Ace filmmaker-actor Mahendran, who was battling for life for the past one week in a critical condition in hospital, passed away at his residence on Tuesday morning.
Like one of his movies titles suggests, the precious flower of Tamil film industry scattered at the age of 79. Mahendran holds a special place in the heart of Kollywood cinema for his masterclass movies like Uthiri Pookal, Mullum Malarum and Johnny among others.
Though the movies were directed decades ago, they still remain immortal and serve as a guide for budding filmmakers.
Mourning the loss of the veteran filmmaker, the Tamil film fraternity took to social media to express their grief.
Here are some of the tweets:
Mahendran played the role of antagonist in Murugadoss' Theri movie.
Expressing deep grief, director Cheran wrote that director Mahendran and his works will remain eternal. He also wrote that all his movies flashed before his eyes when he heard the news of the former's death.
Director Parthiban wrote that Mahendran's fame will live on forever, even after centuries.
Crediting Mahendran for taking the class of Tamil cinema to the level of Hollywood movies, director Sasikumar wrote that he will live with us forever through his works.
DMK chief MK Stalin took to Twitter to express his condolences for the death of director Mahendran. Praising the director for his multifaceted personality, Stalin wrote that his death is a huge loss.
Mahendran's mortal remains have been kept for public homage at his residence. The funeral will be held at 5 pm.