# Balan (film)

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1938 Indian film

Balan Theatrical release poster Directed by S. Nottani Screenplay by Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai Based on Vidhiyum Mrs. Nayarum by A. Sundaram Produced by T. R. Sundaram Starring K. K. Aroor M. K. Kamalam Master Madanagopal M. V. Shanku K. Gopinath Alleppey Vincent C. O. N. Nambiar K. N. Lakshmi Baby Malathi Cinematography Bado Gushwalker Edited by Varghese and K.D. George Music by K. K. Aroor Ibrahim Production company Modern Theatres Distributed by Shyamala Pictures Release date 19 January 1938 (1938-01-19)[1] Country India Language Malayalam

***Balan*** is a [lost](/source/Lost_film) 1938 Indian [Malayalam](/source/Malayalam)-language [drama](/source/Drama) film produced by [T. R. Sundaram](/source/T._R._Sundaram) under the banner of [Modern Theatres](/source/Modern_Theatres), directed by [S. Nottani](/source/S._Nottani) and written by [Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai](/source/Muthukulam_Raghavan_Pillai).[2] It is notable for being the first [sound film](/source/Sound_film) in the Malayalam language, and the third [feature film](/source/Feature_film) in Malayalam cinema after *[Vigathakumaran](/source/Vigathakumaran)* and *[Marthanda Varma](/source/Marthanda_Varma_(film)).*[3][4] Based on the short story *Vidhiyum Mrs. Nayarum* by A. Sundaram. The film is a [melodrama](/source/Melodrama) about the struggle of two orphaned children. The film stars [K. K. Aroor](/source/K._K._Aroor) in the title role and [M. K. Kamalam](/source/M._K._Kamalam) as the female lead, with Master Madanagopal, M. V. Shanku, [K. Gopinath](/source/K._Gopinath), [Alleppey Vincent](/source/Alleppey_Vincent) and [C. O. N. Nambiar](/source/A._C._N._Nambiar) in supporting roles.[5][6]

The film was produced by [T. R. Sundaram](/source/T._R._Sundaram), a [Salem](/source/Salem%2C_Tamil_Nadu)-based producer under the banner of [Modern Theatres](/source/Modern_Theatres). German cinematographer [Bado Gushwalker](/source/Gus_Walker) handled the camera while Varghese and [K.D. George](/source/K._D._George) did the editing. The film's music was composed by [K. K. Aroor](/source/K._K._Aroor), himself, with lyrics written by [Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai](/source/Muthukulam_Raghavan_Pillai). *Balan* is the first Malayalam film to have a soundtrack. The sound of the film was recorded using German-made technology [*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]. The film features twenty-three songs. *Balan* was shot in [Madras](/source/Chennai) and on the sets of Powerful Studios. The filming of the film was done in five months.[7]

## Reception

*Balan* was released with high expectations on 19 January 1938. It was the only Malayalam film to be produced and released that year. Despite numerous technical flaws, it received critical acclaim, with praise for the film's [social theme](/source/Social).[8] The film was a major box office success, becoming the first commercially successful Malayalam film.[4] Because only a few stills and the [songbook](/source/Song_book) are known to survive, it is a [lost film](/source/Lost_film). K. K. Aroor and Alleppey Vincent also starred in the second Malayalam talkie *[Gnanambika](/source/Gnanambika)* two years later.[9]

## Cast

Screenshot from this first Malayalam sound movie, released in 1938

- Master Madanagopal as young Balan

- M. V. Shankar as Dr. Govindan Nair

- K. Gopinath as Kittu Panicker

- [Alleppey Vincent](/source/Alleppey_Vincent) as Shanku

- C. O. N. Nambiar as Prabhakara Menon

- K.N. Laxmikutty as Meenakshi

- Baby Malathi as young Sarasa

- A. B. Pious

- Subhadra

- Ammu

- M.K.K Nambyar

- Sivanandan

- Parukkutty

- Baby Kausalya

- A. P Padmanabha Menon

## Production

There were several attempts to make a talkie in Malayalam, right from the days *[Vigathakumaran](/source/Vigathakumaran)* (1928) got released. One among them, A. Sundaram Pillai, had an unpublished story entitled *Vidhiyum Mrs. Nayarum* (*Mrs. Nair and the Fate*) with him. He contacted several production houses to adapt this story into a film. Several of his attempts failed, but at last he got a letter from T. R. Sundaram, a Tamil-based producer informing him that he was ready to produce the film.[10] T. R. Sundaram owned the production company Modern Theatres, which he established in 1936.[10] A. Sundaram had already finished casting, which included several theatre artists from Malayalam. K. Kunjunair, credited as [K. K. Aroor](/source/K._K._Aroor) in the film, of the Kottakkal Nataka Samithi was selected to do the title role. [M. K. Kamalam](/source/M._K._Kamalam) was chosen as the heroine.

A. Sundaram wanted himself to direct the film, but later agreed to sign S. Nottani as the director. Nottani rejected the screenplay of A. Sundaram and wanted to rewrite it. Eventually, he signed renowned writer [Muthukulam Raghavan Pillai](/source/Muthukulam_Raghavan_Pillai), who wrote the screenplay and dialogues, as well as lyrics for the songs. The filming was started on 17 August 1937 from Salem.[10] After completing a length of 2000 feat, T. R. Sundaram dropped the project following differences in opinion with A. Sundaram. T. R. Sundaram had spent ₹ 30,000 on the project. A. Sundaram himself financed the project thereafter. Most parts of the film was shot from Powerful Studios.[11] The filming was completed within five months, in December 1937.[10] A. Sundaram could not find a distributor for many months. Later, Shyamala Pictures, [Madras](/source/Madras) bought the rights and the film was released on 19 January 1938.[10] The theatrical release poster of Balan read *Malayalathile adyathe social* *padam vegam varunnu* (The first social film in Malayalam is coming out soon).[12]

## Songs

*Balan'*s music was composed by [K. K. Aroor](/source/K._K._Aroor), who played the male lead, and Ibrahim. It had 23 songs, most of them recorded by the actors themselves.[13] K. N. Lakshmi, [K. K. Aroor](/source/K._K._Aroor), [M. K. Kamalam](/source/M._K._Kamalam) and Master Madanagopan are the credited singers.[14] [Playback singing](/source/Playback_singer) was not possible that time, so the producer had to sign actors those who could excel in singing also.

## Legacy

The film was a milestone in Malayalam film history, not only for being the first talkie, but also for being one of the first commercially successful films.[15] Through the film, Alleppey Vincent became the first "speaking person" of Malayalam cinema, [K. K. Aroor](/source/K._K._Aroor) the first "speaking hero" and [M. K. Kamalam](/source/M._K._Kamalam) the first "speaking heroine". "Hello Mister" was the first recorded sound, which was in the voice of [Alleppey Vincent](/source/Alleppey_Vincent). The film is considered [lost](/source/Lost_film); only the song book and a few stills survive to this day.[15] The film also introduced many of early Malayalam cinema's recurring archetypes, including the evil step-mother and innocent orphans.[16]

## See also

- [Malayalam cinema](/source/Malayalam_cinema)

- [Vigathakumaran](/source/Vigathakumaran)

- [Marthanda Varma (film)](/source/Marthanda_Varma_(film))

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Remembering Malayalam's first talkie"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140814175201/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/article1426434.ece). *The New Indian Express*. Archived from [the original](http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/article1426434.ece) on 14 August 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-popculture3_2-0)** Kasbekar, Asha (2006). "Cinema". *Pop culture India : media, arts and lifestyle*. Popular Culture in the Contemporary World (Illustrated Hardcover ed.). USA: ABC-CLIO. p. 233. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-85109-636-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-85109-636-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["A nostalgic look at Malayalam cinema"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090923204358/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/09/07/stories/2009090750600400.htm). *[The Hindu](/source/The_Hindu)*. 15 August 2004. Archived from [the original](http://www.hindu.com/mp/2009/09/07/stories/2009090750600400.htm) on 23 September 2009.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NYT3_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NYT3_4-1) Jonathan Crow (2012). ["Balan (1938)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121103165835/https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/253937/Balan/overview). Movies & TV Dept. *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Archived from [the original](https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/253937/Balan/overview) on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Ashish Rajadhyaksha and Paul Willemen (1999). *Encyclopaedia of Indian cinema*. [Oxford University Press](/source/Oxford_University_Press). p. 274. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-85170-455-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-85170-455-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-History3_6-0)** ["Balan: The First Talkie"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140730234852/http://www.cinemaofmalayalam.net/malayalam_his_1.html). Cinemaofmalayalam.net. n.d. Archived from [the original](http://www.cinemaofmalayalam.net/malayalam_his_1.html) on 30 July 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Balan3_7-0)** M. A. Oommen, Kumbattu Varkey Joseph (1991). *Economics of Indian cinema*. India: Oxford & IBH Publications. p. 45. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [81-204-0575-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/81-204-0575-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Menon, Ajay (7 September 2009). ["Old is Gold: Balan (1938 )"](http://oldmalayalam.blogspot.com/2009/09/balan-1938.html). *Old is Gold*. Retrieved 1 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Gnanambika (1940)"](https://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=4). *www.malayalachalachithram.com*. Retrieved 1 October 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Balan_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Balan_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Balan_10-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Balan_10-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Balan_10-4) M. A. Oommen, Kumbattu Varkey Joseph (1991). *Economics of Indian cinema*. India: Oxford & IBH Publications. p. 45. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [81-204-0575-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/81-204-0575-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NYT_11-0)** Jonathan Crow (2012). ["Balan (1938)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121103165835/https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/253937/Balan/overview). Movies & TV Dept. *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. Archived from [the original](https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/253937/Balan/overview) on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 1 January 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Balan - first featured film in Malayalam"](http://www.keralaculture.org/). *www.keralaculture.org*. Retrieved 1 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Balan_1938_13-0)** B. Vijayakumar (7 September 2009). ["Balan 1938"](http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article632365.ece). *The Hindu*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161016061658/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article632365.ece) from the original on 16 October 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["മലയാള സിനിമ ഇതുവരെ (1928-50)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110708154642/http://cinidiary.com/cinema1928_m1.php?searchcin=&cyear=1930&Search=Search) [Malayala cinema till here (1928-50)]. *മലയാളസിനിമ ചരിത്രം [Malayalacinema History]* (in Malayalam). Cini Diary. Archived from [the original](http://cinidiary.com/cinema1928_m1.php?searchcin=&cyear=1930&Search=Search) on 8 July 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Balan_19383_15-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Balan_19383_15-1) B. Vijayakumar (7 September 2009). ["Balan 1938"](http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article632365.ece). *The Hindu*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161016061658/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article632365.ece) from the original on 16 October 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** *Twitter* [https://twitter.com/nfaiofficial/status/986151268996526080](https://twitter.com/nfaiofficial/status/986151268996526080). Retrieved 27 November 2022. {{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: Missing or empty |title= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#citation_missing_title))

