Bala has taken a decision. That he would henceforth not make films depicting darker realities of life. “I have made a promise in this regard to my mentor Balu Mahendra and Ilaiyaraja,” says the National Award winning director.

Known for handling forbidden subjects, the filmmaker says, “My forthcoming movies would deal with commonmen. The one which I am currently directing (with Vishal and Arya in the lead) would prove it.”

Bala makes one more assurance too. “There is an allegation that I take years to complete a film. The real reason for that is known to everyone associated with me. However, I assure that my movies would hit the screens at regular intervals from now on.”

On winning a National Award for ‘Nan Kadavul’, he says, “I dedicate this award to my mentor Balu Mahendra and his wife Akhila. I am their adopted son. I lived with them and learnt the art of cinema there.”

Expressing a mixed feeling, Bala says, “when the likes of Mani Ratnam, Balu Mahendra and Bharathiraja still to get such due recognition, I feel shy to accept it. But it gives me great pride to receive the award from the hands of the President of India.”