Kamal Haasan, often hailed as the “Ulaga Nayagan” (meaning “Universal Hero” in Tamil), is a true maestro in Indian cinema. Kamal Haasan made his acting debut as a child artist in the Tamil film “Kalathur Kannamma” in 1960. The film was directed by A. Bhimsingh earned him the President’s Gold Medal for Best Child Actor. It was clear from the start that Kamal had a natural flair for acting and a bright future ahead in the film industry.
Directed by Mani Ratnam, “Nayakan” is undoubtedly one of Kamal Haasan’s most iconic films. In this crime drama, he played the role of Velu Naicker, a Mumbai-based don inspired by the real-life underworld figure Varadarajan Mudaliar. Kamal’s portrayal of the tragic character garnered universal acclaim and is considered one of his career-best performances. The film was a critical and commercial success and was selected as India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards.
Directed by Bharathan, “Thevar Magan” is a family drama that portrays the complexities of rural Tamil Nadu’s caste-based politics. Kamal Haasan played the role of Shaktivelu, a young man who returns to his village to reconcile with his family’s feudal past. His intense and powerful performance in this multi-layered character won him the National Film Award for Best Actor. The film was both a critical and commercial success and remains a milestone in Kamal Haasan’s filmography.
“Hey Ram,” directed by Kamal Haasan himself, is a period drama set against India’s struggle for independence and partition. Kamal portrayed the complex character of Saketh Ram, a man consumed by vengeance after witnessing the horrors of partition. His performance in this emotionally charged film was highly praised by critics and audiences alike. While the movie faced challenges at the box office, it received critical acclaim for its unique storytelling and Kamal Haasan’s acting prowess.
Directed by S. Shankar, “Indian” featured Kamal Haasan in dual roles, that of an idealistic freedom fighter named Senapathy and his son, a vigilante fighting against corruption. Kamal’s riveting portrayal of both characters, with distinct mannerisms, made the film a blockbuster hit. “Indian” was a massive commercial success and further solidified Kamal Haasan’s position as a bankable actor and a master performer.
Directed by K. S. Ravikumar, “Dasavathaaram” is a science fiction thriller in which Kamal Haasan played ten different roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. From a 12th-century priest to a bio-technologist in the 21st century, Kamal’s transformation into a diverse character was lauded. The film’s ambitious concept and Kamal’s exceptional performances made it a commercial success.
Indian 2 is an upcoming Tamil-language vigilante action film directed by S. Shankar, following the 1996 film Indian. The film stars Kamal Haasan as Senapathy, an old freedom fighter fighting corruption and crimes. Supporting roles include Kajal Aggarwal, Siddharth, Rakul Preet Singh and Deepa Shankar. The film is produced by Lyca Productions and Red Giant Movies, with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander and cinematography by Ravi Varman and Rathnavelu.
Kalki 2898-A.D is an upcoming Indian epic science fiction film directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by C. Aswani Dutt under Vyjayanthi Movies. Starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, and Pasupathy, the film was announced in February 2020. Filming began in July 2021 in Hyderabad, with a budget of ₹600 crore (US$75 million), making it the most expensive Indian film ever made.
