(This article is authored by Alar)

R Balki, the acclaimed director of films like Paa and Padman, was in Chennai for the CII Dakshin Media and Entertainment Summit. He shared his views on the Tamil film industry and expressed his admiration for some of the leading actors of Kollywood.

He said, “Nobody understands cinema like how Dhanush does. He is an excellent writer and I always find him to be very special. He has a unique way of portraying emotions and creating magic on screen. He is a pan-Indian star who has also made his mark in Hollywood with The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir.”

He also lauded Suriya and Vijay Sethupathi for their versatile performances and impressive choices of films. And he also too discussed his love for Tamil cinema—especially the music of Ilaiyaraaja—which, he confessed, put “the fever of cinema” in him, and he said,  Moondram Pirai to be one of the greatest films that Indian cinema has ever produced.

He also mentioned, "I watch more Tamil films than people here do because i have a connection with the south." R Balki, who is known for his innovative and socially relevant films, Cheeni Kum, Paa, Pad Man, and Chup: Revenge of The Artist. 

He is the former Group Chairman of Lowe Lintas, one of the leading advertising agencies in India, where he created some of the most memorable campaigns for brands like Surf Excel, Tata Tea, Idea Cellular, Havells, and many more. His unconventional and thought provoking ideas resonate with the masses. He also helmed Shamitabh which starred Dhanush, where it marked the actor's second Hindi debut.