Actor Vijay had starred in the action thriller film, Mersal, in 2018, under Atlee's direction, which went on to become one of the biggest blockbusters in the superstar's career. Appearing in triple roles, Vijay played the role of a character named Maaran, a doctor who would charge only Rs. 5 as his fees and then go on to get conferred with the Medical Counselor post in the film.

The Dr. Maaran character had become quite popular among the masses after the release of Mersal when it was revealed that he was based on a Dr. S. Jayachandran, popularly known in the North Chennai areas as 'Makkal Maruthuvar' (People's doctor). He was given the 'Makkal Maruthuvar' title as he would charge only Rs. 5 as his consultation fee and had passed away last year on December 19. Dr. S. Jayachandran's son has since been carrying forward his practice and had under the Dr S Jayachandran Charitable Trust on the occasion of his father's first death anniversary organized a free medical camp, a free blood donation camp, followed by an annadhanam at Kasimedu in Royapuram.

Dr. S. Jayachandran had completed his medical studies at the Madras Medical College in Chennai and decided to serve the people who didn't have better access to healthcare by opening a clinic at Kasimedu. He is also credited by leading the people in bringing the metro rail services in the North Chennai areas and also raising awareness about the need for better healthcare and wellness. Director Atlee during an event paid his tribute to Dr. S. Jayachandran saying he was a God in the form of a human being and had come across his name by searching for 'India's best doctor' during his research for Mersal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too in his condolences last year declared that Dr. S. Jayachandran was a real life hero unparalleled to anybody in recent times. 

Watch the special tribute video posted by the Dr S Jayachandran Charitable Trust below: