His filmography is not a collection of movies. It is a 60-year masterclass in empathy for the outsider.
In the pantheon of Indian cinema, most superstars follow a predictable formula: the hero’s entry, the slow-motion walk, the romance, the revenge. Then there is Kamal Haasan. For over six decades, Haasan has refused to play by the rules. He is an actor, dancer, writer, director, producer, lyricist, makeup artist, and choreographer—but above all, he is an architect of discomfort .
If you watch only one Kamal Haasan film, watch Nayakan . But if you want to understand him, watch Pushpak followed by Hey! Ram . One shows you his craft. The other shows you his conscience.