In 1973 Mehrjui began directing what was to be his most acclaimed film, The Cycle Mehrjui got the idea for the film when a friend suggested that he investigate the black market and illicit blood traffic in Homeland. Horrified with what he found, Mehrjui took the idea to Gholamhossein Sa’edi, who had written a play on the subject, “Aashghaal-duni”. The play became the basis for the script, which then had to be approved by the Ministry of Culture before production could begin.