Tamil filmmaker J Mahendran dies at 79

Veteran filmmaker J Mahendran, known for infusing realism in Tamil cinema and for giving superstar Rajinikanth his career breakthrough with "Mullum Malarum", died here Tuesday at the age of 79. The filmmaker passed away after a brief illness at his residence, a source close to the family said.

He was in hospital for about a week for kidney related ailments and was discharged on Monday. After the general public and actors, including Rajinikanth and Vijay Sethupathi, paid their last respects, his body was taken in a procession and later buried in a cemetery here.

Chief Minister K Palaniswami and the South Indian Artistes' Association expressed grief over the death. He is survived by son John who is also a film director.

Mahendran was introduced to the world of cinema as a critic while working as a sub-editor in a Tamil magazine during his student days. He started his journey in the movies as a screenplay writer and made his directorial debut with 1978 film "Mullum Malarum", featuring Rajinikanth in the lead.

Later, Mahendran and Rajinikanth worked on films like "Kaali" and "Johnny". The director's popularity peaked with his movies "Uthiri Pookkal" (1979) and "Nenjathai Killathey" (1980).

In the past few years, Mahendran had switched to acting. He played pivotal parts in "Kamaraj" (2004), "Petta" opposite Rajinikanth and Vijay's "Theri". He was last seen in Tamil film "Boomerang", which released on March 8.

Mahendran was also the founding member of Blue Ocean Film and Television Academy here. Speaking to PTI, the filmmaker's long time associate and producer G Dhananjayan said Mahendra redefined the Tamil cinema at a time when it was dominated by the trend of delivering lengthy dialogues.

"He brought the touch of realism into Tamil cinema and it made people connect more to his movies. Mahendran is the forefather of realistic Tamil cinema," Dhananjayan added. Filmmaker A R Murugadoss took to Twitter to pay homage to the director.

"It is deeply saddening to hear the demise of one of the pioneer filmmaker #Mahendran sir. You and your films live forever in our hearts sir. Rest in peace," he said. Actor Siddharth said, "Director #Mahendran sir will always be named whenever the greatest #Tamil film makers are remembered.

That is his giant legacy and his immense contribution to our industry. Long live your memory and influence sir. Rest in peace. Condolences to @johnroshan and family." Blue Ocean Film and Television Academy, where Mahendran was a faculty, said he was a pillar of support to BOFTA. "...May his soul rest in peace. Thank you Master for your wonderful learning to us," it said..