Kamal Haasan turns 70: From ‘Nayakan’ to ‘Indian’, 8 must-watch movies

Kamal Haasan celebrates his 70th birthday on November 7 This is a perfect time to revisit some of his most iconic movies that showcase his incredible range commitment to storytelling and fearless approach to cinema With a career spanning over six decades Haasanrsquos filmography includes a remarkable variety of roles that reflect his deep commitment to the art8 Kamal Haasan films to watch and celebrate his legacyVikram 2022Synopsis This modernday action thriller follows a gritty undercover operation led by a powerful mysterious agent Playing the role of a retired agent who is lured back into action Kamal Haasan delivers an intense nuanced performance that mesmerizes audiencesWhy Watch Vikram showcases Haasanrsquos versatility and adaptability even as an established superstar The film is a mustwatch for his fans and anyone wanting to see him in an actionpacked role that exudes charisma and depthNayakan 1987Synopsis Inspired by the life of Bombay underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar Nayakan explores the life of a man who becomes both a protector and a feared figure Haasanrsquos portrayal of Velu Nayakan is intense layered and widely regarded as one of the finest performances in Indian cinemaWhy Watch This classic Mani Ratnam film gave Haasan one of his most celebrated roles and is a benchmark in Indian crime drama Itrsquos a perfect example of Haasanrsquos ability to bring complex characters to lifeIndian 1996Synopsis In this vigilante drama Kamal Haasan plays a dual role as both father and son The father a freedom fighter turned vigilante takes the law into his own hands to eliminate corruption while his son represents a morally ambiguous younger generationWhy Watch Directed by S Shankar Indian offers a gripping storyline and an unforgettable dual performance by Haasan who received immense praise for his transformative ability in portraying two distinct charactersHey Ram 2000Synopsis A period film set during Indiarsquos partition Hey Ram follows a man bent on avenging his wifersquos death who becomes part of a plot to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi Kamal Haasan not only starred in the film but also directed produced and wrote itWhy Watch This ambitious and thoughtprovoking project explores themes of vengeance communal violence and redemption showcasing Haasanrsquos vision and range as a filmmaker Hey Ram is as much a cinematic experience as it is a commentary on historyDasavathaaram 2008Synopsis In this experimental film Haasan plays ten different characters across various timelines and situations from a scientist to a Japanese martial artist to an 11thcentury Vaishnavite priest The story blending action and philosophical elements addresses the impact of seemingly random eventsWhy Watch Dasavathaaram is a testament to Haasanrsquos ability to disappear into drastically different roles within a single film His performance along with the filmrsquos ambitious narrative keeps viewers engaged and in aweMoondram Pirai 1982Synopsis This romantic tragedy follows the poignant story of a school teacher who cares for a young woman suffering from amnesia and childlike behavior due to an accident Haasanrsquos portrayal of unconditional love and selflessness is heartbreaking and unforgettableWhy Watch Known for his subtle and powerful performance Haasan received the National Film Award for Best Actor for this role Moondram Pirai remains a touchstone in romantic cinema and Haasanrsquos careerApoorva Sagodharargal 1989Synopsis In this actioncomedy thriller Haasan plays a dwarf Appu who sets out to avenge the murder of his father Through humor action and emotional depth Haasan delivers one of his most unique performancesWhy Watch Kamal Haasanrsquos portrayal of a dwarf is a technical and acting marvel with Apoorva Sagodharargal becoming a cult classic It exemplifies his commitment to taking on physically and emotionally challenging rolesAnbe Sivam 2003Synopsis This touching film tells the story of two men with different ideologies who embark on an unexpected journey together The film tackles themes of humanism love and compassion with Haasan delivering a heartwarming performance as the disfigured kindhearted NallasivamWhy Watch Anbe Sivam is celebrated for its philosophical depth and Kamal Haasanrsquos sensitive portrayal of a man shaped by his scars both physical and emotional Itrsquos a film that leaves a lasting impact and highlights his range as an actor