J. Mahendran, a towering figure in Tamil cinema, was more than just a filmmaker; he was a screenwriter, actor, and a visionary who redefined realism in Tamil films. His life and career are a testament to his passion, talent, and unwavering commitment to his craft.
Wiki/Biography
Born on July 25, 1939, in Ilayangudi, Tamil Nadu, Mahendran’s early life was marked by a blend of academic pursuits and a burgeoning interest in the arts. He completed his schooling in Ilayangudi and intermediate studies at American College, Madurai. He then earned a B.A. in Economics from Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikudi. Financial constraints interrupted his law studies in Madras, leading him back to Ilayangudi. There, encouraged by Karaikudi Kannappa Valliappan, he began his journalism career with the periodical “Inamuzhakkam.”
Physical Appearance
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Wife
Mahendran was born to Joseph Chelliah, a teacher, and Manonmani. He married Jasmine Mahendran and had a son, John Mahendran (also a director), and two daughters, Dimple and Anurita.
Career
His career began as a scriptwriter for the 1966 film “Naam Moovar,” a significant success that opened numerous doors. He penned dialogues for classics like “Thangappadhakkam” (1974) and “Aadu Puli Aatam” (1977). His directorial debut, “Mullum Malarum” (1978), marked a turning point in Tamil cinema. He directed a total of 12 films, with “Saasanam” (2006) being his last directorial effort before a decade-long break from filmmaking. He later returned to the industry as an actor, making his debut in “Theri” (2016) and subsequently appearing in several high-profile movies, including “Seethakaathi” (2018), “Nimir” (2018), and “Boomerang” (2018).
Awards
His contributions to cinema were recognized with numerous accolades:
- National Film Award for Best Feature Film (Tamil) – “Nenjathai Killathe” (1981)
- Filmfare Award South for Best Director – “Uthiripookkal” (1978)
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award – “Mullum Malarum” (1978)
- Lifetime Achievement Award at News18’s Magudam Awards (2018)
Favourite Things
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Actor | Kamal Haasan, Rajnikanth |
| Musician | Ilaiyaraaja |
| Poet | Rabindranath Tagore |
| Filmmakers | Satyajit Ray, B.N. Reddy |
Death
J. Mahendran passed away on April 2, 2019, following a critical illness and hospitalization at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai.
Facts
- Active participant in school stage plays.
- Impressed M.G. Ramachandran with a speech criticizing commercial aspects of Tamil cinema.
- Wrote the play “Anaadhaigal,” which M.G.R. adapted into the film “Vaazhve Vaa,” though the project was ultimately shelved.
- Shared a close working relationship with Ilaiyaraaja, often consulting him before others on his stories.
- Founded the Blue Ocean Film and Television Academy (BOFTA) in Chennai.
- Mentored Rajnikanth during his early career.
- Inspired many directors including Mani Ratnam and Shankar.
- Considered an average student who craved attention.
- Enjoyed reading Tamil and English literature and frequented libraries.
- Published a Tamil children’s magazine, “Ladoo,” during his school days.
- Won Tagore’s “Geetanjali” for a mono-act play based on Pisiranthayar’s work in class VI.
- Described filmmaking as a “forced marriage” but also a passion.
- Inspired by his uncle’s introduction to good cinema and subsequently influenced by Satyajit Ray.
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