Kalki 2898 AD: Kamal Haasan, a hero and villain for the ages

Throughout his almost seven-decade career, he excelled in acting, direction, production, choreography, singing, writing, and hosting shows, all while actively engaging in politics and activism.

With Tamil cinema celebrating its centenary, he stands tall as one of its versatile and ever-dependable figures.

Trying to label Kamal Haasan is a difficult task. From the black-and-white era to technicolour and into the age of realistic filmmaking, he refused to let his talent remain dormant. He steadfastly pursued experimentation, as a performer.

Having starred in over 230 films across languages, including Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali, Kamal Haasan is undeniably a superstar. He consistently showcases his acting prowess by embracing diverse roles and embodying a wide range of characters.

What makes you cheer for the hero? A compelling villain. The hero’s qualities shine through when challenged by a strong antagonist. A well-written villain can be both sinister and entertaining, enriching the story by showcasing different facets of the central conflict to the audience.

Just as every coin has two sides, for every positive, there is a negative; for every hero, there is a villain. But can anyone be entirely good or evil? The concept of anti-heroes challenges this idea, suggesting that the lines between heroism and villainy are often blurred.

Kamal Haasan sees himself on a journey to become a better human being, acknowledging that he is still a work in progress. “It will never be finished. I will never stop striving,” he told this journalist, in a conversation, years ago.

EXCLUSIVE: Why did Kamal Haasan say ‘don’t do that’ to Saswata Chatterjee on the sets of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’?

Kamal Haasan, the irreplaceable villain

‘Sigappu Rojakkal’ poster. (X)

Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD marks a unique milestone in Kamal Haasan’s career.

Throughout his extensive filmography, the versatile actor never took on a full-fledged negative role opposite another hero.

In Sollathaan Ninaikkiren (1973), directed by K Balachander, Kamal Haasan’s character was a revelation. His performance, characterised by intense depth and nuance in his layered character, remains compelling and relevant even today.

The Tamil film, based on Manian’s novel “Ilavu Kaatha Kili”, was far ahead of its time. The novel, performed over 100 times as a stage play, was later adapted into a film.

It was also remade in Telugu as Ammayilu Jagratha (1975). Balachander remade it in Kannada as Sundara Swapnagalu (1986).

Let’s take the psychopathic character he played in Sigappu Rojakkal (1978) for example. Directed by Bharathiraja, the film, where Kamal Haasan played the lead alongside Sridevi, hit the screens just three days before Deepavali and enjoyed a 175-day run in most theatres across Tamil Nadu. Later, the director himself remade it in Hindi as Red Rose (1980).

Kamal Haasan boldly ventured into a negative role at that time, a risky move that many other top actors wouldn’t dare to attempt.

Another Telugu hit film, Indrudu Chandrudu (1989) came along. Kamal Haasan played the character of a dishonest Mayor, who later regrets his wrongdoings.

Directed by Suresh Krissna, the black comedy film is an adaptation of the 1988 American movie Moon over Parador.

The film was a commercial hit and ran for 100 days in theatres. It was also dubbed into Hindi as Mayor Sahab (1989) and Tamil as Indhiran Chandhiran (1990).

A poster of ‘Indrudu Chandrudu’. (X)

The success of Sigappu Rojakkal, with no doubts, paved the way for more Tamil films, featuring psychopathic killers such as Moodu Pani (1980), Kaadhal Kondein (2003), Manmadhan (2004), and so on.

Following that, the actor portrayed an evil twin brother in Aalavandhan (2001). Based on Haasan’s 1984 novel “Dhaayam”, the film incorporates elements of magic realism. Directed by Suresh Krissna, it was simultaneously filmed in Hindi as Abhay.

One character is a bald, menacing psychopath, who spent a significant portion of his life in a mental asylum. His twin, on the other hand, is an honourable commando serving in the army.

These two characters are starkly contrasting: one embodies deep-seated hatred and complete malevolence, while the other is upright and virtuous. As always, Kamal Haasan delivered an extraordinary performance, portraying both roles with remarkable conviction and precision.

Additionally, in Shankar’s Indian (1996), Kamal Haasan took on the role of the titular character and Senapathy’s corrupt son Chandru, showcasing shades of grey.

Chandru is a loverboy and a government employee, who deeply cares for his mother and sister, but fears his strict father Senapathy. Towards the film’s climax, Senapathy confronts and kills Chandru, holding him responsible for the deaths of children on a school bus.

