Mahendran entered the film industry as a screenwriter, writing scripts for nearly 26 films. Mahendran made his breakthrough as a screenwriter for the film Naam Moovar in 1966.
He made an immediate impact with his first directional venture, Mullum Malarum, starring RajinikanthMahendran was mostly responsible for Tamil cinema's transformation from a merely photographed theatre-play into a proper visual art form.Mahendran was particularly celebrated for his filmmaking style, which was, for its time, uncharacteristically subtle, intense, deep, and devoid of melodrama.Rajinikanth clicked with director Mahendran. The two had worked together in three films: Johnny, Mullum Malarum and Kai Kudukkum KaiA picture from the sets of Mullum Malarum. Rajinikanth and Sarath Babu are seen along with Mahendran.Director Mahendran directing a shot from one of his filmsMahendran's 1980 film, Nenjathai Killathey, won three National Film Awards including the award for the best regional film.Director Mahendran, music maestro Ilayaraja and producer of the film Karaikudi Narayanan during the muhurat of Nallathu Nadanthe Theerum (1981).Director Mahendran with Cinematographer Ashok Kumar.Director Mahendran with Cinematographer Ashok Kumar.Director Mahendran with actor Thiagarajan and actress Suhasini.J Mahendran clicked on the sets of his directorialsJ Mahendran was behind the lens for the major part of his career. He started acting only during the latter part of his film careerJ Mahendran was a part of the Blue Ocean FIlm and Television Academy (BOFTA) in Chennai where he headed the filmmaking and direction course.Tamil actor Arvindswamy with Director Mahendran and Actress Ranjitha on the sets of the film Saasanam.Director Mahendran at his son's wedding. K. Bhakyaraj is also seenDirector J Mahendran clicked with Superstar Rajinikanth on the sets of PettaFilm director Mahendran releasing a book titled Thiraichirpigal which was received by film director Balu Mahendra in 2010.Rajinikanth clicked with LTTE chief Prabhakaran.J Mahendran clicked with Vijay and director Atlee on the sets of Theri, in which he played the main antagonist.Mahendran and Sarath Babu clicked on the film setsDirector Mahendran and Rajinikanth clicked on the sets of JohnnyMahendran directing a shotDirector Mahendran clicked with Kamal Haasan in an eventMahendran clicked with NaasarMahendran with director Atlee and GV Prakash.Director Mahendran with Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddique from the sets of Rajinikanth's PettaMahendran with director Priyadarshan and actor Udhayanidhi Stalin on the sets of the latter's film, Nimir.Director Mahendran preparing for one of his shotsMahendran clicked with Vijay SethupathiMahendran directing Rajini on the sets of JohnnyMahendran directing Sarath Babu on the sets of Uthiri PookkalMahendran clicked with chief minister MGR in an eventMahendran conceiving one of his shotsMahendran and Rajinikanth clicked on their film setsMahendran with actor Ashwini on the sets of UthiriPookkalMahendran clicked with his two favourite stars of his era, Rajinikanth and Sarathbabu.Mahendran on the sets, directing a shotMahendran clicked with actor RaadhikaMahendran directing Rajinikanth on the sets of JohnnyMahendran clicked with Sarathbabu.Mahendran and Suhasini posing for the camera on the sets of Nenjathai Killathey.An iconic still of Rajinikanth lighting a cigarette for director Mahendran.