Actor-director J. Mahendran passes away: Big loss to Indian cinema

New Delhi : Veteran film director J. Mahendran took his last breathe early on Tuesday morning. His son John Mahendran confirmed the unfortunate news on social media.

Late Mahendran was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on March 27, after he became sick following a dialysis session. He was on a ventilator, according to hospital sources.

The noted director gave Tamil Cinema many important films including Aadu Puli Attam, Mullum Malarum, Uthiripookkal and Nenjathai Killadhe. He was recently seen in Vijay Sethupathi’s Seethakaathi, the Rajinikanth-starrer Petta and Boomerang, starring Atharvaa Murali that released earlier this month.

Mahendran made his directorial debut with Mullum Malarum, a critically acclaimed movie starring Rajinikanth, Sarath Babu, Fatafat Jayalaxmi and Shoba, in 1978. The film was a turning point in Rajinikanth's career and therefore, the director is credited for making him superstar of today.

Famous for his writing, he is also a part of the Blue Ocean FIlm and Television Academy(BOFTA) in Chennai where he heads the filmmaking and direction course. He was a good friend of superstar Rajinikanth. In 2018, when the director was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at News 18's Magudam Awards by DMK leader Stalin, he dedicated it to his "super friend Rajini" indicating their lovely bond.

Public homage for the director will be held at his home from 10 a.m.  The funeral is set to be held at 5 pm.