Before I start of in earnest I want to clarify that this blog is not intended to compare or pit Kamal Hassan against Rajnikanth. I am fully aware of the kind of deep rivalry the two fan clubs have for each other. There is indeed no comparison as the two actors are like apples and oranges ,the only common point being they are actors.The other day I was watching manmadhanambu and could not help marvel at the talent Kamal is. I mean , that film may not do justice to his versatility but it did enough to remind how great this person is. I believe he is the greatest actor of Indian cinema today.Amitabh Bachchan is a legend yes, but I am sorry, he does not hold a candle to the variety of roles that Kamal has essayed.Like Rajni,Amitabh too is great and bigger than Kamal but as a star and not as an actor.Its my earnest opinion that had Kamal Hasan been in Hollywood we would have toasted him to be better than Al Pacino or Hoffman. Here is recounting some of his most memorable roles:
1. the Palghat Mani Iyer in Michael Madana Kama Rajan: the accent,the body language and the sheer contrast from the other 4 roles was stunning.I mean point out one actor in India who can do this better and still look as handsome as Kamal did.
2.Anbe Shivam: the limp,twitching of the lips and eye brows, the sheer intensity was amazing . Madhavan did well as the urban rookie to whom we could connect. One of the greatest gems that Tamil Audiences failed to recognize. turned out very popular in later years.
3.Nayagan: Time Magazine has placed it in its list of all time greatest movies. What more is left to be said.But the scene where he cries and the song thenpadi seemayile plays as the bg is unforgettable.
4.Hey Ram: hats off for the sheer audacity
5. Rangarajan Nambi, Dasavatharam: the dialogue where he says “…garvam thavirka sol,appadikuriyadhu rangarajan nambi yendru sol…” really stole the show from the rest of the 9 avatars.
6. Mahanadi: another great performance not to mention the heart wrenching story!
7.Devar Magan:RGV whats Rakt charitra? don’t waste your time or money next time, you will know why if you just borrow this Dvd.
8.avvai shanmukhi: inimitable!
there are many others,the space would fill up!but these remain my favorite.
With The Fungus Gone. 