Mahendran is regarded as one of the greatest film makers of Tamil cinema and has influenced several filmmakers of the generations that followed.

Mahendran's next film Uthiripookkal, based on a short story written by Pudumaipithan, firmly established him as an important filmmaker in Tamil cinema.

was invited as the chief guest for the college day during which Mahendran gave a speech that directly criticized the commercial elements that existed in cinema.

However, on the insistence of Karaikudi Kannappa Valliappan he joined Inamuzhakkam, a periodical as a journalist.

again and he was asked to write the screenplay of Ponniyin Selvan after the former decided to make a film based on the story.

He named the film Vaazhve Vaa and acted in the lead role alongside Savitri.

acted in a film called Kaanchi Thalaivan and he recommended Mahendran to the director to make him an assistant.