Nayakan

One of the best movies in recent Malayalam cinema (which is not saying much), Nayakan is a blacker than black revenge drama with exceptional production values. The ensemble cast are all top-notch with Indrajit standing out as the 'Nayakan' with a brilliant performance. It is sad he is yet to be noticed by the mainstream crowd even though more talented than his star brother, Prithviraj. Although one can argue about the strength of the script, it is Lijo Jose Pellisery's innovative direction that makes this one the winner it is. Cinematography by VTV fame Manoj Paramahamsa oozes atmosphere in each frame sucking you in this world which is strangely realistic and surreal at the same time. Combine all the above factors with an excellent BGM, crisp editing and well choreographed fights, you've a treat in your hands. Nayakan is a movie to be watched by anyone who loves Malayalam movies or any movie, for that matter.

One of the best movies in recent Malayalam cinema (which is not saying much), Nayakan is a blacker than black revenge drama with exceptional production values. The ensemble cast are all top-notch with Indrajit standing out as the 'Nayakan' with a brilliant performance. One of the best movies in recent Malayalam cinema (which is not saying much), Nayakan is a blacker than black revenge drama with exceptional production values. The ensemble cast are all top-notch with Indrajit standing out as the 'Nayakan' with a brilliant performance. One of the best movies in recent Malayalam cinema (which is not saying much), Nayakan is a blacker than black revenge drama with exceptional production values. The ensemble cast are all top-notch with Indrajit standing out as the 'Nayakan' with a brilliant performanceOne of the best movies in recent Malayalam cinema (which is not saying much), Nayakan is a blacker than black revenge drama with exceptional production values. The ensemble cast are all top-notch with Indrajit standing out as the 'Nayakan' with a brilliant performanceOne of the best movies in recent Malayalam cinema (which is not saying much), Nayakan is a blacker than black revenge drama with exceptional production values. The ensemble cast are all top-notch with Indrajit standing out as the 'Nayakan' with a brilliant performance.

Its quite good. Stands out from the recent releases in being more experimental in nature. Its basically a revenge drama. The structuring of the story into Purappadu, Kalikkai, Thodayam, Attam and Kalasham(of Kathakali) accompanied by usage of flashbacks is quite a novel thing in Malayalam Cinema. Indrajith, who plays a Kathakali artist in the film, has given an electrifying performance. Thilakan, as always has done well and his character has similarities to The Godfather. Siddique has the scary looks but did overact at some points in the movie. The movie is intensely polished, well toned and paced, with excellent cinematography. The climax disappoints us which is nothing more than a physical showdown b/w the hero and the villain.

Mani Ratnam's "Nayakan" is an enduring masterpiece. The film is loosely inspired by the real-life story of Varadarajan Mudaliar, a Mumbai-based don. Haasan portrays Sakthivelu "Velu" Naicker, a man who rises from a humble background to become a revered and feared crime lord. His journey is marked by personal loss and moral dilemmas, making "Nayakan" not just a gangster film, but a profound character study.

Ratnam's direction is nothing short of brilliant. He crafts a visually rich and emotionally charged narrative, with each frame meticulously designed to capture the essence of the era and the environment. The screenplay, also penned by Ratnam, is taut and compelling, balancing intense action sequences with moments of deep introspection.

Kamal Haasan delivers one of his career-best performances, embodying Velu Naicker with an intensity and vulnerability that is both captivating and heartbreaking. His transformation from a young man seeking justice to an aging don grappling with his legacy is portrayed with remarkable nuance. Haasan's ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety makes Velu a deeply human and relatable character.

Ilaiyaraaja's music is another standout aspect of "Nayakan." The haunting score and memorable songs enhance the film's emotional depth, perfectly complementing the narrative's highs and lows. The song "Thenpandi Cheemayile" is particularly iconic, capturing the soul of the movie.

The supporting cast, including Saranya Ponvannan, Janagaraj, and Nassar, provide strong performances that add layers to the story. The film's technical aspects, from its cinematography by P. C. Sreeram to its meticulous production design, create an immersive experience that transports viewers to the Bombay of the past.

"Nayakan" is more than just a film about the rise of a gangster; it is a meditation on justice, morality, and the cyclical nature of violence. Velu Naicker's story is one of a man who becomes the very thing he once despised, and the film doesn't shy away from exploring these moral ambiguities.

"Nayakan" stands as a landmark in Indian cinema. Its compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and artistic direction make it a film that transcends time and genre. Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan have created a work that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, ensuring "Nayakan" remains a cinematic classic.

It seems like Malayalam directors bring out their best if the story is based in Cochin. A few movies are Big B, Chotta Mumbai, Best Actor, etc and now Nayakan. Lijo did a marvelous job directing, being his first film. The cast was great too. It seemed very different from the usual Malayalam films. The opening credits looked like the new beginning for Malayalam movies where there credits art looked right off a comic book and the brilliant work from Prashant Pillai with back ground scoring & music. The person who played the dirty cop with his Cochi slang was fun to watch. Siddique proves time & again that given any role there couldn't be anyone who could have done it better. Dhanya Mary can definitely bring out any emotions with her face and the is great talent(like Jagathi says the 'navarasangal'; she is good with that). Thilagan & Jagathi too did a good job. Indrajith was on a league of his own with this movie. If Mammootty is remembered for his role in The King & Mohanlal for his role as Mangalashairee Neelakandan; then this will be one of the movies Indrajith will be remember by the Malayalam audience for years to come. The only minor setback, not that it ruined the movie in any way was that the movie had slight similarities with certain Hollywood movies(and again I'm not taking anything away from this movie or Lijo's direction). I would say Malayalam industry has got itself a Robert Rodriguez/Quentin Tarantino style movie maker & Lijo is a director whose movies are definitely to look out for.