Director Mahendran Hospitalised, On Ventilator Support

Filmmaker J Mahendran was admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on Wednesday, after he became critically ill following a dialysis session. He is currently on ventilator support, a source told Silverscreen. His health condition will be updated this afternoon.

J Mahendran is 79 years old. He is the director of several memorable films including Mullum Malarum (starring Rajinikanth as Kali), Johnny, Uthiri Pookal and Nenjathai Killadhey. Johnny, starring Rajinikanth and Sridevi, became a cult classic with Rajinikanth’s dual roles considered one of his career best.

Director Mahendran is known for his scripts and dialogue writing, which has influenced several filmmakers including Mani Ratnam and Shankar. He has written close to 25 films, directed 12 films. Saasanam (2006) starring Arvind Swamy, Gautami and Ranjitha in the lead was his last directorial.

He had been on a break from cinema after 2000s, and recently stated acting in films. In 2016, he starred as the antagonist in Vijay’s Theri, and later played important roles in Nimir, Mr Chandramouli and Seethakaathi. 

He was last seen in Petta as Rajinikanth’s enemy and Malavika Mohanan’s father. He also played a cameo role in the Atharvaa-starrer Boomerang, which released earlier this month.

Recommended

Did Rajinikanth’s ‘Enthiran’ Inspire A Scene in ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’?

Margazhiyil Makkal Isai 2020: An 8-Day Music Festival in Chennai for the Masses

Mahendran began his career as a journalist, and was introduced to cinema by MGR who recommended him as the assistant to director Kaasilingam for the 1963 film Kaanchi Thalaivan. Mahendran made his breakthrough as a screenwriter for the film Naam Moovar in 1966. He wrote the script for Nirakudam starring Sivaji Ganesan, and directed Poottaatha Poottukkal, Kai Kodukkum Kai, Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu and other films.

Mahenadran is currently a part of the Blue Ocean Film and Television Academy (BOFTA) in Chennai, as the head of the filmmaking and direction course.

Director Mahendran’s son, John Mahendran, who directed Sachin with Vijay in the lead, shared the news about his health on social media. He asked people to pray for his recovery.