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Manobala

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Manobala
மனோபாலா
Manobala in 2019
Born
Balachandar

(1953-12-08)8 December 1953[1]
Marungoor, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India[2]
Died3 May 2023(2023-05-03) (aged 69)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Occupation(s)Actor, director, producer
Years active1979–2023
SpouseUsha Mahadevan
Children1

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]

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

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 700 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]

Filmography

Director

Films

Year Film Notes
1982 Agaya Gangai
1985 Pillai Nila
1985 Naan Ungal Rasigan
1986 Paaru Paaru Pattanam Paaru
1986 December 31 Kannada film
1987 Sirai Paravai
1987 Dhoorathu Pachai
1987 Oorkavalan
1988 Chutti Poonai
1989 En Purushanthaan Enakku Mattumthaan
1989 Moodu Manthiram
1989 Thendral Sudum
1990 Mera Pati Sirf Mera Hai Hindi film
1990 Mallu Vetti Minor
1991 Vetri Padigal
1991 Moondrezhuthil En Moochirukkum
1992 Senbaga Thottam
1993 Mutrugai
1993 Karuppu Vellai
1993 Paarambariyam
1997 Nandhini
2000 Annai
2001 Siragugal Telefilm
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
1980 Kallukkul Eeram
1981 Tik Tik Tik
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
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 Naina
Villain Minister's brother-in-law
2003 Student Number 1 Daas
Banda Paramasivam Police Inspector
Nala Damayanthi Passport Officer
Jayam Kamalesh
Whistle
Ice
Kaakha Kaakha Ramana
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
Devathaiyai Kanden Daas
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
Silambaattam Jaanu's father
Abhiyum Naanum Vardarajan
Dindigul Sarathy Photographer
Panchamirtham
2009 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
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]
E-mail 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

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
2019 The Lion King Zazu (John Oliver) Tamil version

Notes

  1. ^ Dubbed in Hindi (2021)[22][23]
  2. ^ Dubbed in Kannada as Preethsu (2022)[24]

References

  1. ^ "MANOBALA (M.BALACHANDER)". tamilfilmdirectorsassociation.com. 30 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
  2. ^ "நடிகர் மனோபாலா மரணம்: திரையுலகினர் கண்ணீர் அஞ்சலி; இன்று இறுதிச்சடங்கு". Dina Thanthi (in Tamil). 4 May 2023. Archived from the original on 4 May 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Actor-filmmaker Manobala passes away at 69". The Indian Express. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 4 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  4. ^ பாரதிராஜாவிடம் சேர்த்துவிட்ட கமல்ஹாசன் - Actor & Director Mano Bala – Part -1Chai with Chitra. Touring Talkies. 31 January 2020. Event occurs at 3:26. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ a b c Narayan, Pushpa (4 May 2023). "Manobala, filmmaker who evolved into a comic, dies at 69 in Tamil Nadu". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 7 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  6. ^ Saravanan, T. (8 January 2011). "Always in reckoning". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Suhasini Maniratnam: 'You will never find a director who can plan as well as Manobala'". The Indian Express. 3 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  8. ^ "After A Flop Debut, Manobala Delivered Back To Back Hits; Know His Story". News18. 4 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  9. ^ a b "Manobala dies at 69: Vijay, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and others pay tribute to actor-filmmaker". The Indian Express. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Manobala: Unknown facts about the late actor-comedian". The Times of India. 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  11. ^ a b "Actor-director Manobala gets a doctorate". The Times of India. 24 April 2022. Archived from the original on 17 April 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  12. ^ Moments of Manobala at the SIIMA Awards | #RIPManobala #ytshorts (in Tamil). SIIMA. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023 – via YouTube.
  13. ^ "Here's What Actor Manobala Said In Last Interview And Tweet". News18. 4 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  14. ^ "Actor-director Manobala passes away at 69 in Chennai". India Today. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  15. ^ "Tamil actor-director Manobala passes away in Chennai". Onmanorama. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  16. ^ "Tamil actor-director Manobala passes away at 69, Rajinikanth pays tribute". The Times of India. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  17. ^ "Actor-director Manobala passes away at 69". The Hindu. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
  18. ^ "Veteran director and actor Manobala passes away". Cinema Express. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  19. ^ "Actor, director and producer Manobala passes away". The Times of India. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2023.
  20. ^ "When Manobala said he used to smoke 200 cigarettes a day when was a director". India Today. 3 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  21. ^ "Multiple movie stars have died from alcohol-related causes; the controversy sparks due to Mansoor Ali Khan's remarks at Manobala's funeral". The Times of India. 4 May 2023. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
  22. ^ "Watch Maaligai (Hindi) Full HD Movie Online on ZEE5". ZEE5. Archived from the original on 29 January 2022. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  23. ^ "Andrea plays a cop and a princess in 'Maaligai'". Sify. Archived from the original on 10 April 2019. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  24. ^ "Preethsu". The Times of India.
  25. ^ "Chiclets Movie Review: An Adult Comedy That Fails To Impress". TimesNow. 1 February 2024. Archived from the original on 4 February 2024. Retrieved 5 February 2024.
  26. ^ "Ragini Dwivedi & Muruga Ashok's 'Email' censored U/A". The Times of India. 3 January 2024.
  27. ^ "Operation LailaUA". The Times of India.
  28. ^ "Ninaivellam Neeyada Movie Review : An overlong romantic drama filled with superfluous and silly moments". The Times of India.
  29. ^ "Inga Naan Thaan Kingu Movie Review: Santhanam returns with some solid laughs". timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
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