Kamal Haasan is undoubtedly the best versatile performer in the Indian film industry. It is difficult for us to pick some of the best roles of Kamal Haasan because there are many. He can effortlessly pull off a wide range of characters. His exceptional acting skills have also fetched him numerous awards and critical acclaim. From comedy to drama, action to romance, he has showcased his talent in every genre. He is also a talented writer and director, which adds to his credibility as an actor. Thus be it, Padma Bhushan or Chevalier, he is well-deserved for every honor. Furthermore, his innovative and forward-thinking approach to filmmaking has inspired a set of a new generation of filmmakers too. Many notable filmmakers and critics are also his fans. Explore this article further to know how he captured hearts even before the blockbuster ‘Vikram’. Here, let’s look at some of the best roles of Kamal Haasan in his career.
10 Best Roles Of Kamal Haasan
Velu Naicker – Nayakan
Kamal Haasan as ‘Velu Naicker’ is undoubtedly a classic role in Indian cinema. Velu Naicker is an iconic crime lord in Mani Ratnam’s Nayakan. This 1987 film also fetched him a national award. The movie revolves around Velu, an ordinary slum dweller, who transforms into a gangster through various phases of his life. Here Kamal Haasan effortlessly carried the entire plot on his shoulder. The plot starts with Velu witnessing his father’s death. After avenging his father’s death, he slowly becomes Velu Naicker, a notable don. At a prime stage, he also watches his wife and son die. Furthermore, his daughter leaves him too. Thus throughout the film, he perfectly brought the inner turmoil of a frightful don.
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Senapathy – Indian
Senapathy is a former freedom fighter who has transformed into a vigilante. In the 1996 hit film ‘Indian’, Kamal portrayed this intriguing and rebellious old man role which received praise. Furthermore, the part was originally written for Rajinikanth. But Kamal gave his own style to Senapathy’s never-ending rage. Moreover, his chilling body language and ‘Varma Kalai’ moves were just iconic. It’s interesting to note that he also portrayed Senapathy’s much younger son. A son who is fed up with his father’s unrealistic ideals. Thus Senapathy is forced to kill his own son towards the climax. As usual, Kamal carried both roles with utmost conviction. He also once again received a national award for this iconic role.
Nallasivam – Anbe Sivam
Kamal’s performance as the scar-faced Nallasivam in ‘Anbe Sivam’ is another notable mention. Nallasivam teaches us life, love, faith, communism, and more. Ironically this atheist character also gives some ‘spiritual’ lessons. Anbe Sivam is a dramedy that stresses love is ‘God’. Now who is better than Kamal Haasan to deliver this message? The man gave one of his lifetime best performances and made everyone teary-eyed towards the climax. Kamal sells his persona of Nallasivam to the audience with his convincing looks and body language. The film also has some lovely dialogue which Kamal delivers with ease. We are often confused on-screen whether it is Kamal or Nallasivam as their humanitarian views are alike.
Appu – Apoorva Sagodharargal
The film revolves around two identical twins – Raju and Appu the dwarf. Here, Kamal played a man who is nearly half his own height. Though a predictable plot, Appu’s pursuit of vengeance against his father’s killers always fascinates us. Till now Kamal’s portrayal as a dwarf is always under discussion. The way he managed to look realistic in this 1980s film is highly commendable. It is also one of the best-kept secrets in Kollywood. Furthermore, Appu’s love and the following heartbreak and insecurity are some iconic scenes in Kollywood. He also made us laugh, cry and emote in all ways possible. Kamal also won the State Award and Filmfare Award for playing Appu.
Saket Ram – Hey Raam
Hey Ram was a controversial historical drama of its time. Kamal Haasan wrote, directed, and also produced this classic film. Here, he played Saket Ram, a supposed ‘rebel with a cause’. Saket Ram takes the role of an assassin who wants to kill Mahatma Gandhi. His transition into a traumatic and vengeful Saket is laudable. Later, in course of events, he changes his mind. Also, as he gets closer to Gandhi, he learns more truth about him. Kamal’s idea to portray this role in itself deserves appreciation. Furthermore, it was considered a bold move in Indian cinema. But as usual, Kamal nailed this experimental role with perfection. Thus the move also entered the 2000’s Oscars on India’s behalf.
