Nayakan is one of the best Indian crime movies out there and definitely a genius idea from the mind of critically acclaimed Mani Ratnam. The story revolves around a young boy who witnesses his father's death for being a labor leader. Thus starts the boy's rise in being a head gangster of a village. Tragedy always awaits him and through the movie, the audience is prompted to ponder about the central theme over and over again: is Nayakan good or bad. Extraordinary acting by Kamal Hassan and many themes are taken from the Godfather series (when Nayakan is old, Hassan also puts meat in his cheeks to get the voice of Marlon Brando from Godfather). All in all, a great watch and a beautiful finish. Highly recommended.

what it is about- it traces the journey of life of an underworld don,how he gets pulled into it,his rise to becoming the don.starting his life from slums and poverty to becoming a Saviour,guardian and leader for justice for the poor and till his fall is what the film is all about.what's hot- this film marks the outcome of 3 genius coming together.ace director Manirathnam,Thespian Kamalhassan,Music maestro Illayaraja.Mani being also credited for the excellent screenplay and story.one of the best background ever to be heard in the Indian film history.it compliments the situations and emotions expressed in the film to the hilt.Kamalhassan has proved why he is the best actor in India by his stellar performance.if Manirathnam is the brains behind this masterpiece then it is Kamalhassan who justifies it by his through performance and Illayaraja by his heart wrenching music.emotions expressed in the film straightly strikes a cord in your heart.Kamal's portrayal of the character Shaktivelu from his young hey days to his becoming the veteran don is something which is like an open acting institution.from his speech to his body language he literally lives the part.the music and the background score especially makes the situation and plight more pitiable specially in the part where the don comes to know about his son's death.the song ThenpandiCeemayela rings in your mind and makes you have tears and sympathy for the hero who loses his son and is unaware of the fact till the message is convened to him by others.the climax of the film which is heart wrenching is superbly shot and has equally well background score which makes it more memorable.kudos to Mani,Kamal and Illayaraja for making such a masterpiece which we all will be proud of.what's not- the songs in the film apart from ThenpandiCeemaleya reduces the pace of the film a bit.coming from an acclaimed director like Manirathnam scenes openly lifted from godfather is not expected from him.what to do- go for it,it is an once in a lifetime that such a movie is made in India.not only it is a total entertainer and it leaves a print in your mind even after ending which will remain forever.no film expresses emotions as good as it does.

Undoubtedly the best Indian film with legends like Kamalhasan,Manirathanam and unparralled Ilaiayaraja.Though many compare it to godfather,it has its own specialties.kamalhassan whose acting in the film is world class.Maniratnams depiction of various periods from 50s to 80s makes everyone surprise that a TAMILdirector can equal Hollywood.I watch this film every now and then.Though repeatedly watched every time the movie gives new meanings.If the godfather hadn't been earlier,our own kamalahassan would have won the Oscar.Thats for sure.Those who still not watching this film are not fit to be good film fans.

i find lot of people mentioning the movie has its roots from godfather. which i don't know how. some are saying that they have seen the godfather Tamil people are stupid enough to buy the Indian version. then do they others are stupid enough for watching a movie inspired by a book.the movie is absolutely fun to watch even though it's been 20 years since the movie has been actually made. good direction, acting, music, screenplay makes the movie a reason not to miss this.the movie is actually well edited . the two songs in this movie are good . while compared to other , especially recent Mani Ratnam movies like Guru where the songs pop out with out any reference to the movie, Nayakan has every song and scene in a right place.