Rajini and Kamal's Mentor K Balachander in Critical Condition

CHENNAI: Almost exactly a month to day that he underwent a gruelling neuro surgery, reportedly to remove a large tumor in his brain, veteran filmmaker K Balachander was rushed to Kauvery Hospital after he fainted at his residence.

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The Thillu Mullu Director, who had been looking frail over the last year, is extremely critical if hospital sources are to be believed. "He was very weak after he underwent brain surgery but he recovered enough to be allowed to return home. This afternoon his assistant found him unconscious and immediately brought him to the ICU where he has been stabilized. However given his age and physical condition he is very much critical," said a well informed hospital source.

The 84 year old director, screenwriter and playwright, one of the most prolific and critically acclaimed in the film industry,  has nearly a 100 feature films in his kitty including some immensely memorable ones like Moondru Muduchu, Manmadha Leelai with Kamal Haasan in the lead and Aboorva Raagangal which marked the debut of Rajnikanth. He is also the recipient of the Padma Sri and nine national awards.

Adding credence to this news is the fact that superstar Rajnikanth, is expected to arrive at the hospital post 6 PM. The actor who was introduced to the film industry and given the name Rajinikanth by Balachander has always acknowledged him as his mentor and godfather, on and off screen. "Rajini sir has dropped all his plans and is rushing to the hospital," said Rajnis spokespersons

Industry sources also said that the actor had most recently wanted to invite KB for a special screening of his latest release Lingaa but was unable to have him watch the film because of his ailments.

KB's other great find Kamal Haasan, currently in the USA, is also believed to be making a beeline for the hospital.

When contacted a spokesperson form Kauvery hospital confirmed that KB was indeed in the ICU but maintained that "he was improving gradually." At 5 PM the hospital issued a very plain,  almost platonic statement that "veteran film director K Balachander, age 84, has developed fever and sudden age related ailments over the past few days. He is being treated at a hospital and at present he is stable." A substantial police cover has been provided to the private hospital in Alwarpet which would have seen so much attention only when DMK Chief Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi was admitted earlier this year.