Biography
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 filmmakers of Tamil cinema and has influenced numerous filmmakers, writers and actors after him. After entering the film industry as a screenwriter, writing scripts for nearly 26 films, including the widely influential Thangappathakkam (1974), he made an immediate impact with his first directional venture Mullum Malarum (1978), starring Rajinikanth. Uthiripookkal (1979), Mahendran's next film, was based on a short story written by Pudumaipithan, and firmly established him as an important filmmaker in Tamil cinema. His subsequent works, such as Johnny (1980) and Nenjathai Killathe (1980), were acclaimed, with the latter winning three National Film Awards including the award for the Best Regional Film.
Wrote 23
2000s
- 2006
Sasanam
Writer
1990s
- 1999
Kallazhagar
Dialogue
- 1992
Oor Panchayathu
Story, Screenplay
1980s
- 1988
Brahma Vishnu Maheshwara
Story
- 1986
Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu
Screenplay
- 1984
Seethamma Pelli
Original Story
Kai Kodukkum Kai
Screenplay
- 1982
Azhagiya Kanne
Story, Screenplay
Hitler Umanath
Story
Farz Aur Kanoon
Original Story
- 1981
Nandu
Screenplay
- 1980
Nenjathai Killathe
Story, Screenplay, Dialogue
Kaali
Screenplay, Story
Poottaatha Poottukkal
Screenplay
Rishi Moolam
Story
1970s
- 1979
Uthiripookkal
Screenplay, Dialogue
- 1978
Mullum Malarum
Screenplay, Dialogue
- 1977
Aadu Puli Attam
Story
- 1976
Mogam Muppadhu Varusham
Screenplay
- 1974
Thangappathakkam
Story, Dialogue, Screenplay, Theatre Play
- 1972
Ganga
Writer
1960s
- 1969
Nirai Kudam
Story
Directed 11
2000s
- 2006
Sasanam
Director
1990s
- 1992
Oor Panchayathu
Director
1980s
- 1986
Kannukku Mai Ezhuthu
Director
- 1984
Kai Kodukkum Kai
Director
- 1982
Azhagiya Kanne
Director
- 1981
Nandu
Director
- 1980
Nenjathai Killathe
Director
Poottaatha Poottukkal
Director
1970s
- 1979
Uthiripookkal
Director
- 1978
Mullum Malarum
Director
Acted in 10
2020s
- 2022
Kombu Vatcha Singamda
Deivendran
- 2021
Pon Manickavel
Movie
2010s
- 2019
Rustum
Durga Prasad
Petta
Rajapandi
- 2018
Seethakathi
Judge
Mr. Chandramouli
Azhagar
Nimir
National Shanmugam
- 2017
Katamarayudu
Yelasari Bhanu's Father
- 2016
2000s
- 2004
Kamaraj
K. Rajaram
Appearances1
2010s
- 2019
Boomerang
Self