Director Sathyan Anthikad has shared effusive praise for Chidambaram's latest film, Balan: The Boy. Taking to social media, Sathyan shared a note of appreciation for the film and its acclaimed director. He reminisced about his first meeting with the Manjummel Boys filmmaker.

Sathyan said that he first met Chidambaram on the set of his film Vinodayathra, which released in 2007 and also stars the Balan filmmaker's brother, Ganapathi. "Back then, Chidambaram was just a boy. An elder brother who came along with his mother to see his brother, Ganapathi, act in cinema. I still remember him expressing his interest in cinema. Now, he has come in front of us with his stunning third film," Sathyan Anthikad wrote

The Sandesam filmmaker also said that Balan: The Boy has reminds him of cinema by directors such as Bharathan, KG George, and PN Menon. "This is an era where there is much misconception about new-gen cinema. We have seen many films that are supposedly on-trend and that flew out of theatres without sticking the landing. Balan is the latest example of the fact that if there is a subject that hooks the mind and pulls it and with the brilliance to make it beautifully, there will always be memorable cinema. How carefully has Chidambaram presented each word and shot."

Noting that Chidambaram has a good team, including writer Jithu Madhavan and cinematographer Shyju Khalid, Sathyan Anthikad praised the seamless blend of music, editing, and art direction in Balan: The Boy. "The cast is such that one feels there could not have been anyone more suitable for each character. A big salute is also due to Ganapathi for discovering and bringing these actors together," the filmmaker noted.

"Jean Paul Lal truly surprised through the character of Pavithran. Tovino's presence is also noteworthy. Without any star image, Tovino performed naturally. Farhana, the grandmother, and Anand Ekarshi, who made a strong impression despite appearing in just two scenes as the lorry driver, are all blessings to us," the filmmaker added.

He signed off, saying, "Balan is the latest face of cultured Malayalam cinema. My love and appreciation to everyone who worked on this film."