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Ranjith Balakrishnan

ランジット・バラクリシュナン

Ranjith Balakrishnan

Aliases: Ranjith

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1964-09-05 （Balussery, Kozhikode (Kozhikode), Kerala, India）
Nationality
India
Languages
Malayalam, English, Hindi

Career

Occupations
Film director, Screenwriter, Producer, Actor
Active Years
1987-
Affiliations
Kerala State Chalachitra Academy (former chairman)
Influenced By
Alex I. Kadavil, I. V. Sasi, Kamal
Influenced
Prithviraj Sukumaran, Mammootty

Awards

National Film Award (Best Film on Social Issues)
2012
Work: Spirit
Category: Best Film on Other Social Issues
Organization: National Film Awards (India)
Result: Winner
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam
2011
Work: Indian Rupee
Category: Best Feature Film in Malayalam
Organization: National Film Awards (India)
Result: Winner
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam
2008
Work: Thirakkatha
Category: Best Feature Film in Malayalam
Organization: National Film Awards (India)
Result: Winner
Kerala State Film Award for Best Film with Popular Appeal and Aesthetic Value
2010
Work: Pranchiyettan and the Saint
Category: Best Popular Film
Organization: Kerala State Film Awards
Result: Winner
Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay (Adapted)
2014
Work: Njaan
Category: Best Screenplay (Adapted)
Organization: Kerala State Film Awards
Result: Winner
Filmfare Award South (Best Film - Malayalam)
2014
Work: Munnariyippu
Category: Best Film (Malayalam)
Organization: Filmfare
Result: Winner

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Ravanaprabhu

2001 Drama/Action

A commercial blockbuster sequel to Devasuram; starred Mohanlal in dual roles and was a major box-office success.

Power and familyFeudal conflicts

Nandanam

2002 Romantic drama

A story about an innocent girl, her devotion and love; launched Prithviraj Sukumaran and became an unexpected hit.

LoveFaithComing of age

Thirakkatha

2008 Biographical drama

A film inspired by the life of actress Srividya that explores the highs and lows of film life; won National Award for Best Feature Film in Malayalam.

Fame and lonelinessInside the film industry

Indian Rupee

2011 Satirical drama

A satirical film on money and ethics that was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful; won National Film Award (Best Feature Film in Malayalam).

Corruption and ethicsEconomics

Spirit

2012 Social-issue drama

A film addressing alcoholism and social issues in Kerala; critically acclaimed and winner of the National Award for Best Film on Social Issues.

AddictionSocial critique

Pranchiyettan and the Saint

2010 Comedy/Drama

A comedy-drama blending satire and social commentary; popular with audiences and critics and received multiple state awards.

Success and lonelinessFame and values

Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha

2009 Mystery/Drama

A mystery centered on a murder that uncovers darker aspects of village life; critically praised and introduced many stage artists to cinema.

Truth and justiceVillage social structures

Bibliography

  • Ravanaprabhu (2001)
  • Nandanam (2002)
  • Mizhi Randilum (2003)
  • Black (2004)
  • Chandrolsavam (2005)
  • Prajapathi (2006)
  • Kaiyoppu (2007)
  • Thirakkatha (2008)
  • Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha (2009)
  • Pranchiyettan and the Saint (2010)
  • Indian Rupee (2011)
  • Spirit (2012)
  • Njan (2014)
  • Loham (2015)

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Realist, focuses on social issuesBlends humor and satire with drama
Recurring Motifs
Conflict between social norms and individualFame and lonelinessEthics and money

Legacy

A long-standing influential figure in Malayalam cinema as a writer and director, with achievements in both commercial and socially conscious films and multiple awards. He contributed to Kerala's film culture administration but in recent years has faced legal controversies.

Academic Societies

  • Kerala State Chalachitra Academy

Quotes

  • "I don't think it was a bad film. Many who watched it on DVD called to say they were surprised it did not do well."
    Source: The Hindu (interview) (2005)

Trivia

  • Full name Ranjith Balakrishnan; commonly referred to by the given name Ranjith.
  • Entered the film industry as a writer in 1987 and debuted as a director in 2001 with Ravanaprabhu.
  • Multiple National Film Awards winner (e.g., Thirakkatha, Indian Rupee, Spirit).
  • Served as chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy; resigned amid allegations in 2024.