50 Best Kamal Haasan Movies and Where to Stream Them
One of the greatest Tamil artistes of all time, Kamal Haasan is a true luminary in Indian cinema, boasting a career that spans over six decades.
Want to dig deeper? Have a look at his illustrious career to know more about the multi-talented actor, director and writer.
The Universal Hero
Commencing his acting journey at a mere four years old in the Tamil film Kalathur Kannamma (1959), Kamal Haasan swiftly evolved into a force to be reckoned with. His repertoire of roles spans a wide spectrum, from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, earning him the title of “Ulaga Nayagan" (Universal Hero).
From Tamil to Hindi
Kamal Haasan's impact is not confined to regional cinema; he has made noteworthy strides in Bollywood and various other Indian film industries. His performances in Hindi films like Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981) and Sadma (1983) garnered acclaim, transcending linguistic boundaries.
Kamal Haasan, the Director
Beyond his acting prowess, Kamal Haasan has successfully ventured into the director's chair. His directorial debut, Chachi 420 (1997), a Hindi adaptation of the Robin William-starrer Mrs. Doubtfire, was well-received, showcasing his inclination for innovative storytelling.
Some of his best directorial efforts also effectively touch upon socio-political themes with morally grey protagonists. This is perhaps best exemplified with Hey Ram (2000) which reimagined the events that led to freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, and Virumandi (2004), a Rashomon-style crime drama that incorporates multiple narratives to tell the story of a falsely-accused inmate awaiting the death penalty. Both movies played around with chronology and offered no easy answers towards the end, showcasing Haasan’s affinity for cinematic experimentation.
Kamal Haasan, the Writer
The multifaceted talent of Kamal Haasan extends to his role as a prolific writer, contributing significantly to the screenplay and dialogues of his films. Noteworthy examples include his work on the 1986 Tamil film Sathi Leelavathi, where his narrative skills seamlessly intertwined with his compelling on-screen performance.
The slice-of-life tearjerker Anbe Sivam similarly found Haasan on double duty as screenwriter and lead actor, building up an emotional narrative of an unlikely friendship that develops between two men with opposite personalities who embark on a life-changing road journey.
Age is just a number
Old age is no factor to stop the now-69-year-old Haasan as he continues to mint box-office gold and earn critical acclaim. The 2010s found him even displaying his action star chops in his two-part espionage thriller Vishwaroopam that starred him as a globetrotting secret agent. Haasan followed up this act playing the titular black-ops operative in Vikram (2022), the second installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe.
But even when it comes to full-fledged drama, Haasan still has his writing and acting abilities to rely on. A case in point is Uttama Villain (2015), his heavily praised love letter to the art of acting itself, as he played a dying superstar who prepares for one final role.
Why is Nayakan Kamal Haasan’s best movie?
Nayakan was Tamil maestro Mani Ratnam’s take on The Godfather, with a career-defining performance by Kamal Haasan as an idealistic man who is prompted to become a crime lord after his father’s death and a run-in with corrupt authorities. Kamal Haasan has a legacy of iconic trailblazers in Tamil films but it doesn’t get any better than this.
If you wish to catch up with Haasan’s ever-diverse filmography, look no further as we’ve got you covered with his best movies and a guide on where to stream them.
