The 30+ Best Kamal Haasan Movies, Ranked
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1Kamal Hassan, Saranya Ponvannan, JanakarajAn aging Mafia don looks for a way to go out painlessly.More Nayakan
- #2 of 74 onThe 70+ Best Tamil Movies, Ranked
- #35 of 64 onThe Best '80s Bollywood Movies
- #1 of 26 onThe Best Movies Directed by Mani Ratnam
2Kamal Haasan, Nassar, SrividyaApoorva Sagodharargal is a 1989 Tamil dramedy film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. It starred Kamal Hassan in three roles, as a mechanic, a circus clown who is a dwarf and a police officer, along with Gouthami, Srividya, Manorama, Nagesh, Jaishankar, Nassar and Delhi Ganesh in main roles. Premiered at the International Film Festival of India, the film was a blockbuster and completed 600-day run at the box office. About 20 million tickets were reportedly sold. This was significant as Tamil Nadu population was 55 million then. It was the first Tamil film to beat the record of Thirisoolam set a decade earlier. This new record remained unbeaten for six years until the release of Baashha. It was dubbed into Telugu as Vichithra Sodarulu and into Hindi as Appu Raja in 1990.
3Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, Silk SmithaMoondram Pirai is a 1982 Indian Tamil drama film written, directed and filmed by Balu Mahendra. The film features Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in the lead roles, while Silk Smitha, Poornam Vishwanathan and Y. G. Mahendra play supporting roles. The music for the film was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, with lyrics written by Kannadasan, Vairamuthu and Gangai Amaran. This was the last film that Kannadasan worked on before his death in 1981; he died when the film was under production. Moondram Pirai is about a school teacher, R. Srinivas, who rescues a woman, Bhagyalakshmi, who is suffering from retrograde amnesia, from a brothel, and looks after her in his house located in Ketti. The rest of the film shows how Bhagyalakshmi recovers her memory with Srinivas' help. Moondram Pirai is based on Balu Mahendra's brief relationship with actress Shoba, who died in 1980, shortly after their marriage. It was shot in Ketti, a small town situated close to Ooty, with further shooting also taking place in Bangalore. A total of 30 days was taken to complete the filming, using 36,000 feet of film negative. The final length of the film was 3,918 metres.
4Kamal Haasan, Nassar, UrvashiMichael Madhana Kama Rajan is a 1990 Tamil comedy film directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao and written by Kamal Haasan, with Crazy Mohan penning the dialogues. The film also feature large ensemble cast alongside Kamal Haasan, Urvashi, Rupini, Kushboo played the female leads, while Manorama, Delhi Ganesh, Nassar, Venniradai Moorthy, SN Lakshmi, Jayabharathi, R. N. Jayagopal, Nagesh, Praveen Kumar and Santhana Bharathi playing other significant role. The film was a blockbuster and completed 175-day run at the box office. The film tells a story of quadruplets, Michael, Madhanagopal, Kameshwaran, and Raju, all played by Kamal Haasan. Kamal had distinguished each of those characters with his body language and language lingo. Michael has a husky voice, Madan has an English accent, Kameshwaran speaks Palakkad Tamil and Raju speaks Madras Tamil in keeping with their diverse upbringing as per the plot. The film's climax scene is said to be inspired from the Charlie Chaplin movie, The Gold Rush.
5Kamal Hassan, Aruna Irani, Manisha KoiralaAn honest veteran, having served in the Indian Army, decides to teach corrupt officials a lesson. He targets officials, ministers, and bureaucrats to make them work diligently without accepting bribes.More Indian- #5 of 74 onThe 70+ Best Tamil Movies, Ranked
- #49 of 60 onThe 60 Best Rahul Dev Movies
- #36 of 50 onThe Best Action Movies of 1996
6Kamal Haasan, Nassar, MeenaAvvai Shanmugi is a 1996 Tamil comedy film, directed by K. S. Ravikumar and written by Crazy Mohan, which is an Indian adaptation of the American comedy film, Mrs. Doubtfire. The film features Kamal Haasan in the lead role with Meena, Gemini Ganesan, Nagesh, Heera, Manivannan and Nassar. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by Deva, while the film was produced by Ravindran and Hari. Avvai Shanmughi won positive reviews and performed well at the box office.
