KAMAL HAASAN

Kamal Haasan – The Icon of Indian Cinema

Basic Information

  • Full Name: Parthasarathy Srinivasan
  • Stage Name: Kamal Haasan
  • Born: November 7, 1954, Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Occupation: Actor, Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Playback Singer, Politician
  • Spouse(s): Vani Ganapathy (1978–1988), Sarika (1988–2004)
  • Children: Shruti Haasan, Akshara Haasan

Film Career (1960 – Present)

Kamal Haasan is regarded as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema, known for his versatility, innovative storytelling, and commitment to cinematic excellence. He has acted in over 230 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi.

Debut and Rise to Stardom

  • First film: Kalathur Kannamma (1960) – Won National Award for Best Child Artist.
  • Worked as an assistant director under K. Balachander before becoming a lead actor.

Complete Filmography & Details

Kamal Haasan has acted in over 230 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi. Below is a categorized list of his major films along with key details.

1950s – 1960s (Child Artist Phase)

  • Kalathur Kannamma (1959) – Tamil debut, won National Award for Best Child Artist.
  • Kannum Karalum (1962) – Malayalam film.
  • Ananda Jodhi (1963) – Tamil.

1970s – Early Breakthrough

  • Arangetram (1973) – Social drama by K. Balachander.
  • Sollathaan Ninaikkiren (1973) – Romantic drama.
  • Aval Oru Thodarkathai (1974) – Family drama.
  • Apoorva Raagangal (1975) – Unconventional romance, played a younger lover to an older woman.
  • Moondru Mudichu (1976) – Thriller with Rajinikanth and Sridevi.
  • 16 Vayathinile (1977) – Rural drama, cult classic.
  • Sattam En Kaiyil (1978) – Crime thriller.
  • Sigappu Rojakkal (1978) – Psychological thriller, played a serial killer.
  • Ninaithale Inikkum (1979) – Musical romantic drama.

1980s – Superstardom

  • Varumayin Niram Sivappu (1980) – Critically acclaimed social drama.
  • Rajapaarvai (1981) – First film as producer, played a visually impaired musician.
  • Moondram Pirai (1982) – National Award-winning performance.
  • Sakalakala Vallavan (1982) – Action-comedy blockbuster.
  • Thoongathey Thambi Thoongathey (1983) – Dual role, action drama.
  • Kaakki Sattai (1985) – Cop thriller.
  • Japanil Kalyanaraman (1985) – Adventure-comedy sequel.
  • Vikram (1986) – First Tamil James Bond-style spy film.
  • Punnagai Mannan (1986) – Romantic drama with a tragic ending.
  • Nayakan (1987) – Played a Mumbai gangster, inspired by The Godfather, won National Award.
  • Sathya (1988) – Political crime thriller.
  • Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) – Played a dwarf, landmark in Indian cinema.

1990s – Experimentation and Masterpieces

  • Gunaa (1991) – Psychological drama, cult classic.
  • Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1991) – Comedy film with four roles.
  • Thevar Magan (1992) – Rural political drama, won National Award.
  • Mahanadhi (1994) – Tragic drama, critically acclaimed.
  • Kuruthipunal (1995) – Tamil’s first official spy thriller, India’s Oscar entry.
  • Indian (1996) – Played a freedom fighter against corruption, won National Award.
  • Avvai Shanmughi (1996) – Inspired by Mrs. Doubtfire.
  • Chachi 420 (1997) – Hindi remake of Avvai Shanmughi.
  • Hey Ram (2000) – Self-directed, alternate history on Gandhi’s assassination.

2000s – More Experimentation

  • Thenali (2000) – Comedy about a man with phobias.
  • Pammal K. Sambandam (2002) – Comedy action.
  • Anbe Sivam (2003) – Critically acclaimed drama about humanism.
  • Virumaandi (2004) – First non-linear Tamil film, directed by Kamal.
  • Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006) – Cop thriller, first Tamil film to be shot in New York.
  • Dasavathaaram (2008) – Played 10 different characters, a world record.

2010s – Action & Comeback

  • Manmadhan Ambu (2010) – Romantic comedy.
  • Vishwaroopam (2013) – Spy thriller, controversial but highly successful.
  • Papanasam (2015) – Tamil remake of Drishyam, critically acclaimed.
  • Vishwaroopam 2 (2018) – Sequel to Vishwaroopam.
  • Vikram (2022) – Action-thriller, massive comeback blockbuster.
  • Indian 2 – Sequel to Indian.

Awards and Recognition

National Awards (4 Wins)

  • Moondram Pirai (1982) – Best Actor.
  • Nayakan (1987) – Best Actor.
  • Indian (1996) – Best Actor.
  • Thevar Magan (1992) – Special Jury Award.

Civilian Honors

  • Padma Shri (1990).
  • Padma Bhushan (2014).
  • Chevalier Award (2016) – French Government’s highest honor for artistic excellence.

Filmfare Awards

  • Won 19 Filmfare Awards, most in South India.

Political Career

Kamal Haasan entered politics in 2018 by launching his own political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), with the aim of bringing a corruption-free and development-driven government to Tamil Nadu. His political ideology focuses on secularism, social justice, education, and economic development.

Formation of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM)

  • Founded: February 21, 2018.
  • Meaning: Makkal Needhi Maiam translates to “People’s Justice Center”.
  • Inspiration: He claimed his party is neither left-wing nor right-wing but is centered on people’s welfare.
  • Launch Event: The party was launched in Madurai, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal attending as a guest.
  • Party Symbol: Torchlight 🔦 – Symbolizing enlightenment and guidance for people.

2019 Lok Sabha Elections

  • MNM contested all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and 1 seat in Puducherry.
  • Despite a good social media presence, the party failed to win any seats.
  • However, MNM secured close to 4% vote share, showing some promise.

2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

  • Kamal Haasan contested from Coimbatore South.
  • MNM fielded candidates in 154 constituencies.
  • The party did not win any seats, and Kamal Haasan himself lost in Coimbatore South to BJP’s Vanathi Srinivasan by a narrow margin of 1,728 votes.
  • MNM’s vote share fell below expectations, raising questions about its future.

Post-2021 and Political Future

  • Kamal Haasan remained active in political discussions, criticizing both DMK and AIADMK for corruption.
  • He advocated for youth participation in politics, better governance, and scientific advancements.
  • Collaborated with Congress and other parties during 2024 discussions, indicating possible alliances.

Political Ideology & Key Promises

  1. Corruption-Free Governance – Strong stance against bribery and misuse of public funds.
  2. Education Reforms – Quality education for all, improved government schools.
  3. Women Empowerment – Equal job opportunities, safety, and dignity for women.
  4. Agricultural Development – Protection for farmers, water conservation projects.
  5. Technology & Innovation – Digital transformation and job creation in IT & AI fields.
  6. Secularism & Social Justice – Unity among religions, caste-free politics.

Challenges & Criticism

  • No strong grassroots presence compared to Dravidian parties.
  • Lack of political alliances initially hurt MNM’s chances.
  • Struggled to convert star power into votes.
  • Internal party disputes led to resignations of some key members.

Current Status & Future

  • Kamal Haasan remains politically active.
  • Expected to contest in 2026 Tamil Nadu elections.
  • May align with larger parties to strengthen MNM’s influence.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS : 

YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4er2_pzvNE&pp=ygUda2FtYWwgaGFhc2FuIGxpZmUgc3RvcnkgdGFtaWw%3D

INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/ikamalhaasan/

FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/iKamalHaasan/

TWITTER : https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan