Visual Poetics and Realism in Tamil Cinema: Aesthetic Innovations in the Films of Balu Mahendra
Keywords:
Visual Poetics, Cinematic Realism, Tamil Cinema, Balu Mahendra, Auteur Filmmaking, Aesthetic InnovationAbstract
The study examines the intersection of visual poems and cinematic realism in the actions of a leading autism Balu Mahendra in Tamil cinema, whose films re -shaped the story and beauty structure of South Indian filmmaking. In real traditions affected by international auteurs such as Satyajit Ray and Vittorio de Sica, Balu Mahendra's direction vision was marked by natural lighting, location-based shooting, minimal dialogue and commitment to deep emotional resonance. His dual role as a director and cinematographer enabled a spontaneous fusion of visual and fiction aesthetics, creating a unique cinematic language defined by poetic imagination and introspection story.
Through close text analysis of selected films like Moondram Pirai, Veedu, Mullumalarum, and Azhiyatha Kolangal, , this paper examines this paper how to exterior the internal states, psychological depth, and emotional reality, sand Mahendra used the mise-en-scène, light, silence and color composition to increase the emotional reality. This research also states how his innovations challenged the melodious conferences of mainstream Tamil cinema and contributed to the development of parallel and art homes in South India.
By replacing visual poems for his real aesthetics, this study argues that Balu Mahendra redefined the role of cinematography not only as a technical craft but also again as an intensive tale tool. Conclusion outlines their permanent impact on later generations of filmmakers and their role in shaping a visually sensitive, emotionally ground cinematic tradition. This paper contributes to expanding scholars' discourse on South Indian visual realism and autism tradition within Indian cinema.
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