Birthday special: Films you must watch to grasp the breadth of Kamal Haasan's repertoire

He has just turned 61, but nothing that will give you reason to believe that he’s a year over 35. Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan continues to have the same verve and zest for life and cinema as ever. He is one of the few who has contributed to Indian cinema in more ways than one. 

Kamal, the actor

As everyone knows he started acting at the age of four. But over the years he has done such diverse roles across so many genres and languages in India that it’s extremely difficult for a fan to pick out one favourite film – there are just too many! Kamal, the actor, is always looking for what he can do next in terms of roles and what new role he can bring alive on screen. Till date, the actor has won too many awards to keep count of, but he is never complacent and never says, ‘I can’t do this’. There has been constant talk of Kamal Haasan doing a Hollywood movie – will it happen soon?

The Hollywood connect

Kamal Haasan is one actor who strongly believes in the technical aspects of cinema and how they enhance movies. In fact, he has been key in introducing in new techniques in filmmaking to the Tamil film industry. He is constantly bringing in Hollywood filmmaking techniques be it make-up, sound, cinematography or stunts. For instance, Michael Westmore, one of Hollywood’s top make-up artists, worked with the actor for Viswaroopam. Similarly, Oscar-winner Craig Mann worked with sound designer Kunal Rajan for Uttama Villain. Hollywood stunt director Lee Whittaker has worked with him in Viswaroopam. The sound-mixing for his latest film Thoongavanam has been completely done in Los Angeles. 

Nine Tamil films from his repertoire that are classics:

Moondram Pirai

Apoorva Raagangal

Moondru Mudichu

16 Vayathinile

Nayagan

Apoorva Sagodharargal

Thevar Magan

Anbe Sivam

Indian

Five unforgettable Hindi films of Kamal Haasan:

Ek Duuje Ke Liye

Saagar

Sanam Teri Kasam

Hey Ram!

Chachi 420

Bonus: Pushpak (Silent film)