J. Mahendran

J. Mahendran

Birth : 1939-07-25, Ilaiyangudi, Madras Presidency, British India

Death : 2019-04-02

History

J. Alexander, known professionally as Mahendran, was an Indian film director, screenwriter and actor, known for his work in the Tamil film industry. Mahendran is regarded as one of the greatest film makers of Tamil cinema and has influenced several filmmakers of the generations followed. Particularly he has been an inspiration for the legends of Tamil cinema like Mani Ratnam and Rajinikanth. Mahendran entered the film industry as a screenwriter, writing scripts for nearly 26 films. He made an immediate impact with his first directional venture Mullum Malarum (1978). Mahendran's next film Uthiripookkal, based on a short story written by Pudumaipithan, firmly established him as an important film maker in Tamil cinema. His Nenjathai Killathe won three National Film Awards including the award for the best regional film.

Profile

J. Mahendran
J. Mahendran
J. Mahendran

Movies

Kombu Vatcha Singamda
Deivendran
Six friends, who follow Periyaar's ideologies, fall prey to the local caste politics that happens in their hometown. Who is the reason behind this and what happens after?
Pon Manickavel
A cop tasked with investigating the murder of a judge finds out that a businessman might be the key to cracking the case.
Rustum
The disappearance of an honest IAS officer leads to his family seeking help from police, but to no avail. To their assistance arrives Abhishek, someone who happens to be there for them in times of need. But why does he want to help them? What is his real identity?
Boomerang
Self
A guy who gets a face transplant done, following a fire accident, realises many are after his life. He sets out to find the reason for the same.
Petta
Rajapandi
A hostel warden becomes the target of a dreaded politician and his gangster son, but little do they realise that it is they who should fear him.
Seethakathi
Judge
A veteran theatre artist who lives for his art 'enters' the world of films. Can the film industry hold on to his inimitable artistry?
Mr. Chandramouli
Azhagar
Raghav, a professional boxer, finds himself in a fix when an unexpected turn of events gets him tangled in a battle between his passion, family and the love of his life.
Nimir
National Shanmugam
An amiable photographer in a small-town, who is nursing a breakup, unwittingly becomes embroiled in a street brawl that turns him into a man obsessed with revenge.
Katamarayudu
Yelasari Bhanu's Father
A violent man Rayudu tries to redeem himself to impress the love of his life, until he gets pushed into a situation that forces him to act.
Theri
Minister Vanamamalai
When an honest cop, Vijay Kumar's family is ruthlessly slaughtered by a politician and his aides, he decides to change his identity and commits his life to bring his daughter up in a serene atmosphere. But some freak events end up compromising his identity and what he does to save his daughter and avenge the death of his family unfurls as Theri.
Ninaithathu Yaaro
Special Appearance
A director changes the perception of love for a group of youngsters by narrating how he reclaimed his life because of his now-married lover and her understanding husband.
Sasanam
Writer
Muthiah and his wife Visalakshi are a loving couple, and they come across Saroji who with no one to go for, takes refuge in Muthiah's house. Muthiah and Saroji develop soft corner towards each other. The rest is what transpires between the trio, exploring the nuances of an extra-marital affair.
Sasanam
Director
Muthiah and his wife Visalakshi are a loving couple, and they come across Saroji who with no one to go for, takes refuge in Muthiah's house. Muthiah and Saroji develop soft corner towards each other. The rest is what transpires between the trio, exploring the nuances of an extra-marital affair.
Kamaraj
K. Rajaram
The film is a biographical sketch of the former Chief Minister of the then Madras State and the All-India Congress Committee secretary and a respected national figure. The film starts with the young age of Kamaraj and ends with the funeral procession of the leader.
Kallazhagar
Dialogue
Kallazhagar is a 1999 Tamil film directed by Bharathi featuring Vijaykanth and Laila in the lead roles.
Oor Panchayathu
Story
Siva is the foster son of a respectable village elder. The village elder wishes to get his granddaughter married to Siva. But Siva incurs the wrath of the village elder's son-in-law when the villagers unanimously elect him head of the village panchayat. The anger turns into suspicion when Siva gives shelter to a woman named Thamarai and her new-born baby. Siva's kindness is misinterpreted, and even his lover shuns him.
Oor Panchayathu
Screenplay
Siva is the foster son of a respectable village elder. The village elder wishes to get his granddaughter married to Siva. But Siva incurs the wrath of the village elder's son-in-law when the villagers unanimously elect him head of the village panchayat. The anger turns into suspicion when Siva gives shelter to a woman named Thamarai and her new-born baby. Siva's kindness is misinterpreted, and even his lover shuns him.
