Kamal Haasan, a titan of Indian cinema, is revered for his unparalleled versatility and artistic depth. From hard-hitting dramas and psychological thrillers to genre-defying comedies and emotional classics, he has shaped Indian storytelling for decades. Below are 7 best movies of Kamal Haasan you can’t miss.
1. Sagara Sangamam (1983)
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Director: K. Viswanath
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Cast: Kamal Haasan, Jaya Prada, Sarath Babu
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Plot: A gifted classical dancer, torn by poverty and ego, sacrifices his career only to rediscover passion and redemption through a compassionate journalist.
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Moral: True art survives time—perseverance and emotional healing can lead to creative rebirth.
2. Thevar Magan (1992)
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Director: Bharathan
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Cast: Kamal Haasan, Sivaji Ganesan, Revathi, Gautami
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Plot: When a Western-educated son returns home, he’s pulled into the feudal legacy of his father. Forced to confront caste violence and local power politics, he must decide between progress and tradition.
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Moral: Leadership is not inherited—it’s earned through sacrifice, justice, and cultural understanding.
3. Anbe Sivam (2003)
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Director: Sundar C.
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Cast: Kamal Haasan, R. Madhavan, Kiran Rathod
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Plot: Two strangers—an atheist ad filmmaker and a disabled socialist—embark on a journey that transforms their outlooks on life, faith, and love.
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Moral: Compassion is the greatest religion. Humanism triumphs over ideology.
4. Moondram Pirai (1982)
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Director: Balu Mahendra
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Cast: Kamal Haasan, Sridevi
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Plot: A woman with amnesia regresses to a childlike state. A school teacher becomes her guardian, forming a tender, tragic bond as he shields her from a harsh world.
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Moral: Love is not always romantic—selfless care transcends memory and identity.
5. Nayakan (1987)
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Director: Mani Ratnam
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Cast: Kamal Haasan, Saranya, Janagaraj
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Plot: Velu Naicker, a slum dweller in Mumbai, becomes a reluctant underworld don while fighting injustice. Inspired by The Godfather, it’s a gripping tale of power, loss, and redemption.
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Moral: Justice can emerge from unlikely places—doing wrong for the right reasons comes at a cost.
6. Pushpak Vimana (1987)
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Director: Singeetam Srinivasa Rao
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Cast: Kamal Haasan, Amala
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Plot: A dark silent comedy about a jobless youth who swaps places with a rich man. What follows is a twisted satire on class, deception, and mistaken identity.
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Moral: Even in silence, cinema speaks volumes. Greed and identity are complex games we all play.
7. Mahanadi (1994)
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Director: Santhana Bharathi (Written by Kamal Haasan)
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Cast: Kamal Haasan, Suganya, Nassar
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Plot: A humble widower is imprisoned after being conned, losing his daughter to a trafficking ring. The film follows his desperate and emotional journey to reunite his broken family.
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Moral: A father’s love can endure anything. Justice is not always served by the system—but by the human will.
🎥 Why These Films Matter
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IMDb ratings range from 8.6 to 8.8—proof of their universal acclaim.
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These films span multiple genres and eras, reflecting Kamal’s transformation from actor to auteur.
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Every story here presents a moral compass, emotional depth, and technical brilliance—making them timeless cinematic experiences.
✅ Final Word
If you’re curating a must-watch list of Indian films or showcasing the art of performance, these 7 films by Kamal Haasan are masterpieces. They not only reflect his genius but also stand as pillars of Indian storytelling.