With Kamal Haasan's Thug Life hitting theaters today, June 5, 2025, marking his reunion with director Mani Ratnam after the iconic Nayakan, it's the perfect time to revisit some of the actor's most celebrated films. Thug Life, a gangster action drama, already generating significant buzz, promises a high-octane cinematic experience. Here are five Kamal Haasan films that showcase his versatility and enduring appeal:
Nayakan (1987): Directed by Mani Ratnam, Nayakan is often considered one of the greatest Indian films ever made. Haasan plays Sakthivel Naicker, a man who rises through the ranks to become a powerful don in Mumbai's underworld. The film explores themes of power, morality, and justice, and Haasan's performance is nothing short of iconic. His portrayal of Sakthivel, from a young boy escaping violence to an aging, world-weary leader, earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor. Notably, Haasan's character in Thug Life, Rangaraya Sakthivel Naicker, shares a name with his Nayakan character, hinting at a possible connection or homage.
Anbe Sivam (2003): A complete departure from the gangster genre, Anbe Sivam showcases Haasan's ability to blend comedy, drama, and social commentary. He plays Nallasivam, a physically deformed and seemingly cynical man who embarks on an unexpected journey with a young, successful businessman, Anbarasu (Madhavan). As they travel, Nallasivam challenges Anbarasu's materialistic worldview, leading to profound insights about life, love, and the human spirit. Anbe Sivam is celebrated for its thought-provoking script and the heartwarming chemistry between Haasan and Madhavan.
Mahanadi (1994): Mahanadi is a powerful and emotional drama that explores the themes of poverty, corruption, and the resilience of the human spirit. Haasan plays Krishnaswamy, a loving father and village leader who is wrongly accused of a crime and faces immense hardship. The film follows his struggle to protect his family and reclaim his life. Mahanadi is known for its realistic portrayal of rural life and Haasan's deeply moving performance, which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
Indian (1996): Directed by S. Shankar, Indian is a vigilante action film that tackles the issue of corruption in India. Haasan plays a dual role: Senapathy, an elderly freedom fighter who turns vigilante to fight corruption, and Chandrabose, his corrupt son. The film is known for its action sequences, social commentary, and Haasan's powerful portrayal of two contrasting characters. Indian was a major commercial success and won several National Film Awards, including Best Art Direction.
Hey Ram (2000): A controversial and ambitious historical drama written, directed, and produced by Kamal Haasan, Hey Ram explores the events surrounding the partition of India and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Haasan plays Saket Ram, a man whose life is shattered by the violence of partition and who becomes entangled in a plot to assassinate Gandhi. The film is known for its complex narrative, historical accuracy, and Haasan's nuanced performance. Hey Ram won several National Film Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Atul Kulkarni.
These five films represent just a small fraction of Kamal Haasan's vast and diverse filmography. From gangster dramas to comedies to historical epics, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema and delivered memorable performances that have captivated audiences for decades. As Thug Life releases, revisiting these classics is a great way to appreciate the actor's incredible talent and enduring legacy. Thug Life stars Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf and Baburaj and is directed by Mani Ratnam. The film's music is composed by A.R. Rahman.
