Kailasam Balachander (born July 9, 1930 in Nannilam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India) is an Indian film director, scriptwriter and producer. He is known for his distinct filmmaking style; the films he scripts and directs analyse unusual or complicated interpersonal relationships and social themes. In his career, he has encouraged and contributed to the flourishing of the Tamil film industry in South India, and has introduced into Indian cinema key actors such as Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.