Mahendran loved to explore the grey areas between right and wrong. In one of his first writing works, we saw Sivaji Ganesan's SP Chowdhary torn between his love for the uniform and his children.
Once again, the dichotomy between good and bad. Lawlessness and Justice. Kamal Haasan's Madhan and Rajinikanth's Rajini. Police and thief. No wonder the film was titled Aadu Puli AatamIn Mullum Malarum, Mahendran's first directorial ensured the audience finally got to see the bright sparkle in the 'diamond in the rough' Rajinikanth. This Ketta Paiyan also had a heart of gold.In Uthiri Pookal, Vijayan played a role not many would be ready to take on. A sadistic school administrator who has a change of heart towards the end. Do you feel bad for him or not?This time, the dichotomy of good and bad was divided into the two Rajinis in Johnny. This film once again showcased the actor in Rajini and gave us a timeless Ilaiyaraaja album.A macho Malayalam superstar's Tamil debut could have been so many things. Who'd have thought it would be Pootaatha Pootukal? A film about infidelity, marital discord, and pressure to become parentsSome relationships are based on trust, some on sacrifice, but mostly... on love. Nenjathai Killadhey was refreshingly fresh for its times. A Pudhiya paadal for that paruvam indeedIs morality more important than survival? Is 'what people would say?' more important than our wishes and ambitions? Mahendran wove a poignant tale about the prying eyes of society on women, in Metti.Does goodness in our hearts remain even after continuous hurdles? Can we still do the right thing even after being wronged? Kai Kodukkum Kai asked more such questions, and answered most tooMahendran always loved to explore the dynamics of love, marriage, and relationships. In his last directorial, the filmmaker took up a complex tale of extra-marital affair, morals, deceit, and betrayal