Veteran director Mahendran of Mullum Mallarum fame, who was hospitalized last week due to age-related ailments has passed away earlier this morning. The legendary director was also seen as an actor in recent film like Vijay’s ‘Theri’ and Rajinikanth’s ‘Petta’. A public homage session has been arranged at his residence in Pallikaranai, and cremation is being planned today evening.

Last week, the director was admitted in hospital after health issues, and he was expected to recover soon. The director’s son John Mahendran posted a tweet requesting fans and followers to pray for the veteran’s speedy recovery. Mahendran was undergoing treatment in Apollo Hospitals. He was rushed to the ICU last week after a dialysis session session and had been on ventilator.

The veteran director who began his career as a writer is known for his association with superstar Rajinikanth in films such as Mullum Mallarum, Uthiripookal and Johnny. Recently, the director has also become an actor with films like Theri, Mr.Chandramouli, Seethakathi, Petta, and Nimir. He was part of the BOFTA film school where he headed the screenplay and direction course.

His son John Mahendran is a writer too and his best known for directing Vijay starrer 2005 Tamil film Sachein.