The Making of a Masterpiece
Some films entertain. Others provoke. But a rare few become timeless legends. Nayakan (1987), directed by the visionary Mani Ratnam and starring the iconic Kamal Haasan, belongs to the latter. Loosely based on the real-life underworld figure Varadarajan Mudaliar, Nayakan is more than just a gangster movie—it is an emotional, philosophical exploration of justice, morality, and survival.
More than three decades later, it still holds a sacred space in Indian cinematic history, often celebrated as one of the greatest Indian films ever made.
Plot Summary: A Hero or a Villain?
Nayakan tells the hauntingly powerful story of Velu Nayakan, a young boy from Tamil Nadu who is forced to flee to Bombay after his father is brutally killed by the police. Orphaned and alone, Velu grows up in the slums of Bombay, eventually rising to become a powerful and revered underworld don.
But Velu isn’t just any gangster. He protects the helpless, fights systemic injustice, and becomes a mythic figure among the Tamil migrants in Mumbai. Yet, with every step up the criminal ladder, Velu’s soul is torn between love, justice, and violence. As his daughter Charumathi grows up to despise his choices, Nayakan culminates in a heart-wrenching moment when a child asks Velu:
“Are you a good man or a bad man?”
This single question lingers with audiences long after the credits roll.
Cast & Crew: A Dream Team
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Kamal Haasan as Velu Nayakan
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Saranya Ponvannan as Neela (Velu’s wife)
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Karthika as Charumathi (Velu’s daughter)
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Supporting Cast: Janagaraj, Delhi Ganesh, Nassar, Tinnu Anand
Director: Mani Ratnam
Music: Ilaiyaraaja
Cinematography: P. C. Sreeram
Editing: B. Lenin and V. T. Vijayan
Production Design: Thota Tharani
The crew behind Nayakan were all legends in their own right, and together, they created a film that is still studied in film schools around the world.
Music: The Soul of Nayakan
The soundtrack, composed by the maestro Ilaiyaraaja, is deeply emotional and haunting. Each track enhances the narrative, becoming part of Velu’s emotional and moral struggle.
Notable Songs:
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“Thenpandi Cheemayile” – A haunting melody that serves as the emotional heartbeat of the film.
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“Andhi Mazhai Megam” – A melancholic ballad that beautifully expresses longing and love.
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“Nila Adhu Vanathumele” – A soft, romantic number rich in poetic imagery.
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“Nee Oru Kaadhal Sangeetham” – A touching expression of love.
The music of Nayakan is still revered today, often played at retrospectives and remembered by fans across generations.
Accolades & Legacy
Nayakan swept several national and international awards and remains one of the most critically acclaimed Indian films of all time.
Awards:
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National Film Award – Best Actor: Kamal Haasan
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Best Cinematography: P. C. Sreeram
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Best Art Direction: Thota Tharani
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Cinema Express Awards: Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor
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India’s Official Entry to the Academy Awards (Oscars) 1988 for Best Foreign Language Film
Legacy:
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In 2005, TIME Magazine included Nayakan in its All-Time 100 Best Movies list.
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The film is considered part of the Holy Trinity of Mani Ratnam’s masterpieces, alongside Roja and Bombay.
Kamal Haasan’s performance is often hailed as one of the greatest in Indian cinema history. The film’s visuals, dialogues, and emotional depth have influenced countless filmmakers and actors.
Where to Watch Nayakan
You can stream Nayakan on Amazon Prime Video, where the digitally restored version brings new life to its classic frames and soulful score.
Final Thoughts: A Film That Defines an Era
Nayakan is not just a film; it’s an experience. It’s a story about the blurred lines between good and evil, and how society turns outlaws into heroes when justice fails. Through Velu Nayakan’s eyes, we see the cost of power, the pain of loss, and the heavy burden of leadership.
Even after nearly four decades, Nayakan continues to move audiences—proof that great stories, when told with honesty and artistry, remain eternal.
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