Rajinikanth and others arrive at the condolence prayer meet of legendary filmmaker J Mahendran

Veteran Tamil filmmaker J Mahendran died on Tuesday, April 2 at his residence in Chennai.

Mahendran’s health became critical last week and was admitted to a hospital in Chennai.

His body was kept for public homage throughout the day as the final rites will be performed today evening. 

The news of his death was announced by the director’s son, John Mahendran. John took to Twitter and wrote: "DIRECTOR MAHENDRAN PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING.”

Soon after the news came out, A R Murugadoss among others paid tribute. He took to his Twitter and wrote: "It is deeply saddening to hear the demise of one of the pioneer filmmaker #Mahendran sir. You and your films live forever in our hearts sir. Rest in peace." 

Director Ahmed also tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear this..RIP #Mahendran sir. Rest in peace." Well, the Kollywood industry has lost a talented actor and director. J Mahendran was last seen on the big screen in Rajinikanth’s Petta, which was a huge hit at the box office.