“Nayagan” follows the life journey of Velu Naicker (Kamal Haasan), who flees his home in Tamil Nadu after his unionist father is murdered. He finds refuge in Mumbai’s Dharavi slums under the care of Hussain (M. V. Vasudeva Rao), a bootlegger. As Hussain falls ill, Velu takes over his role, demanding more profits and angering the bosses. They use corrupt Inspector Kelkar (Pradeep Shakti) to arrest Hussain and stage his suicide.
In the slums, Velu kills Kelkar and takes care of his family. Gradually, he becomes a leader for the slum dwellers and rescues Neela (Saranya), a girl forced into prostitution, marrying her. After Neela’s death, Velu sends his children away for safety and climbs the underworld ranks.
“Nayagan” portrays the standard gangster story of a protagonist from humble beginnings ascending the criminal ladder. While it shares parallels with “The Godfather II,” the film possesses its own unique narrative. Key scenes, such as a police officer seeking justice from Velu for his daughter’s rape and the elimination of rival gang members, draw inspiration from “The Godfather.” Mani Ratnam’s direction maintains a subtle and realistic approach, avoiding excessive action sequences.
Velu Naicker, despite being revered as a Nayagan (hero), sees himself differently. He navigates a morally complex path, prioritizing survival over ethics. Yet, he shields his children from his way of life. Kamal Hassan’s performance stands out, capturing Velu’s transformation and nuances effectively.
The film’s strength lies in emotional scenes, such as Velu’s interactions with his daughter, his breakdown upon seeing his son’s burnt corpse, and his tender moment with the cop. Kamal Hassan’s portrayal is complemented by Illayaraja’s music and P.C.Sreeram’s cinematography, capturing Mumbai’s atmosphere and the slum surroundings.
In summary, “Nayagan” offers a compelling narrative of a man’s rise in the underworld against a backdrop of emotional complexity. The collaboration of Kamal Hassan, Maniratnam, Illayaraja, and P.C.Sreeram contributes to the film’s timeless status as a classic. It’s a movie that can be watched multiple times, offering new insights with each viewing.
