Kamal Haasan was unforgettable as the intense, enigmatic and complicated Velu Nayakar. He won the National award for his efforts and many credit this as being Mani’s finest film. One of the unique aspects of Kamal’s portrayal was that he literally portrayed the birth, maturation and final years of a don. He made a mark as the unassuming young man trying to make his way in the big bad city, who goes on to become a powerful don inspiring adoration, fear and hatred in equal measure.

This unique characters love for a prostitute, grief and guilt over the loss of a wife and son and the estrangement from a daughter, and attempt to live his life on his own terms with all the dignity and grace he can bring to bear makes him one of the most memorable creations of all time. Needless to say, Kamal did complete justice to Velu Nayakar and together they made movie magic.