He made directorial debut with 2012 comedy film Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom that released on 30 November 2012 to highly positive reviews from critics.
[1] Balaji Tharaneetharan made his directorial debut with the cult comedy film, Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom (2012) featuring Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role.
[4] One of the other witnesses, Bagavathi Perumal agreed to play himself in the film, while the victim Prem Kumar handled the cinematography himself.
[5] Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom was due for release in September 2012, with preview screenings being held for critics and personalities from the film industry.
M. Suganth from Times of India gave it 4 out of 5 and called it an "instant cult comedy that delivers the laughs big time" and added that "the film's real success lies in the genuine rush of feel-good emotion it leaves you with as it ends; it is at once a relief and a celebration".