Chennai: Veteran filmmaker Mahendran breathed his last this morning. He passed away around 7.45 am, and his mortal remains will be kept at his residence from 10 am, according to sources.The final rites will be performed today around 5 pm.
A few days ago, Mahendran was admitted to Apollo Hospitals, following kidney-related ailments, and reportedly, became sick after a dialysis session.
Born in 1939, Mahendran started his film career penning stories for Tamil films â including Jai Shankarâs Naam Moovar (1966), Jayalalithaaâs Panakkara Pillai (1968) and Sivaji Ganesan-starrer Thangapathakkam (1974) among others.
His film Nenjathai Killathe, starring Suhasini and Mohan in the lead, went on to win three national awards, and Sasanam (2006) was his last directorial venture.
Though Mahendran wasnât directing films post-Sasanam (2006), he took up acting assignments. He appeared in character roles in Theri, Nimir, Seethakaathi, Petta and Boomerang, which was released last month.
His films that ran well and got critical acclaim were, Mullum Malarum, Uthiri Pookkal, Johnny, Metti and Nandu.