Balachandra Menon

“My first love was always direction; I had worked hard as a film-maker but not as an actor.”

“Ninety per cent of my movies were hits.”

“I recently found out that the print of my first film 'Utrada Rathri,' released in 1978, is damaged beyond repair. So the only way to relive earlier films is through books based on the screenplay.”

“There is a right to protest in our country, but at times the manner in which the protest is done breaks all permissible levels. I don't agree with it at all.”

“'Karyam Nissaram' and 'Oru Painkili Katha' ran for 100 days, 'Ammayana Sathyam' for 97 days and other hits were 'Kelkatha Sabdam,' 'Arante Mulla Kochu Mulla' and 'Aniyatha Valakal.'”

“Politics is not my cup of tea.”

“I record all my speeches and have DTP prints of them. When I happened to read the speeches compiled I thought it made for an interesting read. This set to me thinking on publishing it in book form.”

“As I am a film personality, I feel it would be best to be an independent candidate. Thus if I decide to contest it won't be under the symbol of any political party.”

“Of all my movies, I feel that 'Krishna Gopalakrishna' remains one of my best works though it could not be called a box office success. I maintain that it was far ahead of its time.”

“In Hindi cinema, the cabaret dancers were eased out when the heroines imbibed their mannerisms. This could happen in Malayalam cinema too.”

“I never plan my speech. Very often the audience triggers me into the mood.”

“There is a strong social premise in our country and I feel today freedom is being misused and not used.”

“When you are scripting, the scene, the dialogues, everything comes before you, taking final shape. That is truly the most creative aspect of filmmaking and that is what I enjoy the most.”

“I believe there should be a witness to every act in this world. So when I write about a film, when I speak volumes about it, I felt there should also be a witness to attest to its credentials, and this is especially for the conviction of future generations.”

“The movie 'Prema Geethangal' brought out the campus life in the 1980s whereas 'Ennalum Sharat' speaks from the 2017 perspective.”

“Over the years I have always said what I wanted to say through my films. I have ensured that I will not allow anyone to question what I tell through my films.”

“My approach to politics is very serious. It must be handled by great people with extraordinary skills and human qualities. I feel I don't have qualities of that sort.”

“Competitive spirit is a driving force that keeps life going with a thrill.”

“Mammootty has everything from talent to looks. It's no secret that many are envious of him. And I know that if he is envious of anyone, it's me.”

“As an actor, I am delighted that Innocent has busted the myth that a film star would never win an election in Kerala.”