Kalaignanam

Kalaignanam (born K. M. Balakrishnan) is an Indian writer, actor, producer, and director working in Tamil cinema. Kalaignanam was born in the village of Elumalai. Rajinikanth wrote his first independent protagonist in the movie Bairavi produced by Kalaignanam. Bairavai Film was produced under the name of the production company Valli Velan Films. Following the success of the film, Kalaignanam later produced his film at a production company named Bairavi Productions. He wrote about his experience in his films in four books entitled Cinema Secret. Kalaignanam's eldest son, Murugan, died in September 2017.

As a director, he has worked in Aaru Pushpangal (1977), Alli Darbar (1977), Nellikani (1981), and NeethikkuOru Penn (1984). As an actor, he has worked in Idhu Namma Aalu Click to look into! >> Read More... (1988), Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam (2014), and Naachiyaar (2018). As a story writer, he has worked in Kathal Paduthum Paadu (1966), Veguli Penn (1971), Kurathi Magan (1972), Anbai Thedi, ThangathileVairam, Kanavan Manaivi, Bairavi (1978), Ilanjodigal, Miruthanga  Chakravarthi (1983), and Amman Kovil Thiruvizha. As a producer, his films were, Bairavi (1978), Jyothi Malar (1986), and Raja Rishi (1985).