Mani Ratnam’s Nayakan is more than just a gangster film—it’s a deeply emotional, character-driven narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of Bombay’s underworld. Released in 1987, this Tamil-language classic stars Kamal Haasan in one of his most iconic roles and is often cited as one of the greatest Indian films ever made.
Detailed Summary
Childhood Tragedy: The Birth of a Rebel
The story begins with Velu Nayakar as a young boy in Tamil Nadu. His father, a union worker, is murdered by corrupt police officers for standing up against injustice. Traumatized and filled with rage, Velu kills the policeman responsible and flees to Bombay. This sets the tone for the film’s major themes: justice, revenge, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Bombay: From Refugee to Don
In Bombay, young Velu is taken in by a smuggler named Hussain. He quickly rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld by standing up for the downtrodden and gaining a Robin Hood-like image. As Velu matures (now played by Kamal Haasan), he transforms into Nayakan, a godfather figure to the Tamil community in the slums of Dharavi.
He builds an empire based on smuggling, political influence, and a strict moral code. His sense of justice is personal, often brutal, but rooted in his early trauma.
Family and Morality Collide
The emotional center of the film is Velu’s relationship with his daughter Charumathi. As a child, she idolizes him, but as she grows up and understands the violent world he inhabits, she begins to resent him. Her eventual marriage to a police officer signals the inevitable clash between Nayakan’s criminal empire and the law.
This internal family conflict is as central to the film as his battles with rival gangs and corrupt politicians. It humanizes Velu and brings out the tragedy in his life choices.
The Fall: Justice Catches Up
As Velu’s empire starts to crumble, he faces betrayal, loss, and regret. His loyal associates are taken down one by one, and his actions begin to affect those closest to him. The final scenes are filled with emotional weight—particularly his arrest, and a climactic interrogation where a young boy asks him, “Are you a good man or a bad man?”—leaving Velu speechless.
It’s the most haunting and defining moment of the film.
Movie Ending
The movie ends not with a dramatic shootout, but with a quiet, introspective fade. Velu is imprisoned. Alone. Silent. The legacy he has built—both the good and the terrible—is left behind in the hands of a system that is neither better nor worse than the one he tried to fix.
There is no redemption arc, just the reality of a man who lived in the grey.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Nayakan does not have a post-credits scene. The film ends traditionally, and given its era and narrative tone, it doesn’t lean into the modern trend of extra scenes after the credits.
Type of Movie
Nayakan is a crime drama, with strong elements of biographical fiction, political thriller, and family drama. It is emotionally intense and deeply rooted in Indian socio-political realities.
Cast
- Kamal Haasan as Velu Nayakar
- Saranya Ponvannan as Neela (Velu’s wife)
- Nizhalgal Ravi as Charumathi’s husband
- Janagaraj as Selvam
- Delhi Ganesh, Karthika, and Tinnu Anand in supporting roles
Film Music and Composer
The legendary Ilaiyaraaja composed the soundtrack and background score, one of the film’s most praised aspects. His music captures the emotional highs and lows of Velu’s journey—from moments of triumph to heartbreaking tragedy. Songs like Thenpaandi Seemayile are now etched into Tamil cinema history.
Filming Locations
The film was shot primarily in Madras (Chennai) and Bombay (Mumbai). The Dharavi slums, central to the story, were recreated with immense detail. The gritty atmosphere and urban landscape serve as more than a backdrop—they’re characters in their own right, illustrating the harsh realities of migrant life.
Awards and Nominations
- India’s Official Entry to the Oscars (Best Foreign Language Film)
- National Film Awards:
- Best Actor (Kamal Haasan)
- Best Cinematography (P. C. Sreeram)
- Best Art Direction
- Multiple Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Kamal Haasan studied the real-life don Varadarajan Mudaliar to prepare for the role.
- Director Mani Ratnam spent weeks researching Bombay’s underworld and Tamil migrant life.
- Many scenes were shot using natural light to enhance realism.
- The film’s iconic interrogation scene was shot in one take.
- Saranya Ponvannan made her acting debut with this film.
Inspirations and References
Nayakan was loosely inspired by the life of Varadarajan Mudaliar, a real-life Bombay-based Tamil gangster. The film also draws heavy influence from The Godfather (1972) and Once Upon a Time in America (1984)—especially in its themes of family, legacy, and moral ambiguity.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
While there is no known alternate ending, several scenes were trimmed or rearranged to comply with censorship regulations at the time. For instance, some original violent sequences were toned down or implied rather than depicted explicitly. Consequently, these changes altered the film’s intensity to meet the required standards.
Book Adaptations and Differences
There is no official book adaptation of Nayakan, but the story of Varadarajan Mudaliar has been documented in books and articles. Compared to historical accounts, the film takes artistic liberties to heighten drama and emotional stakes.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Velu’s father being killed during a protest
- Velu’s first kill as a child
- The marriage scene where Charumathi confronts her father
- Velu’s silent breakdown after his wife’s death
- The final interrogation: “Are you a good man or a bad man?”
Iconic Quotes
- “Neenga nallavara kettavara?” (Are you good or evil?)
- “Naa oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna maadiri.” (If I say it once, it’s like I’ve said it a hundred times.)
- “Kadavul irundhaalum naaney kaaval.” (Even if there is a God, I am the one who protects.)
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Several street names and signs in the movie reflect real places in Dharavi known to be gang hotspots.
- The young boy in the final scene symbolizes Velu’s own childhood, bringing the story full circle.
- Some characters are composites of real-life figures in Bombay’s criminal history.
- Ilaiyaraaja subtly uses traditional Tamil instruments to underscore emotional scenes.
Trivia
- Nayakan was included in TIME magazine’s “All-Time 100 Best Movies”.
- Kamal Haasan learned Marathi and slang used by Bombay’s Tamil underclass to add realism.
- The film was shot in 56 days, an incredibly short span for its scope.
- It was remade in Hindi as Dayavan starring Vinod Khanna and Madhuri Dixit—but with nowhere near the same impact.
- It was Mani Ratnam’s first deep dive into the crime genre.
Why Watch?
Watch Nayakan if you appreciate nuanced storytelling, powerful performances, and morally complex protagonists. A cinematic landmark, it transcends Tamil cinema and Indian film history. More than a gangster movie, it deeply explores fatherhood, justice, love, and loss.
Director’s Other Movies
- Roja (1992)
- Bombay (1995)
- Dil Se.. (1998)
- Alaipayuthey (2000)
- Guru (2007)
- Raavanan (2010)
- Ponniyin Selvan: I & II (2022, 2023)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Godfather (1972)
- Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
- Satya (1998)
- Vada Chennai (2018)
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
- Thalapathi (1991)