7Kamal Haasan, Nassar, R. MadhavanAnbe Sivam is a 2003 Indian Tamil drama film written by Kamal Haasan and directed by Sundar C. The film follows the events of an unexpected journey from Bhubaneswar to Chennai which is undertaken by two men who are polar opposites, Nalla Sivam and Anbarasu. It also stars Kiran Rathod, Nassar and Santhana Bharathi, while Vidyasagar handled the music score. Arthur A. Wilson did the cinematography and the editing was by P. Sai Suresh. The film addressed a series of themes including that of communism, atheism and altruism, bringing through the film writer Kamal Haasan's views as a humanist. The film released in January 2003 to critical acclaim, though it became a box office failure. Post-release, the film has garnered a "cult classic" status from critics and television audiences.
8Kamal Haasan, Jayaram, UrvashiPanchathantiram is a 2002 Tamil comedy film directed by K. S. Ravikumar and written by Crazy Mohan. The film features Kamal Haasan, Simran and Ramya Krishnan in the lead roles, with a large supporting cast including Jayaram, Ramesh Aravind and Nagesh. The film opened to positive reviews from critics, and made profits at the box office.More Panchathantiram- #27 of 74 onThe 70+ Best Tamil Movies
- #14 of 44 onThe Top 10 Tamil Films of 2000
- #12 of 40 onThe 40 Best Devayani Movies
9Thevar Magan
Kamal Haasan, Nassar, RevathiThevar Magan is a 1992 Indian Tamil drama film produced by, written by and starring Kamal Haasan in the title role. It was directed by Bharathan and also stars Sivaji Ganesan, Nassar, Revathi and Gouthami in pivotal roles. The film score and soundtrack are composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was a blockbuster among 1992 Deepavali releases and completed 175-days run at the box office. India chose this film as its entry for the Best Foreign Language Film for the 65th Academy Awards. The film was screened at the Toronto Film Festival in 1994. The film won five National Film Awards, including the Best Tamil Film Award, Best Supporting Actress Award, and a Special Jury Award. The film was said to be an adaptation of 1972 American film The Godfather. The film was dubbed into Telugu under the title Kshatriya Putrudu. While S. P. Balasubrahmanyam provided dubbing for Kamal Hassan, Kongara Jaggayya provided voice for Sivaji Ganesan. It was later remade into the Hindi film Virasat by Priyadarshan and in Kannada as Thandege Thakka Maga by S. Mahendar.
10Kamal Haasan, Jayasurya, Prakash RajVasool Raja MBBS is a 2004 Tamil comedy film starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Saran. This film is a remake of Hindi film Munnabhai MBBS. It was the first Kamal film to beat the record set by Indian eight years earlier. The rest of the cast includes Prakash Raj, Prabhu, Sneha, Jayasurya, Nagesh, Malavika and Karunas. The film's music was composed by Bharadwaj.
11Kamal Haasan, Girish Karnad, S. P. BalasubrahmanyamGunaa is a 1991 Tamil drama film directed by Santhana Bharathi and written by Sab John. The film stars Kamal Haasan, newcomer Roshini in lead roles with Rekha, S. P. Balasubramaniam, Girish Karnad, Ajay Rathnam, Janagaraj, and Sharat Saxena playing supporting roles. The story is about a mentally challenged man who assumes a fictitious character Abhirami to be an angel who is going to marry him which leads him to kidnap a rich girl assuming her to be his angel. The girl initially hates him but later finds herself falling in love with him after understanding his situation. The film's plot is inspired from Spanish dark romantic film Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!. The film was mostly shot around Kodaikanal. The film's original soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The song "Kanmani Anbodu" from this film remains one of the evergreen songs. The film was released on 5 November 1991. The film's release prints were 5,203 m. It was critically acclaimed for its unique theme and performances. The film failed at the box office but it later acquired cult status in Tamil cinema and inspired similar themes. The film was dubbed and released in Telugu with same name.
12Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Sridevi16 Vayathinile is a 1977 Tamil feature film directed by Bharathiraja. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Sridevi and Rajinikanth. The film also marks the debut of the famous South Indian comedian Goundamani. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by Ilaiyaraaja and cinematography was by P. S. Nivas. The film focussed on rural Tamil Nadu and was the first Tamil film to be shot completely outdoors. It began the trend of outdoor shooting in Tamil film industry. 16 Vayathinile was Bharathiraja's directorial debut, it met with a strong critical reception upon release, was a blockbuster and completed a 175-day run at the box office. The film won four State Awards and one each in the South Filmfare Awards and National Film Awards ceremonies. The remake rights for the film were bought by Rajalaxmi Art Films to remake it in Telugu as Padaharella Vayasu.
