31 years of 'Nayagan': Why the Kamal Haasan-starrer is considered a cult classic

The 1987 film by veteran director Mani Ratnam tells the story of the real-life Mumbai don Varadarajan Mudaliar.

Nayagan was released on 21 October 1987 on the occasion of Diwali. While the audience went to watch the film for Kamal Haasan, this film elevated Mani Ratnam's stature as a director, after his first hit 'Mouna Raagam'. Following pictures are the stills fr 

Nayagan was Saranya Ponvannan's debut film. Even though the film captured Kamal's brilliant acting, there were stellar performances from all the supporting actors including Saranya, Karthika, Delhi Ganesh, Nassar and Janakaraj. (Photo | YouTube)

The plot was a blend of the story of Hollywood's fictional Don 'Godfather' Vito Corleone and the real-life story of the Mumbai don Varadaraja Mudaliar. The don in the film is called 'Velu Naiker'. (Photo | IMDB)

Kamal Haasan received the National Film Award for Best Actor, while PC Sreeram and Thotta Tharani won Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction respectively. PC Sreeram's style of cinematography became popular after this film. (Photo | IMDB)

In 1988, Nagayan was submitted for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, but did not make it to the final five. But the film was considered in Time's 'All Time 100 Best films' in 2005. (File | EPS)

One of the most moving scenes from the film, is when the don's daughter (played by Karthika) questions her father's violence. The conversation is both philosophical and emotional, and the don fails to convince her that he is doing the right thing. (Photo | YouTube)