Nayakan

Nayakan is a groundbreaking and seminal Tamil crime drama film that was released in 1987. Directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam and featuring an all-star cast led by Kamal Haasan, Saranya Ponvannan, and Delhi Ganesh, Nayakan set new benchmarks in Tamil cinema and is generally regarded today as one of the greatest films in Indian cinema history.

The movie is a compelling exploration of the psychological and personal journey of Velu, portrayed by Kamal Haasan. Born in a humble Tamil family, Velu's childhood experiences in the gritty underworld of Mumbai chart the course for his future. His transformation into a powerful underworld figure forms the core narrative of the film. Nayakan explores the dichotomies inherent in a life of crime; between right and wrong, between justice and law, and between morality and survival. The narrative is unfolded on an epic scale, encompassing several decades and generations.

The circumstances leading to young Velu’s induction into a life of crime involve the heartbreaking loss of his father, who was an anti-establishment union leader. Growing up on the streets of Mumbai, young Velu comes under the protective fold of a local smuggler. As the plot advances, Velu's character progressively evolves from an innocent child to a wanted criminal, a revered community leader – a ‘Nayakan’, and finally to a self-reflective individual struggling with his inner demons.

Kamal Haasan delivers a powerhouse performance as Velu. His character arc is steeped in complexity and is multi-dimensional, shown as a caring father, a loving husband, a ruthless criminal and a benevolent community leader. Haasan’s nuanced portrayal earned him a National Film Award for Best Actor, attesting to the film’s lasting legacy.

While Haasan is the pivot around which the narrative of Nayakan revolves, superb performances are put in by each member of the cast. Saranya Ponvannan provides an excellent performance as Velu’s wife, a strong and devoted woman whose love and sufferings are beautifully depicted. Others, including Delhi Ganesh and Janagaraj in supporting roles, contribute significantly to the gritty realism and dramatic heft of the tale.

Nayakan's craftsmanship extends from its impressive performances to its multi-layered screenplay and brilliant execution. Mani Ratnam's direction is steeped in realism, bringing out the atmospheric grimness and rawness of the underworld while posing significant moral and philosophical questions. His exploration of the character’s psychological layers and the moral dilemmas inherent in a life of crime is beautifully portrayed.

The film's soundtrack, composed by Ilaiyaraaja, is an essential component that adds another layer of depth, enhancing the narrative's emotional nuances. Complex themes of love, loss, remorse, and survival are woven into the musical fabric of the film, contributing to its dramatic weight. The visuals, captured adroitly by ace cinematographer P. C. Sreeram, evoke the grunge and the grimness of Mumbai’s underworld with a stark realism, which mirrors the turbulent nature of the narrative.

The film’s success domestically and internationally has stood the test of time. Beyond its critical recognition and box office success, Nayakan was India's official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards in 1987. A substantial portion of its appeal and ongoing cultural relevance can be credited to its confrontational depiction of social injustice and the moral ambiguities of its characters.

Reflecting the best of Indian storytelling and cinematic craft, Nayakan is a timeless tale that resonates deeply with audiences for its humanistic portrayal of its tragic anti-hero. This classic crime drama, steeped in realism and remarkable in its vision, is a must-watch for every cinephile and a testament to the limitless power of film as a medium of art. By humanizing the underworld, Nayakan set a precedent for subsequent Indian movies that followed a similar theme, thus leaving an indelible imprint on Indian cinema.