Kamal Haasan nailed negative roles:
Kamal Haasan is celebrated for his versatile performances across various genres. Among his many roles, his portrayals of negative characters stand out for their complexity and intensity. Here are five notable instances where Kamal Haasan masterfully embodied negative roles:
1. Sigappu Rojakkal (1978)
In the psychological thriller Sigappu Rojakkal, directed by P. Bharathiraja, Kamal Haasan plays Dileep, a character struggling with dark and obsessive tendencies. The film delves into themes of obsession, desire, and the thin line between love and madness. Kamal’s portrayal of Dileep, a man tormented by his inner demons, left a lasting impression on audiences.
2. Indian (1996)
In Shankar’s blockbuster Indian, Kamal Haasan takes on a dual role, playing both the freedom fighter Senapathy and his son Chandru, a corrupt government official. The film highlights the transformation of Senapathy from a patriotic hero to a vengeful vigilante, exposing the corruption within the system. Kamal’s performance in this dual role, particularly as the morally conflicted Chandru, demonstrated his versatility and depth as an actor. The iconic dialogue, “Naan eppo varuven, epdi varuvennu yarukkum theriyadhu. Aana vara vendiya nerathula correct-aga varuven” (Nobody knows when or how I’ll arrive, but I’ll come at the right time), became legendary.
3. Aalavandhan (2001)
Aalavandhan, directed by Suresh Krissna, features Kamal Haasan in another dual role, portraying twin brothers Major Vijay and Nandu. While Major Vijay is a decorated army officer, Nandu suffers from schizophrenia and becomes a psychotic killer. Kamal’s ability to switch seamlessly between these contrasting characters highlights his acting brilliance. His portrayal of Nandu, in particular, is chilling and showcases his talent for playing deeply disturbed characters.
4. Dasavatharam (2008)
In the ambitious science fiction thriller Dasavatharam, Kamal Haasan takes on ten different roles, each with a unique personality. Among these roles is the villainous ex-CIA agent Christian Fletcher. Kamal’s portrayal of Fletcher, with his cunning and ruthless demeanor, adds depth to the film. “Dasavatharam” is a visual spectacle and Kamal’s performance, especially as Fletcher is a highlight.
5. Kalki 2898 AD(2024)
Although Kalki 2898 AD is yet to be released, the anticipation for Kamal Haasan’s performance is high. In this futuristic film, Kamal portrays Supreme Yaskin, a villain with a misguided agenda. Set in the year 2898, the film promises to showcase Kamal’s signature intensity and depth in playing negative roles. The character of Supreme Yaskin is expected to be another testament to Kamal’s ability to bring complexity and nuance to his portrayals of antagonists.