Oor Panchayathu
Director
Siva is the foster son of a respectable village elder. The village elder wishes to get his granddaughter married to Siva. But Siva incurs the wrath of the village elder's son-in-law when the villagers unanimously elect him head of the village panchayat. The anger turns into suspicion when Siva gives shelter to a woman named Thamarai and her new-born baby. Siva's kindness is misinterpreted, and even his lover shuns him.
Naangal
Dialogue
Two competing police officers, Keerthi and Naveen, try to outdo each other while investigating a roadside murder. Things get complicated and the officers take each other to court.
Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu
Screenplay
Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu is a 1986 Tamil-language Indian feature film directed by J. Mahendran, starring Bhanumathi and Sujatha in lead roles.
Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu
Director
Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu is a 1986 Tamil-language Indian feature film directed by J. Mahendran, starring Bhanumathi and Sujatha in lead roles.
Seethamma Pelli
Original Story
Kali, a locomotive trolley driver, and Murali, an engineer, are not in good terms. When Kali loses a hand in an accident, he unleashes his anger on Murali.
Kai Kodukkum Kai
Screenplay
Veer marries a blind girl and is disowned by his brother. He rents a room and takes care of his wife. He decides to share the room with a handicapped youth who has a secret agenda of his own.
Kai Kodukkum Kai
Director
Veer marries a blind girl and is disowned by his brother. He rents a room and takes care of his wife. He decides to share the room with a handicapped youth who has a secret agenda of his own.
Azhagiya Kanne
Story
Azhagiya Kanne is a 1982 Tamil-language film written and directed by J. Mahendran. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Azhagiya Kanne
Screenplay
Azhagiya Kanne is a 1982 Tamil-language film written and directed by J. Mahendran. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Azhagiya Kanne
Director
Azhagiya Kanne is a 1982 Tamil-language film written and directed by J. Mahendran. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja.
Hitler Umanath
Story
A mild and timid man is made fun of for his resemblance to Hitler. However, the man soon starts growing in confidence and transforms himself into a charismatic leader.
Metti
Screenplay
A young man separated from his family during childhood tries to reconcile with them. He decides to get his sisters married off, despite the poverty.
Metti
Director
A young man separated from his family during childhood tries to reconcile with them. He decides to get his sisters married off, despite the poverty.
Farz Aur Kanoon
Original Story
Ranjit Kumar, a police officer, spends his entire life protecting and upholding the law honestly. His only son, however, indulges in unlawful activities.
Kondaveeti Simham
Original Story
A policeman attempts to discipline his rebellious son, but his efforts go in vain as his son starts resenting him.
Nandu
Screenplay
Nandu is a 1981 Tamil-language film written and directed by J. Mahendran. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film is based on the 1975 novel of the same name by Sivasankari.
Nandu
Director
Nandu is a 1981 Tamil-language film written and directed by J. Mahendran. The film's score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film is based on the 1975 novel of the same name by Sivasankari.
Nenjathai Killathe
Dialogue
Chandrasekhar (Sarath Babu) is married to Mala (Santhakumari) and their marital life is miserable due to Mala's demonic behaviour. Chandrasekhar's sister Viji (Suhasini), who is brought up by him, is enthusiastic, naughty and fun-loving. She lives life on her own terms. One day she bumps into Ram (Mohan), a mechanic. Despite initial conflicts, they slowly become friends. Though good natured, Ram suffers from an inferiority complex and suspects everyone
Nenjathai Killathe
Screenplay
Chandrasekhar (Sarath Babu) is married to Mala (Santhakumari) and their marital life is miserable due to Mala's demonic behaviour. Chandrasekhar's sister Viji (Suhasini), who is brought up by him, is enthusiastic, naughty and fun-loving. She lives life on her own terms. One day she bumps into Ram (Mohan), a mechanic. Despite initial conflicts, they slowly become friends. Though good natured, Ram suffers from an inferiority complex and suspects everyone
Nenjathai Killathe
Story
Chandrasekhar (Sarath Babu) is married to Mala (Santhakumari) and their marital life is miserable due to Mala's demonic behaviour. Chandrasekhar's sister Viji (Suhasini), who is brought up by him, is enthusiastic, naughty and fun-loving. She lives life on her own terms. One day she bumps into Ram (Mohan), a mechanic. Despite initial conflicts, they slowly become friends. Though good natured, Ram suffers from an inferiority complex and suspects everyone
Nenjathai Killathe
Director