13Kamal Haasan, Cochin Haneefa, LakshmiMahanadi is a 1994 Tamil-language Indian drama film directed by Santhana Bharathi featuring Kamal Hassan, Sukanya, and Cochin Haneefa. It portrays the grief of a humble villager, who sees his family, property being ruined. The film dealt with several issues such as corruption and child trafficking. It was dubbed in Telugu with the same title. It is critically acclaimed and was declared a superhit at the box office. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.
14Kamal Haasan, Nassar, Kaviyoor PonnammaSathya is a 1988 Tamil-language Indian feature film directed by Suresh Krissna and produced by Kamal Haasan starring Kamal Haasan himself along with Amala. The film was remake from the 1985 Hindi film Arjun. The film is the debut directional venture for Suresh Krishna. The film completed a 150-day run at the box office. The cinematography and editing were handled by S. M. Anwar and N. R. Kittu respectively.
15Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, S. Ve. ShekherVarumaiyin Niram Sivappu is a 1980 Tamil-language Indian feature film directed by K. Balachander, starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in the lead roles. The film was remade in Telugu as Aakali Rajyam with Kamal Haasan and Sridevi in lead roles directed by K. Balachander. The film was also remade in Hindi as Zara Si Zindagi with Kamal Haasan and Anita Raj in 1983, directed by K. Balachander himself.
16Sigappu Rojakkal
Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, K. BhagyarajSigappu Rojakkal is a 1978 Tamil thriller film starring Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Directed by P. Bharathiraja, music by Ilaiyaraaja and cinematography by P. S. Nivas In an era of over-dramatised acting in Tamil films, Sigappu Rojakkal was one of the notable and the best exceptions. The film was a blockbuster and completed a 175-day run at the box office. The film won two Filmfare Awards in the Best Actor and Best Director categories. This film was also remade in Hindi as Red Rose
17Kamal Haasan, Nassar, RohiniVirumaandi is a 2004 Indian Tamil film written, directed, and starring Kamal Haasan in the title role. The film revolves around the interview of two prison inmates, firstly Kothala Thevar life sentence inmate and secondly Virumaandi who is condemned to hang. The criminals express how they feel about the direction their lives have taken and how they have ended up where they are. The film's narrative is based on the Rashomon effect. The film revolves around the controversy of the death penalty. The cast also includes Abhirami, Napoleon, Rohini, Shanmugarajan, and Nassar in pivotal roles. The film's score and soundtrack were composed by Ilayaraaja. It was dubbed into Telugu as Pothuraju. The film won critical acclaim and was a commercial success at the box office.
18Kamal Haasan, Revathi, Rekha MallickPunnagai Mannan is a 1986 Tamil film directed by K. Balachander. Starring Kamal Haasan and Revathi in the lead roles, the film is Haasan's 25th film with Balachander. Coincidentally, it is music director Ilaiyaraaja's last film with lyricist Vairamuthu. The film was dubbed into Telugu as Dance Master. The film was later dubbed into Hindi as Cha Cha Charlee in 1996. This was Revathi's last tamil film before her marriage to cinematographer Suresh Chandra Menon in 1986.
19Kamal Haasan, Jayaram, MeenaThenali is a 2000 Indian Tamil comedy-drama film directed by K. S. Ravikumar and written by Crazy Mohan. The film stars Kamal Haasan in the title role, along with Jayaram, Jyothika, and Devayani. The film's music was composed by A. R. Rahman. The film opened to positive reviews from critics and was a commercial success at the Tamil Nadu box-office. The film won three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including a Special Jury award for Jayaram's performance as Dr. Kailash.
20Kamal Haasan, Cochin Haneefa, SrividyaKaathala Kaathala is a 1998 Indian Tamil comedy film directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao and produced by P. L. Thenappan. The film stars Kamal Haasan, Prabhu Deva, Soundarya and Rambha in the lead roles with an ensemble cast in supporting roles. The film released on 10 April 1998, to positive reviews and became a commercial success.
21Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, Jaya PradaNinaithale Inikkum is a 1979 Indian Tamil language comedy drama film directed by K. Balachander starring Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth, Jayaprada, Geetha and Nakul. The story was written by Sujatha Rangarajan. The film was also simultaneously shot in Telugu as Andamaina Anubhavam. A large part of the film was shot in Singapore.
22Kamal Haasan, Madhavi, K. P. A. C. LalithaRaja Paarvai is a Tamil language feature film directed by Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. The story was written by Kamal Haasan, for whom the film was also his 100th starrer and first production. The score and soundtrack was composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The film was simultaneously made and released as Amavasya Chandrudu in Telugu.
23Kamal Haasan, Madhavi, SathyarajKaakki Sattai is a 1985 Tamil-language Indian feature film directed by Rajasekhar, starring Kamal Haasan, Ambika, Madhavi, Sathyaraj, Rajeev and Thengai Srinivasan. The film was panned by critics and block buster hit at the box office.
24Kamal Haasan, Prabhu, KhushbooVetri Vizha is a 1989 Tamil-language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role. Prabhu, Amala, Sasikala and Kushboo played supporting roles. It was a blockbuster and completed 175-day run at the box office. It was the second Kamal film to beat the ten-year record of 5.4 crore set by Thirisoolam.
25Kamal Haasan, Nassar, ManoramaUnnal Mudiyum Thambi is a Tamil language film starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role. The movie, a re-make of the Telugu film Rudraveena, was released on 4 March 1988.
26Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj, JyothikaVettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu is a 2006 Tamil crime-detective-thriller film written and directed by Gautham Menon. Starring Kamal Haasan, Jyothika, Kamalinee Mukherjee, Prakash Raj and Daniel Balaji in prominent roles, the film features music composed by Harris Jayaraj. It was one of the first Indian films to make use of Super 35mm technology. The film was dubbed in Telugu as Raghavan and released on 17 August 2007 to positive reviews. In 2012, reports stated that Menon would direct the film's Bollywood remake, but these were later dismissed. It was dubbed in Hindi as The Smart Hunt.
27Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, SrideviMoondru Mudichu is a 1976 Tamil film that was directed by K. Balachander. The movie stars Kamal Hassan, Rajinikanth and Sridevi in major roles. The movie revolves around three people, a college going girl and two men who fall in love with her. The film was based on 1974 Telugu film O Seeta Katha directed by K. Viswanath starring Roja Ramani and Chandramohan. Kamal Haasan had played the anti hero role in the Malayalam version Mattoru Seetha, which was later played by Rajinikanth in this Tamil version.
28Kamal Haasan, Ramesh Aravind, Kovai SaralaSathi Leelavathi is a 1995 Tamil comedy film co-written and directed by Balu Mahendra. The film was produced by Kamal Haasan, with story by Ananthu and dialogues by Crazy Mohan with Ilaiyaraja as music composer. The film features Ramesh Aravind, Kalpana and Heera in the lead with Kamal Haasan and Kovai Sarala in supporting roles. The films was remade by Ramesh Aravind into Kannada as Rama Shama Bhama in 2005.
29Parthal Pasi Theerum
Kamal Haasan, Gemini Ganesan, SavitriPaarthaal Pasi Theerum is a Tamil language film directed by A. Bhimsingh. The film features Sivaji Ganesan, Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, Sowcar Janaki and B. Saroja Devi in lead roles. The film, produced by C. R. Basavaraju, had musical score by Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy and was released on 14 January 1962. The film released in Telugu as 'Pavithra Prema'.
30Kamal Haasan, Rajesh Khanna, Lalita PawarAaina is a 1977 Indian Bollywood film starring Mumtaz in the lead roles and A. K. Hangal, Nirupa Roy, Lalita Pawar, Jayasudha and Madan Puri in support roles. The music is given by Naushad.This film has a special appearance by Rajesh Khanna. The 2007 film, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag has a similar plot to that of Aaina, with Rani Mukerji reprising Mumtaz's role as a prostitute. The film is directed by director K. Balachander. He had filmed the same story before: the Tamil film Arangetram with Kamal Hassan, Pramila and Sivakumar. The film is about a Brahmin girl becoming a sex worker to support her mother and siblings.
