He worked as a still photographer in about 170 films and has associated with great directors including G. Aravindan, John Abraham, Adoor Gopalakrishnan, P. Padmarajan, Bharathan and K. G. George.

Balakrishnan is best known for his work as unit still photographer in the films of master director G. Aravindan.

He worked with other directors including John Abraham, K. P. Kumaran, Lenin Rajendran, P. Padmarajan, Bharathan and K. G. George as well as with commercial movie-makers such as Sathyan Anthikad.

With Padmarajan, Balakrishnan associated in eight films including Peruvazhiyambalam, Oridathoru Phayalvaan, Novemberinte Nashtam, Innale and Namukku Parkkan Munthiri Thoppukal.

When I turned an independent director with a children’s film Ammanam Kili, I decided to cast him as a gypsy who sold birds.

[4] He was also the head of Forum for Better Spirit, a pro-drinking group formed with the aim of lobbying for subsidised and abundant supply of good liquor in Kerala.

During his final days, Balakrishnan was in a bad condition with serious medical problems like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease.