Mahadevan Vellupillai Balakrishnan (born 3 March 1941 – died 14 January 2017 as එම්. වී. බාලන්) [Sinhala]), popularly known as M. V. Balan, was an actor in Sri Lankan cinema. Career spanned for more than four decades, Balan has worked as a film production manager, assistant director, choreographer and a filmmaker.
Personal life Balan was born on 3 March 1941 (Sarasaviya recorded the birth date as 15 March 1940) in Ganepalla village, Yatiyanthota. Balan was married to a Sinhala woman Chandrawathi Hesarasinghe and the couple has two children.
He died on 14 January 2017 at the age of 75. His remains are kept at the 8th floor of the Mount Lavinia housing scheme, Kalmdemulla Road, Golumudama Junction, Ratmalana until 3.00 pm. The funeral took place on 16 January 2017 at 4.00 pm at the Mount Lavinia General Cemetery.
Career He joined Ceylon Studios as a technician in 1958 and was first involved as a lighting artist in the film Sihanaya.
He made his acting debut in 1958 film Wanaliya with a minor role. Then he appeared in many dramatic and comedy roles including Wanaliya, Pirimiyek Nisa, Suvineetha Lalani, Ganthera, Sasaraka Hati and Cheriyo Captain. Balan worked as the choreographer in many popular films such as Sithaka Mahima, Ipadune Ai, London Hamu and Okkoma Hari. His acting in the film Nomiyena Minisun with Gamini Fonseka was a memorable feat in his career. His role as a servant was highly appreciated by critics.
He has directed 11 films in Sinhala cinema started with Oba Nathinam in 1969. In 1975, Balan directed the film Hitha Honda Minihek starred by Gamini Fonseka. In 1978, he was the producer of film Mage Ran Putha. He also directed popular films Rahasak Nathi Rahasak and Deviyani Sathya Surakinna. Apart from Sinhala films, Balan also directed several Sri Lankan Tamil films such as Manjal Kunkumam and Nirmala.
Filmography As actor Year Film Role Ref. 1958 Wanaliya 1959 Avishwasaya Sri 296 Sihinaya Alokarana 1960 Kawata Andare Pirimiyek Nisa 1961 Suvineetha Lalani Gan Thera 1962 Sansare Suhada Divi Piduma 1963 Wena Swargayak Kumatada? Suhada Sohoyuro Deepashika Peter 1964 Kala Kala De Pala Pala De Dheewarayo Suba Sarana Sepa Sithe Samiya Birindage Deviyaya Sasaraka Hati 1965 Handapaana Yata Giya Dawasa Hathara Maha Nidhanaya Broken window homeowner Adarayay Karunawai Hithata Hitha Allapu Gedara Tabla player Satha Panaha Sweep Ticket 1966 Athulweema Thahanam Kinkini Paada Sampatha Sudu Duwa Oba Dutu Da 1967 Ipadune Ai? Okkoma Hari Sura Chauraya 1968 London Hamu Mathru Bhoomi Amathikama Ataweni Pudumaya 1969 Oba Nathinam 1970 Penawa Neda 1971 Kalana Mithuro 1973 Suhada Pathuma Sinawai Inawai 1974 Hadawath Naththo 1978 Deepanjali 1988 Gedara Budun Amma Minister Lingam Angulimala 1989 Mamai Raja River jump stopper Obata Rahasak Kiyannam Shakthiya Obai Amme Sergeant Sinnathambi 1990 Jaya Shakthi Yukthiyata Wada Guarding henchman Hondin Nathinam Narakin 1991 Raja Kello Cheriyo Doctor Security guard 1993 Surayan Athara Veeraya Hubcap robbery victim Come O'Go Chicago Near hit street walker 1994 Nomiyena Minisun Nohadan Kumariyo 1995 Cheriyo Captain Pabul 1998 Aeya Obata Barai Sergeant Balan 2002 Somy Boys Factory manager 2005 Sanduni
As director Year Film Ref. 1969 Oba Nathinam 1969 Manjal Kunkumam 1975 Hitha Honda Minihek 1978 Mage Ran Putha 1982 Rahasak Nathi Rahasak 1995 Deviyani Sathya Suriyakinna 1996 Hitha Honda Gahaniyak
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