Vasan Bala

Based in Mumbai

Vasan Bala is an Indian director and screenwriter, recognised for his distinctive storytelling in both advertising and feature films. He is affiliated with Absolute Productions, a Mumbai-based production company.

With a keen eye for detail, his filmmaking is characterised by a raw, heartfelt aesthetic that blends dynamic action with compelling narratives. Bala's advertising work includes acclaimed campaigns such as Havells' 'Tale of the Tiger', Surf Excel's Ramzan film, Shan Masala's commercial, and a film for JSW.

His directorial debut, Peddlers (2012), was selected for the Cannes Film Festival's Critics' Week, earning him a nomination for the Golden Camera Award. He has also directed notable films such as Monica, O My Darling (2022) and Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2019). In 2024, he directed Jigra, starring Alia Bhatt.

Prior to his directorial career, Bala worked as a casting director on films such as Dev.D (2009) and That Girl in Yellow Boots (2010). He also served as a co-writer for Bombay Velvet (2015) and Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016).

His work continues to influence and inspire filmmakers within the Indian film industry.

Social Media Handles:

• Instagram - @vasanbala

• Youtube - Vasan Bala

His top ad picks include:

• Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk - Umbrella #howfarwillyougoforlove: Vasan shares that one can’t single out just one 'best ad' that encapsulates Prakash Verma's iconic legacy, he chose this ad as it was created during the challenging times of the pandemic.

• The Hindu, Early Man Film: Praising Ayappa, Vasan shares how he respects his choices and vision a lot. Choosing something that is, a piercing, stunning piece and not his precision humour work that he is otherwise known for, they are incredible too.

• BIRLA HIL PIPES - Naam Birla Dekhke Lena: Vasan shares his admiration for Suresh Triveni both as a friend and as a filmmaker. This is a spot that he immensely loved, given how the quirk never takes over the storytelling. And that, he says, is always a sign of a sorted good filmmaker.