Despite Kamal Haasan playing two distinct characters, the audience, predominantly sees Senapathy on screen, overshadowing the actor himself. Perhaps, that’s why Indian continues to receive acclaim even today, with anticipation high for its sequel, Indian 2, scheduled for 12 July.

Also Read: Will ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ gross ₹200 crore worldwide on its first day?

Tamil cinema and antagonists

As Senapathy in ‘Indian’. (X)

Tamil cinema currently lacks iconic villains, but there was a time when playing a negative character held significant meaning.

Reflecting on the classic era of Tamil cinema, traditional masala films typically featured a clear distinction between the hero and the villain. Their conflict stemmed from opposing agendas, shaping the script to delineate their identities and to garner sympathy for the protagonist’s character.

Heroes consistently appeared more appealing compared to villains, who were depicted with inevitable and flawed traits that defined them as antagonists.

Today, playing villainous roles on screen is no longer limited to supporting actors. Established actors are embracing antagonistic characters, unafraid to experiment with their images.

A writer from the Tamil film industry asserts that while a superstar can ensure an impressive opening for a film, a compelling villain pitted against them has the potential to elevate an ordinary movie to blockbuster status.

In the past, Kollywood often cast Bollywood actors as villains, but their characters suffered because they didn’t dub in their voices, diluting their impact.

“When the villain dominates the hero, especially up to the interval block, it creates a compelling dynamic that captures audience interest. Viewers can lose interest if the hero consistently triumphs right from their initial confrontation,” the writer tells South First.

However, playing an antagonist in Kollywood is often seen as not a positive thing. Actors risk being pigeonholed, as accepting one villainous role can lead to similar offers in future films. It’s generally more acceptable if the lead actor portrays both the hero and the villain in a film.

Stars, in Kollywood, often have king-sized egos and fear that their fan base may not appreciate seeing them defeated by the hero. This is one reason why Tamil films often prefer to cast North Indian actors as villains, the writer points out.

Also Read: Kamal excited to play a bad guy in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, Big B calls it a futuristic film

Kalki 2898 AD’s Yaskin is a milestone

Kamal plays Yaskin, a formidable villain, in ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. (X)

Whether in romantic sagas or family dramas, the presence of antagonists consistently added complexity to the storyline’s conflict.

Playing a hero versus playing a villain demands distinct skills. A compelling protagonist needs to be likeable, sympathetic, and able to connect with the audience. In contrast, a great antagonist must be intimidating, perhaps, even repulsive.

While many stars stick to a typical formula, Kamal Haasan distinguishes himself by continually surprising the audience with each of his films. And, we believe he still has much more to contribute!

“I was telling Amitji (Bachchan) backstage how I’ve always wanted to play a bad man. While the heroes sing romantic songs and wait for the heroine, the villain can just do as he pleases. I thought playing the bad man would be fun,” Kamal Haasan said at Kalki 2898 AD pre-release event.

Discussing his menacing bald look in the Nag Ashwin film, Kamal Haasan said the goal was to explore something new. “We wanted to create a look that was unique and not reminiscent of anything I’ve done before or that someone else has done.”

He added that the team went to Los Angeles to perfect his character’s look. “We travelled to LA and failed a few times before finding the right one. It’s a collaborative effort. I hope the audience reacts as we did when we first saw it.”

Kamal also made a mark for himself in politics. (X)

The actor recalled being stunned when he first saw his look for Kalki 2898 AD.

Describing Nag Ashwin as an ordinary man with an extraordinary idea, much like his mentor the late legendary filmmaker K Balachander, Kamal Haasan said the director knows how to bring his vision to life.

“I am accustomed to ordinary-looking people like Ashwin who achieve extraordinary things. My mentor, K Balachander, was one such man. He resembled a government official; if he entered a house, you’d think it was an income tax raid. But I witnessed his incredible capabilities in his films,” the veteran recollected.

Kamal Haasan was among the pioneering Tamil heroes who established a significant presence in the Telugu states, during the 1970s and 1980s. He ventured into straight Telugu films like Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi (1979), Sagara Sangamam (1983), and Swathi Muthyam (1985), earning admiration from Telugu movie enthusiasts for these classic performances.