Chandrasekhar (Sarath Babu) is married to Mala (Santhakumari) and their marital life is miserable due to Mala's demonic behaviour. Chandrasekhar's sister Viji (Suhasini), who is brought up by him, is enthusiastic, naughty and fun-loving. She lives life on her own terms. One day she bumps into Ram (Mohan), a mechanic. Despite initial conflicts, they slowly become friends. Though good natured, Ram suffers from an inferiority complex and suspects everyone
Johnny
Screenplay
Johnny loves Archana, a singer, but their lives are disrupted when Johnny's lookalike kills his lover for infidelity and tries to pin the blame on Johnny. He also takes refuge in Archana's house.
Johnny
Story
Johnny loves Archana, a singer, but their lives are disrupted when Johnny's lookalike kills his lover for infidelity and tries to pin the blame on Johnny. He also takes refuge in Archana's house.
Johnny
Director
Johnny loves Archana, a singer, but their lives are disrupted when Johnny's lookalike kills his lover for infidelity and tries to pin the blame on Johnny. He also takes refuge in Archana's house.
Kaali
Story
After being released from jail, Kaali is in search of Raja Rao, a rich businessman who is responsible for the death of his family members.
Kaali
Screenplay
After being released from jail, Kaali is in search of Raja Rao, a rich businessman who is responsible for the death of his family members.
Poottaatha Poottukkal
Screenplay
Fissures occur in a married couple's relationship when they are unable to conceive a child. The wife is later enamoured by a young man who gives her attention. What happens next forms the rest of the story.
Poottaatha Poottukkal
Director
Fissures occur in a married couple's relationship when they are unable to conceive a child. The wife is later enamoured by a young man who gives her attention. What happens next forms the rest of the story.
Rishi Moolam
Story
Shivaji and Vijaya are husband and wife. Vijaya is a woman of principles and holds high moral values. One day, she comes to know that Shivaji is a thief, which is why she parts with him.
Udhiri Pookkal
Dialogue
Vadivelu is a sadist who never respects the feelings of his children and wife. When his plan to marry his wife's sister fails, he accuses his wife of having an affair with the health inspector.
Udhiri Pookkal
Screenplay
Vadivelu is a sadist who never respects the feelings of his children and wife. When his plan to marry his wife's sister fails, he accuses his wife of having an affair with the health inspector.
Udhiri Pookkal
Director
Vadivelu is a sadist who never respects the feelings of his children and wife. When his plan to marry his wife's sister fails, he accuses his wife of having an affair with the health inspector.
Enippadigal
Dialogue
Chella Kannu, a young sweeper becomes a popular movie star known as Kamala Devi. Her lover and fellow sweeper Manickam is the ladder of her success, but the villainy of her brother separates them.
Mullum Malarum
Dialogue
A young man, Kali, and his sister, Valli, who were orphaned as children, share a close bond. However, their relationship gets strained when a beautiful woman enters their lives.
Mullum Malarum
Screenplay
A young man, Kali, and his sister, Valli, who were orphaned as children, share a close bond. However, their relationship gets strained when a beautiful woman enters their lives.
Mullum Malarum
Director
A young man, Kali, and his sister, Valli, who were orphaned as children, share a close bond. However, their relationship gets strained when a beautiful woman enters their lives.
Aadu Puli Attam
Story
Madan dreams of joining the police force but falls into bad company with Rajni. Eventually, he realises that his associates need to be caught, so he joins the police force to nab them.
Mogam Muppadhu Varusham
Screenplay
A young man, Ramesh (Kamal Haasan), returns from overseas. He arranges a marriage with Kasthuri (Sumithra), and marries her. In a sub-plot, Ramesh's secretary Menaka (Fatafat Jayalakshmi) marries Ravisankar (Vijayakumar), an artist, at nearly the same time. The spouses in each pairing are very different from each other, and have great problems understanding each other. This movie explores whether either pair can make a good marriage together.
Thanga Padhakkam
Dialogue
S. P. Choudhry, a respected police officer, arrests his son after he becomes rebellious and indulges in unethical activities creating nuisance in the society.
Thanga Padhakkam
Story
S. P. Choudhry, a respected police officer, arrests his son after he becomes rebellious and indulges in unethical activities creating nuisance in the society.
Nirai Kudam
Story
Nirai Kudam (Full Pitcher) is a 1969 Indian Tamil film, directed by Muktha Srinivasan and produced by V. Ramasamy under Muktha Films banner. The film stars Sivaji Ganesan, Vanisree in the lead roles, and had musical score by V. Kumar.
Pagalil Oru Iravu
Screenplay
Rajee, a doctor, sacrifices her love for her cousin Vinod after she realizes that he is in love with Bindhu. When Bindhu has a miscarriage, Vinod learns that she is suffering from retrograde hysteria.