Kamal Haasan is one of the most versatile and acclaimed actors in Indian cinema. His career spans over six decades, and he has acted in a wide variety of films in multiple languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Here are 10 of his most iconic and critically acclaimed films, showcasing his incredible range as an actor, director, and producer:
1. Nayakan (1987)
- Director: Mani Ratnam
- Language: Tamil
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Role: Velu Nayakar
- Synopsis: This film is inspired by the life of the notorious underworld don, Varadarajan Mudaliar. Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of a man who rises from a lowly background to become a feared gangster is widely regarded as one of his finest performances.
2. Indian (1996)
- Director: Shankar
- Language: Tamil
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Role: Senapathy/Old Senapathy
- Synopsis: A vigilante justice story where Kamal plays both a freedom fighter from India’s pre-independence era and his son, who tries to continue his father’s legacy. The film won critical acclaim for Haasan’s dual performance and its social message.
3. Vishwaroopam (2013)
- Director: Kamal Haasan
- Language: Tamil, Hindi, Telugu
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Role: Wisam Ahmad Kashmiri
- Synopsis: A spy thriller, this film was a massive hit. Kamal Haasan plays an ex-army officer turned secret agent, trying to stop a terrorist threat. The film showcased his directorial skills along with his acting.
4. Hey Ram (2000)
- Director: Kamal Haasan
- Language: Hindi, Tamil
- Genre: Historical, Drama
- Role: Saket Ram
- Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of India’s partition, Kamal Haasan plays a man who becomes part of a conspiracy to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi. The film delves into the complexities of patriotism and ideology during the time of Independence.
5. Mahanadi (1994)
- Director: Santhana Bharathi
- Language: Tamil
- Genre: Drama
- Role: Nambi
- Synopsis: Kamal Haasan’s character, a man who loses his family to a flood and struggles to regain his life, is one of his most emotionally charged performances.
6. Thevar Magan (1992)
- Director: Bharathan
- Language: Tamil
- Genre: Drama
- Role: Shakti
- Synopsis: A family drama set in rural Tamil Nadu, Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of a man caught between tradition and modernity won immense praise. The film was a commercial success and is considered one of his best performances in Tamil cinema.
7. Anbe Sivam (2003)
- Director: Sundar C.
- Language: Tamil
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Role: Nallasivam
- Synopsis: A poignant film about two contrasting men who embark on a journey, learning life lessons along the way. Kamal Haasan’s performance, particularly his portrayal of a physically challenged man, is widely acclaimed.
8. Chachi 420 (1997)
- Director: Kamal Haasan
- Language: Hindi
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Role: Jaiprakash Paswan
- Synopsis: A comedy where Kamal Haasan plays a man who dresses up as an elderly woman to stay close to his daughter. The film was a huge hit, and his performance in drag earned him immense praise.
9. Salem Vishnu (1994)
- Director: S. Shankar
- Language: Tamil
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Role: Vishnu
- Synopsis: Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of Vishnu, a man caught in a whirlwind of social issues, remains a standout in Tamil cinema.
10. Makkal Selvan (2006)
- Director: Kamal Haasan
- Language: Tamil
- Genre: Family, Drama
- Role: Arumugham
- Synopsis: A film about family relations and social issues, Kamal Haasan’s portrayal of a humble man in the midst of personal conflict garnered him much admiration.
Honorable Mentions:
- Moondram Pirai (1982) – Kamal Haasan’s sensitive portrayal of a man who falls in love with a woman suffering from amnesia remains one of his most heartfelt performances.
- Sathya (1988) – A strong performance in a movie with themes of vengeance and justice.
These films represent Kamal Haasan’s diversity in roles, from intense dramas to high-concept thrillers, comedy, and social themes. He is often praised for his method acting, versatility, and willingness to experiment with different genres.