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, the two reigning superstars of Tamil cinema, possess unparalleled versatility. Their commanding presence and expansive range on screen allowed them to excel in both hero and villain roles throughout their illustrious careers, making a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

When the actor plays a hero, he exudes, charm, authority, and righteousness. However, when Kamal Haasan takes on the villain part, he can be truly intense, brutal, cunning, manipulative, frightening, and ruthless; all at once.

Known for his exceptional range and adeptness at embodying diverse characters on screen, Kamal Haasan immerses himself so deeply into his roles that we often forget we are watching Kamal Haasan himself.

Yet, Kamal Haasan truly shines when portraying complex and morally ambiguous characters.

On one side, stars such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mohanlal, Mammootty, Chiranjeevi, and Rajinikanth are celebrated for their widespread popularity. On the other side, there are ‘non-commercial’ actors,  who carefully select roles to showcase their talents effectively. Kamal Haasan embodies a unique blend of both approaches, and that’s what makes him unmatchable.

THE KALKI CHRONICLES 📽️
Episode 1: Stars Speak – Full Interview out now!

Watch the candid chat with the stars of #Kalki2898AD 🔗 https://t.co/drvgqa8C0J@SrBachchan @ikamalhaasan #Prabhas @deepikapadukone @nagashwin7 @DishPatani @Music_Santhosh @VyjayanthiFilms @Kalki2898AD… pic.twitter.com/Lw3MekedkK

— Kalki 2898 AD (@Kalki2898AD) June 23, 2024

Also Read: Did it take Kamal Haasan a year to agree to be part of ‘Kalki 2989 AD’?

Creates history with Dasavatharam

Kamal Haasan in ‘Dasavatharam’. (X)

While some actors take on double or even triple roles in a film, and occasionally four, Kamal Haasan surpassed all expectations by portraying 10 distinct characters in the movie Dasavatharam (2008).

In the film, he portrayed a negative role as an ex-CIA agent, albeit alongside other characters.

While Kamal Haasan strived to capture the essence of each character, some critics argue that, unlike his previous performances, he relied more on makeup than raw talent to differentiate between them. Nevertheless, he excelled in his role as Christian Fletcher, a rogue ex-CIA agent-turned-mercenary, tasked by his boss to chase Govind (again, Kamal Haasan) and retrieve the vial.

Dasavatharam stands out as one of the most ambitious films to date, both in terms of budget and script complexity.

In the middle of his career, driven by his passion for prosthetic makeup, Kamal Haasan even served as an assistant to American makeup artist Michael Westmore, to hone his skills in the artistry.

His portrayal of ten diverse roles, undoubtedly, represents his most extensive effort. Playing multiple characters in a single film demanded constant transformation, through makeup and preparation to embody distinct personalities throughout.

The production of Dasavatharam spanned two years to complete, with producer Aascar Ravichandran candidly remarking that without Kamal Haasan, it would have taken a decade.

In Kalki 2898 AD, Kamal Haasan faces off against Telugu hero Prabhas, ensuring thrilling action sequences in his distinctive style.

At ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ pre-release event. (X)

During the pre-release event of Kalki 2898 AD, Kamal Haasan discussed his character Supreme Yaskin, stating, “I’ve always wanted to portray a villainous role, but here, I don’t play an ordinary character. He’s almost like a sage… just with a misguided agenda.”

Kamal Haasan added he didn’t want a conventional appearance for the role, so the makers settled on a suitable look.

However, the unexpected portrayal of Yaskin, as a sage-like figure, frail and connected to wires, surprised everyone.

In an interview, Kamal Haasan explained his decision to accept the role in Kalki 2898 AD saying, “Nag Ashwin’s ambitious vision aligns with a profound mythological narrative, spanning millennia. I am involved in this project because if he effectively taps into these symbols, audiences will grasp the story’s direction.”

Earlier, the actor-politician, stated that he accepted Kalki 2898 AD because he comes from analogous cinema. “Without the negative, there’s no positive; a negative role is essential in a film.”

Conflict is what adds intrigue to both human lives and cinema. This conflict can manifest through individuals, their perspectives, or their ideologies.

Tamil cinema has a rich history of creating memorable villains. However, in recent times, especially in films featuring major stars, the portrayal of villains seems to have shifted towards comedic rather than serious characters.

Hopefully, the example set by heroes like Kamal Haasan, who take on villainous roles, inspires others to do the same. After all, bad guys have all the fun!

(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)

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