## External links

- [http://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=3](http://www.malayalachalachithram.com/movie.php?i=3)

- [*Balan*](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0213481/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

v t e Films directed by T. R. Sundaram Naveena Nirupama (1937) Padhma Jothi (1937) Sathi Akalya (1937) Maanikka Vaasakar (1939) Uthama Puthiran (1940) Manonmani (1942) Sathi Suganya (1942) Arundhati (1943) Dewan Bahadur (1943) Rajarajeswari (1944) Burma Rani (1945) Subhadhra (1946) 1000 Thalaivangi Apoorva Chinthamani (1947) Adhithan Kanavu (1948) Manthiri Kumari (1950) Thigambara Samiar (1950) Sarvadhikari (1951) Valayapathi (1952) Thirumbi Paar (1953) Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956) Thalai Koduthaan Thambi (1959) Kandam Becha Kottu (1961)

v t e Modern Theatres Key people T. R. Sundaram (founder) Films produced 1930s Modern Girl (1935) Bandit of the Air (1936) Country Girl (1936) Modern Lady (1936) Modern Youth (1937) Mr. Ammanchi (1937) Naveena Nirupama (1937) Padma Jothi (1937) Sathi Ahalya (1937) Balan (1938) Dhaksha Yagnam (1938) Kambar (1938) Maya Mayavan (1938) Mayuradhawaja (1938) Santhanadevan (1938) Thayumanavar (1938) Maanikka Vaasakar (1939) Manmadha Vijayam (1939) Sathyavaani (1939) Sri Sankarachariyar (1939) 1940s Harihara Maya (1940) Raja Yogam (1940) Sathyavaani (1940) Sathi Mahananda (1940) Sathi Murali (1940) Uthama Puthiran (1940) Vikrama Oorvasi (1941) Bhaktha Gowri (1941) Dhayalan (1941) Ashok (1942) Manonmani (1942) Sathi Suganya (1942) Sivalinga Satchi (1942) Arundhathi (1943) Dewan Bahadur (1943) Soorapuli (1943) Sow Sow (1944) Rajarajeswari (1944) Burma Rani (1945) Chitra (1946) Sangram (1946) Subhathra (1946) 1000 Thalaivangi Apoorva Chinthamani (1947) Sulochana (1947) Adhithan Kanavu (1948) Ahimasa Yuddham (1948) Bhojan (1948) 1950s Thigambara Samiar (1950) Manthiri Kumari (1950) Maaya Rambha (1950) Ponmudi (1950) Aada Janma (1951) Sarvadhikari (1951) Kaadu (1952) The Jungle (1952) Atthinti Kapuram (1952) Kalyani (1952) Savathiporu (1952) Valayapathi (1952) Mangala Gowri (1953) Thirumbi Paar (1953) Deva Kannika (1954) Illara Jothi (1954) Sugam Enge (1954) Kathanayaki (1955) Maheswari (1955) Alibabavum 40 Thirudargalum (1956) Pasavalai (1956) Aravalli (1957) Kitna Badal Gaya Insan (1957) Veera Kankanam (1957) Petra Maganai Vitra Annai (1958) Engal Kuladevi (1959) Thalai Koduthaan Thambi (1959) Vannakili (1959) 1960s Anna Chellalu (1960) Kaithi Kannayiram (1960) Kandam Becha Kottu (1961) Kumudham (1961) Modern Girl (1961) Kavitha (1962) Kattu Roja (1963) Konjum Kumari (1963) Yarukku Sontham (1963) Amma Enge (1964) Chitrangi (1964) Vallavanukku Vallavan (1965) Iru Vallavargal (1966) Monagallaku Monagadu (1966) Vallavan Oruvan (1966) Ethirigal Jakkirathai (1967) Kadhalithal Podhuma (1967) Evaru Monagadu (1968) Naangu Killadigal (1969) 1970s CID Shankar (1970) Justice Viswanathan (1971) Nenu Manishine (1971) Karunthel Kannayiram (1972) Thedi Vandha Lakshmi (1973) Prayachitham (1974) Kaali Koyil Kabali (1979) Vallavan Varugiraan (1979) 1990s Jenanaayakan (1999)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Balan (film)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balan_(film)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balan_(film)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.