Watch Nayakan

Nayakan, released in 1987, is a Tamil-language Indian crime drama film directed by Mani Ratnam. The film starred Kamal Haasan, Saranya Ponvannan, and Delhi Ganesh in lead roles. Nayakan has been considered one of the best Indian films ever made, and it is a must-watch for any cinema lover. The film revolves around the life of Varadarajan Mudaliar, a don in Mumbai's Dharavi slums. The story is a fictionalized version of the life story of Varadarajan Mudaliar, a real-life don who had dominated Mumbai's underworld during the 1970s and 80s. Nayakan is a story of a man's rise to power, his struggle to maintain that power, and eventually his downfall.

Kamal Haasan plays the lead role of Velu Nayakan, the character based on Varadarajan Mudaliar. Haasan's portrayal of Velu Nayakan is one of his best performances, and it earned him several awards and accolades. The film follows Velu Nayakan's journey as he transforms from a simple henchman to the most feared don in Dharavi.

The film starts with Velu Nayakan's childhood, where he is forced to leave his village after he kills a British officer who tries to rape his mother. Velu Nayakan settles down in Mumbai's Dharavi slums and starts working as a henchman for a local don. He soon earns the respect and trust of the don and gradually rises through the ranks of the underworld.

Along the way, Velu Nayakan meets and falls in love with Neela (played by Saranya Ponvannan), a school teacher in Dharavi. Their love story is beautifully woven into the film, and it forms an essential part of Nayakan's narrative.

The film shows the various obstacles that Velu Nayakan faces in his journey. From rival gang wars to police brutality, Nayakan portrays the harsh realities of Mumbai's underworld. Velu Nayakan's struggle to maintain his power, his loyalty to his people, and his eventual downfall make for a gripping watch.

The film's direction by Mani Ratnam is exemplary. Ratnam's ability to portray the gritty and realistic side of Mumbai's underworld while also weaving in elements of love and family is what makes Nayakan an all-time classic. Ratnam's direction is complemented by the outstanding performances of the entire cast.

The music of Nayakan is composed by Ilaiyaraaja and is considered one of his best works. The film's background score is hauntingly beautiful and adds to the tension and drama of the film. Nayakan's music perfectly complements the film's brilliant storytelling and has become an integral part of Indian cinema history.

In a nutshell, Nayakan is an outstanding film that deserves all the accolades it has received. The film's brilliant direction, performances, and music make it a must-watch for anyone who loves cinema. Nayakan is a timeless classic and is considered one of the best films to come out of India.

Nayakan is a 1987 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.