Krishnaswamy – Mahanadhi
Mahanadhi is one of the most traumatic crime dramas in Indian cinema. The film deals with several miseries surrounding ‘Krishnaswamy’. Krishnaswamy is a prosperous villager who lives happily with his son and daughter. The movie shows how a single wrong decision turns his whole life upside down. In due course, Krishna loses everything that is important to him. He sees his prosperity and honor fading. He also gets falsely convicted for a crime he didn’t commit. Furthermore, he also witnesses his children suffer. Krishna’s volatility is incomparable at all times. This once again proved Kamal as a brilliant performer. It also eventually became the best performance in Indian cinema.
Shaktivelu – Thevar Magan
Shakthi from ‘Thevar Magan’ is one of the fan’s favorite roles of the actor. The story revolves around Shakthi and his dad (Sivaji Ganesan) who is a village chieftain. At first, Shakthi enters the village as a spirited young man who just returned from abroad. He dances, and romances with full energy and vibrant clothes. As the plot moves, we can see Shakthi taking the place of his honorable dad. He not only changed his attire and mustache but also his mannerisms. Towards the second half, Shakthi as a humbled savior will capture our hearts. The film also won many awards including National Awards in many categories.
Virumaandi Thevar – Virumaandi
Virumaandi revolves around the interview of two prisoners – Pasupathy and Kamal Haasan. Here, Kamal plays the titular role of ‘Virumaandi’. It is a unique Indian movie with a non-linear narrative. Also, the way Kamal convincingly narrates his part of the tale to prove his innocence is admirable. He played an innocent and happy-go-lucky rogue in his version of the story. At the same time, he also portrayed a notorious as well as dangerous ‘Virumandi’ in Pasupathy’s version. On the whole, Kamal played Virumaandi with utmost realism and authenticity. His attitude and sarcastic dialogues as Virumaandi are still iconic. Virumaandi also inspired many new-generation filmmakers in the Tamil film industry.
Pandiyan/Shanmugi – Avvai Shanmugi
Avvai Shanmugi is heavily inspired by the Hollywood comedy film – Mrs. Doubtfire. Still, Kamal Haasan managed to give us a unique and fresh Doubtfire/Shanmugi. Here, Kamal disguises himself as Shanmugi to get closer to his daughter, who is in the custody of his ex-wife. This father-daughter story is not a typical heart-rending one. It is one of the best comical movies filled with some of the finest puns and one-liners. Moreover, he convinced the audience as Shanmugi with his looks, voice, as well as body language. He also rendered an entire song in the female voice of Shanmugi. Furthermore, after action movies like Kuruthipunal and Indian, Kamal gave this comedy blockbuster. This once again proves he is a versatile actor who can pull off any genre.
Balakrishna – Salangai Oli
Salangai Oli is one of the greatest Indian films of all time. It was originally made in Telugu and was dubbed in Malayalam and Tamil. In this film, he plays Balu, a talented classical dancer. This film not only proved him as the finest actor but also as a great dancer. The character arc of Balu beautifully shows the struggles faced by a talented dancer in this materialistic world. This 1983 film is also a one-of-a-kind genre. Here, the hero does not have a mass intro song or fight. Instead, he is portrayed as a graceful dancer who strives to elevate his art form. Kamal once again proved that he loves experimentation.
Kamal Haasan always strives to push boundaries in Indian cinema. He is a legendary actor who has done more than hundreds of films. Thus choosing the top 10 is quite hard. Furthermore, there are still movies like Gunaa, Sathya, Kuruthipunal, Nammavar, and many more to add. What we mentioned are some of the many iconic roles of Kamal Haasan. Thus the actual list of best roles is a never-ending one.
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