Mahendran (filmmaker) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mahendran
Mahendran in April 2016
Born	J. Alexander (1939-07-25)25 July 1939 Ilaiyangudi, Madras Presidency, British India
Died	2 April 2019 (Aged 79) Chennai
Occupation	Film director screenwriter actor literary editor
Years active	1966–2006, 2016–2019
Spouse(s)	Jasmine
Children	John Mahendran
Family	Rajesh (Cousin)

J. Alexander (born July 25, 1939 – died April 2, 2019), known as Mahendran, was a famous Indian film director, screenwriter, and actor. He worked mainly in the Tamil film industry. Many people think Mahendran was one of the best filmmakers in Tamil cinema. He inspired many directors who came after him.

Mahendran started his career by writing movie scripts. He wrote for about 26 films. He made a big splash with his very first movie as a director, Mullum Malarum (1978). His next film, Uthiripookkal, was based on a short story. This movie made him a very important director in Tamil cinema. His film Nenjathai Killathe won three National Film Awards. One of these was for the best regional film.

Later in his career, he also acted in movies. Some of these include Kamaraj (2004), Theri (2016), Nimir (2018), and Petta (2019).

Mahendran's Early Life and Career

Mahendran was born on July 25, 1939. His father, Joseph Chelliah, was a teacher, and his mother was Manonmani. Mahendran went to school in Ilayangudi. He then studied at American College, Madurai. After that, he went to Alagappa Government Arts College. There, he earned a degree in Economics.

College Days and Meeting M.G.R.

During his college years, Mahendran loved acting in plays. One day, a famous actor and politician named M. G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.) visited his college. Mahendran gave a speech that day. In his speech, he talked about how movies were becoming too focused on making money. M.G.R. was very impressed by Mahendran's speech. He told Mahendran that he could become a great critic.

After college, Mahendran went to Madras to study law. But he had to stop after seven months because he didn't have enough money. He decided to go back home to Ilayangudi.

Starting in the Film World

A friend suggested he join a newspaper called Inamuzhakkam as a journalist. This is where he met M.G.R. again. M.G.R. asked him to write the script for a film based on the story Ponniyin Selvan. This movie idea was delayed. So, M.G.R. asked Mahendran to write a play for his acting group. Mahendran wrote a play called Anaadhaigal.

M.G.R. decided to make a film based on this play. He named the film Vaazhve Vaa. M.G.R. and Savitri were going to star in it. But the project was stopped after only three days of filming. Later, M.G.R. was in a film called Kaanchi Thalaivan. He told the director to make Mahendran an assistant on the film.

Becoming a Screenwriter

Mahendran got his first big break as a screenwriter in 1966. He wrote the script for the film Naam Moovar. This movie was a success. After that, he got more offers from the same film company. He worked on films like Sabaash Thambi and Panakkara Pillai. He also wrote the script for Nirakudam, which starred Sivaji Ganesan.

In 2014, Mahendran announced he was working on a new film. It would star new actors, and Ilaiyaraaja would compose the music. Mahendran also acted in several films. These included Kamaraj (2004), Theri (2016), and Nimir (2018).

Mahendran passed away on April 2, 2019, at the age of 79.

Mahendran's Awards

Mahendran won several important awards for his work in films:

• Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil for Mullum Malarum (1978)
• Filmfare Award for Best Director – Tamil for Uthiripookkal (1979)
• National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil for Nenjathai Killathe (1980)
• IIFA Utsavam Best actor for Performance in a negative role in Theri (2016)

Filmography

Year	Film	Credited as					Ref.
		Director	Story	Screenplay	Dialogues	Actor
1966	Naam Moovar		Y
1967	Sabash Thambi		Y
1968	Panakkara Pillai		Y
1969	Nirai Kudam		Y
1972	Ganga		Y
1974	Thirudi		Y
1974	Thangapathakkam		Y		Y
1975	Nambikkai Natchathiram		Y		Y
1975	Vaazhnthu Kaattugiren		Y		Y
1975	Avalukku Aayiram Kangal		Y		Y
1976	Vazhvu En Pakkam		Y		Y
1976	Mogam Muppadhu Varusham			Y	Y
1977	Sonthamadi Nee Enakku		Y		Y
1977	Chakravarthi		Y		Y
1977	Sonnathai Seiven			Y	Y
1977	Aadu Puli Attam		Y		Y
1978	Mullum Malarum	Y		Y	Y
1979	Pagalil Oru Iravu				Y
1979	Uthiripookkal	Y		Y	Y
1980	Challenge Ramudu		Y
1980	Rishi Moolam		Y		Y
1980	Poottaatha Poottukkal	Y		Y	Y
1980	Kaali		Y		Y
1980	Johnny	Y		Y	Y
1980	Nenjathai Killathe	Y	Y	Y	Y
1981	Nandu	Y	Y	Y	Y
1982	Hitler Umanath		Y
1982	Metti	Y	Y	Y	Y
1982	Azhagiya Kanne	Y	Y	Y	Y
1984	Kai Kodukkum Kai	Y		Y	Y
1986	Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu	Y		Y	Y
1991	Thaiyalkaran		Y		Y
1992	Naangal		Y
1992	Oor Panjayathu	Y	Y	Y	Y
1999	Kallazhagar				Y
2004	Kamaraj					Y
2006	Sasanam	Y		Y	Y
2016	Theri					Y
2017	Katamarayudu					Y
2018	Nimir					Y
2018	Mr. Chandramouli					Y
2018	Seethakaathi					Y
2019	Petta					Y
2019	Boomerang					Y
2019	Rustum					Y	Posthumous release; Kannada film
2021	Pon Manickavel					Y	Posthumous release
2022	Kombu Vatcha Singamda					Y	Posthumous release