Director J.MAHENDRAN- A Rare Gem
Director J Mahendran, is the most influential film maker who turned the tables of Tamil Cinema, his vision was without any compromises, his films gave a fresh look at the emotional impact of characters of various life which was visually transformed to the screen with very keen observant of the society.
Mahendran known for directing films like ‘Uthiri Pookkal’ and ‘Mullum Malarum’, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 79. The veteran director was admitted to a hospital in Chennai in a critical condition on March 27. Mahendran, who was also an actor in the Tamil film industry, featured in several films, including ‘Theri’ and ‘Petta’, he also served as founding member and Head of the department at BOFTA.
Mahendran is regarded as one of the greatest film makers of Tamil cinema and has inspired many upcoming directors.Particularly he has been an inspiration for the legends of Tamil cinema like Mani Ratnam.
Mahendran was born in 1939 to Joseph Chelliah, a teacher and Manonmani,his birth name was Alexander later he was known as Mahendran, he did schooling in Ilayangudi and completed his intermediate at American College, Madurai. Later he joined Alagappa Government Arts College to do a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. During his college days, he was very active in stage plays. It was during that time when M. G. Ramachandran (M.G.R) was invited as the chief guest for the college day during which Mahendran gave a speech that directly criticized the commercial elements that existed in cinema. Impressed by his speech M.G.R praised Mahendran and said that he could become a good critic.
Mahendran joined Inamuzhakkam, when he was at Madras for pursuing studies on LAW , It was during this time he met M.G.R again and he was asked to write the screenplay of Ponniyin Selvan after the former decided to make a film based on the story. The idea of developing the screenplay into a film got delayed
Mahendran made his breakthrough as a screenwriter for the film Naam Moovar in 1966. After the success of the film he got more offers from the same banner and worked in films like Sabaash Thambi and Panakkara Pillai, both released in the subsequent years. He also wrote the script for Nirakudam starring Sivaji Ganesan.
Mahendran came to lime light for his dialogue writing for ‘Thanga Pathakam’ based on a stage play a Shivaji Ganesan starrer went to become huge commercial success.
During 1978 Mahendran had got a chance to Direct a film, he was so sure that he would make a film he dreamt for!
The film was ‘Mullum Mallarum’ starring Rajinikanth, Shobha, Sarathkumar and Padapet Jayalaxmi , the film was about a affectionate tale of a brother and sister who are simpletons, though the movie was sentimental it was the master director Mahendran made a celluloid poem, that brought great acting potential from Rajinikanth, Balumahendra cinematography bringing backlights, sunrise, silhouettes, frames with faces without makeup all created a magic along with great score from Master Ilayaraja.
After huge success of Mullum Mallaraum’ ..legendary director went to create a timeless classic of Tamil Cinema ”Uthiri Pookal” based on a short story this film brought various shades of grey in the characterizations that Tamil cinema never knew before. Great cinematographer Ashok kumar was introduced in this film and this duo continued to weave magic for many films.
Nenjathey Killathae by Mahendran won three national awards among them was one for Asohk kumar’s cinematography.
His notable films were Metti, Pootathapootukal, Azhageya Kanne, Johnny, Nandu and Saasanam.
Later part of his carrier he started to act in films, His son John Mahendran is also film director known for films like Sachin and critically acclaimed film ‘ Aaniver’.
Very soft spoken personality Shri Mahendran had been great admirer of world cinema and he loved films made by Masters Sathyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak and Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
Mahendran had very good reading habit throughout his life….said his women were like those ‘in real life.’ “I don’t believe in exaggerated presentations of women on screen. They have to be like what they are to me in my real life,” he said. They could cheat on their boyfriends but then they could also unconditionally and infinitely love someone beyond any reason.
A True Legend of Tamil Cinema Shri Mahendran breathed last on 2nd April 2019 Tuesday morning.
SICA members along with President P.C.Sreeram and General Secretary B.Kannan paid tribute at his residence at Pallikaranai Chennai.
SICA President P.C.Sreeram as his condolence message emotionally said about Shri Mahendran ”He spoke less and his films spoke more. To me his films were of great Inspiration, how can i forget the sleepless nights i had after watching UthiriPookal. May his soul rest in peace”.
CJ Rajkumar
Author/Cinematographer
