavalai Vendam | Pattai Babu | ||
| Virumandikum Sivanandikum | |||
| Parandhu Sella Vaa | |||
| Andaman | |||
| 2017 | Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva | GK's sidekick | |
| 465 | |||
| Vaigai Express | Kannitheevu Kaarmegam / Thavittaisaamy | ||
| Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen | Swamy | ||
| Thirappu Vizha | |||
| Adhagappattathu Magajanangalay | |||
| Sathura Adi 3500 | Gauri Shankar | ||
| Katha Nayagan | Swamy | ||
| Hara Hara Mahadevaki | Bhakta | ||
| Theeran Adhigaaram Ondru | Priya's father | ||
| Laali | |||
| 2018 | Kalakalappu 2 | Ganesh's assistant | |
| Solli Vidava | Apartment president | ||
| Nagesh Thiraiyarangam | Priya's father | ||
| Kaathadi | |||
| Merlin | |||
| Abhiyum Anuvum | Abhi's boss | ||
| Traffic Ramasamy | Judge | ||
| Kaathiruppor Pattiyal | Kunjitha Padham | ||
| Semma Botha Aagathey | Devi's father | ||
| Inba Twinkle Lilly | China | ||
| Kadaikutty Singam | Judge | ||
| Tamizh Padam 2 | Siddharth | ||
| Ghajinikanth | Kamal Vishwanathan | ||
| Marainthirunthu Paarkum Marmam Enna | |||
| Seema Raja | Headmaster | ||
| Koothan | Film Director | ||
| Kalavani Mappillai | |||
| Kaatrin Mozhi | Murthy | ||
| Utharavu Maharaja | |||
| Sei | Film director | ||
| Thulam | |||
| 2019 | Maanik | ||
| LKG | Mukesh | ||
| Thirumanam | Narasimhachari | ||
| Kee | College Professor | ||
| Gurkha | Kavariman | ||
| Jackpot | Rice Mill Rayyappan | ||
| Zombie | Chinna Thambi's Father in law | ||
| En Kaadhali Scene Podura | |||
| Ongala Podanum Sir | Chairman Kasthuriman | ||
| Aruvam | School Head Master | ||
| Bigil | Professor | ||
| 50 Roova | Police officer | ||
| 2020 | Ayya Ullen Ayya | ||
| Pachai Vilakku | Professor | ||
| Dagaalty | Film director | ||
| College Kumar | K. Murthy | ||
| Asuraguru | Shakthi's boss | ||
| 2021 | Naanum Single Thaan | Udhay's father | |
| Chakra | Gayathri's uncle | ||
| Engada Iruthinga Ivvalavu Naala | Ganesan | ||
| Rudra Thandavam | Pastor | ||
| Aranmanai 3 | Pencil | ||
| Maaligai | Power Paandi | Unreleased[a] | |
| Raajavamsam | Odduvathi Sekar | ||
| Operation Jujupi | God | ||
| Murungakkai Chips | Lingusamy | ||
| 2022 | Naai Sekar | Gopi | |
| Yutha Satham | Nagulan's boss | ||
| Ranga | |||
| Oh My Dog | Police inspector | ||
| Kadhal Sei | Unreleased[b] | ||
| Koogle Kuttappa | Doctor | ||
| Don | School Teacher | ||
| Naai Sekar Returns | Naamakatti Narayanan | ||
| Ranga | |||
| Padaippalan | |||
| Super Senior Heroes | Mohan | ||
| Radha Krishna | |||
| Dha Dha | |||
| Gurumoorthi | |||
| Mofussil | Police officer | ||
| 2023 | Kondraal Paavam | ||
| Ghosty | Priest | ||
| Tamilarasan | |||
| Theera Kaadhal | Newlywed | Posthumous release | |
| Kasethan Kadavulada | Sundaram | Posthumous release | |
| Kabadi Bro | Posthumous release | ||
| Rayar Parambarai | Posthumous release | ||
| Saandrithazh | Posthumous release | ||
| Kick | Shivani's boss | Posthumous release | |
| Irugapatru | Arjun's boss | Posthumous release | |
| Chandramukhi 2 | Fake exorcist | Posthumous release | |
| Dhillu Irundha Poradu | Posthumous release | ||
| 80s Buildup | Posthumous release | ||
| Kadhal Conditions Apply | Unreleased | ||
| 2024 | Tha Naa | Posthumous release | |
| Chiclets | Pharmacist | Posthumous release[25] | |
| Kailasam | Posthumous release[26] | ||
| Operation Laila | Posthumous release[27] | ||
| Ninaivellam Neeyada | Posthumous release[28] | ||
| Inga Naan Thaan Kingu | Broker | Posthumous release[29] | |
| Haraa | Professor | Posthumous release | |
| Udhir @ Poomara Kathu | Posthumous release | ||
| Indian 2 | Nanjunda Moorthy | Posthumous release | |
| Andhagan | Police Officer | Posthumous release | |
| Viduthalai Part 2 | Station master | Posthumous release | |
| 2025 | Madha Gaja Raja | Minister Nallamuthu | Posthumous release |
Telugu films
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Kathanayakudu | Sub-Inspector |
| 2009 | Punnami Naagu | SI Velangara Ramana Reddy |
| 2011 | Gaganam | Narayana Shastry |
| 2014 | Manasunu Maaya Seyake | Sundaram |
| 2016 | Oopiri | Old Age Home Warden |
| Nayaki | Saradha's husband | |
| 2018 | Mahanati | P. Pullaiah |
| Devadas | Tata Rao | |
| 2019 | Rajdooth | Lender |
| 2020 | College Kumar | K. Murthy |
| 2023 | Waltair Veerayya | Judge |
Malayalam films
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Jomonte Suvisheshangal | Perumal |
| 2018 | B.Tech | Mano |
| Abhiyum Anuvum | Abhi's boss | |
| 2022 | Viddikalude Mash |
Television
| Year | Series | Role | Network | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2006 | Alli Rajjiyam | Namachivayam | Sun TV | |
| 2018 | Maya | Bhadra | ||
| 2020–2021 | Sembaruthi | Perumal | Zee Tamizh | |
| 2021 | Rajaparvai | Himself | Sun TV | |
| 2022 | Cooku with Comali (season 3) | Cook | Star Vijay | Eliminated on Episode 14 |
| 2024 | Sshhh | Aha Tamil | ||
As producer
| Year | Film | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Sathuranga Vettai | SIIMA Award for Best Debut Producer |
| 2017 | Paambhu Sattai | |
As dubbing artist
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Naina | Voice from heaven | |
| 2019 | The Lion King | Zazu (John Oliver) | Tamil version |
Notes
References
External links
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