"Velu Nayakar"

The south of India has been a cultural laboratory for centuries, and there is no modern day history of this place without the entertainment industry. This industry has made a prominent impact in altering the reality of the masses, their perceptions and the likes of the common. In something that appealed to the logical and the emotional aspects of the viewers, the 1987 release ‘Nayakan’ raised the bar in constructing a complicated character through Sakthivel ('Velu Nayakar'). On many occasions, Mani Ratnam has denied any reference or influence of the 1972 release 'The Godfather' on this Tamizh movie. As a viewer, I found 'Nayakan' a little different from the plot of the Godfather franchise, although they can all be classified under gangster genre, the storylines are rather varied.

 

The construction of Nayakar's character has indeed become a roadmap that leads to the complex transformation, or if I may use the literary device - bildungsroman, of a young child to a leader who eventually runs a quasi government. In fact, this plot gets resonated in an elaborate fashion in "Thalapathi" (1991 release). What I really liked about "Nayakan" is the lead character himself! Of course, Kamal Hassan is always a treat to the mind to watch (not forgetting to mention that he is also a treat to the eyes.. whistles..). When the entire journey, from 'Sakthivel' to 'Velu' to 'Nayakar', is closely observed, we may find that the many situations add velocity to the character to behave or act in a particular manner. Look at the circumstances that get created and the lead has to not just respond to them but also has to embrace them.

 

There is a certain chaos that comes out (very well depicted by KH!), a chaos of helplessness and an indispensable inability to keep the family away from bloodshed. The complications extend outside, in understanding what is legitimate that can get the aid of the government, while the otherwise activities (though carried out in the larger good for the poor) make Nayakar an outlaw. Nayakar killing people or ordering men to kill is considered poetic justice, but the epitome of anarchy in the mind reaches the peak when the grandson questions him. It may appear lame, but the words hold so much depth that, yes, eventually, asked to our own selves, we are unable to answer.