Kamal Haasan is a name that needs no introduction. He is a pan-India actor who has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, and Bengali films. The legendary Indian actor has turned 68 today.
A versatile actor with a career spanning over six decades, Kamal has enchanted audiences whenever he appeared on celluloid with his charismatic personality and awe-inspiring performances.
In honour of his 68th birthday, we would like to reflect on seven of his most laudable performances.
Kamal Haasan’s best performances
Moondram Pirai
Moondram Pirai is a 1982 Tamil romantic drama movie written and directed by Balu Mahendra. It is a heart-wrenching love story between a school teacher R. Srinivas known as Cheenu, and a young woman named Bhagyalakshmi, aka Viji, who is suffering from retrograde amnesia. Viji is rescued from a brothel by Cheenu, who takes care of her and supports her recovery. However, things change when she regains her memories.
Kamal Haasan played the character of Cheenu in the movie. This film is a testimonial of Haasan’s brilliance as an actor and his skill in conveying emotion on-screen. This role went on to become one of the most iconic and memorable characters he played during his career. This film earned Kamal his first National award for best actor.
Nayakan
Nayakan is a 1987 Indian Tamil-language gangster film written and directed by Mani Ratnam. Nayakan is the story of an underworld don, Velu Naicker, who rules over Bombay. The movie traces Velu’s journey from an ordinary man wronged by the corrupt police system to an underworld don loved and respected by many.
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Kamal Haasan plays the role of Velu Naicker in the movie. The complicated character of Velu Naicker is regarded by many as Kamal’s magnum achievement, with the actor giving one of the greatest performances of his career. The role of Velu Naicker has immortalized Haasan as an actor.
Mahanadi
Mahanadi is a 1994 Tamil language crime drama directed by Santhana Bharathi and written by Kamal Haasan. It is the story of a widower Krishnaswamy who lives with his children and mother-in-law. When he is framed for financial fraud, Krishnaswamy and his family’s lives are turned upside down.
In the film, Kamal has portrayed Krishnaswamy, a father who attempts to restore the lives and honour of his children. He flawlessly performed the character’s fragility and emotions on-screen, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Kamal Haasan once again showed his acting prowess with his heartbreaking depiction of Krishnaswamy.
Chachi 420
Chachi 420 is a 1997 Hindi comedy movie written, produced, and directed by Kamal Hassan. Chachi 420 is the story of a man named Jai who disguises himself as a maid, Shrimati Lakshmi Godbole, to be near his daughter, who lives with his estranged wife and father. The movie becomes a hysterical comedy when Jai’s ex-father-in-law falls in love with Laksmi.
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Kamal Haasan played the role of Jai and his alias Lakshmi in the movie. With his flawless comic timing, expression, and dialogue delivery, he was outstanding in the movie.
The manner in which Kamal adopted Lakshmi’s body language and demeanor made it difficult for many people to realize that it was indeed him acting in the role. This movie proved the versatility of Kamal as an actor and the range of his acting abilities.
Indian
Indian is a 1996 Indian Tamil-language action film written and directed by Shankar. Indian is a story about a veteran freedom fighter, Senapathy, who, outraged by the rising levels of crime and corruption in the nation, decides to take matters into his own hands and kill those responsible for the country’s decline.
In the movie, Kamal plays dual roles. He played the character of the veteran freedom fighter Senapathy and his notorious son Chandrabose Senapathy ( Chandru). He has given an impeccable performance as an intense character of a man who goes on a killing spree for the sake of justice. The role is considered one of the best in Kamal’s illustrious filmography.
In recognition of his brilliant performance, the ace actor was honoured with a National award for best actor.
Thevar Magan
Thevar Magan is a 1992 Tamil drama movie written by Kamal Haasan and directed by Bharathan. It is a story about the son of a rural chieftain Sakthivel Thevar known as Sakthi, who has returned from London after getting his education and wants to start his own business. While his father, Periya Thevar, wants him to serve his community.
Two of Indian cinema’s most outstanding performers joined forces for this film, contributing to its success. Kamal Haasan played the character of Sakthi, and Sivaji Ganesan played the role of his father, Periya Thevar, in the movie. They both have complemented each other on screen and have given some of the most powerful scenes of Tamil cinema.
The talented actor has given an outstanding performance in this film, leaving an indelible mark on the celluloid.
Vikram
Vikram is a 2022 released Tamil action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. It is the story of an agent and his black operations team attempting to bring down the drug cartel Vetti Vagaiyara, headed by Sandhanam, responsible for delivering the stolen heroin to Rolex.
Kamal Haasan plays the titular role of Agent Vikram in the movie. The movie marks the comeback of Haasan on screen after a gap of almost four years. Kamal’s stellar performance in the high-octane action thriller had everyone spellbound, even though his screen time in this film is shorter than as compared to his other films. The movie did a whooping business of around 500 crores Over a theatrical run of 100 days and is considered to be Kamal Haasan’s biggest commercial success.
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