Throwback/ Did you know Kamal Haasan starrer Nayakan is inspired by this Hollywood film?

Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan are all set to reunite after 36 years for their next film KH234. Reportedly, the makers are going to unveil the title teaser on November 7, on the occasion of the actor's 69th birthday. Ahead of it, let's go down memory lane and look at their cult classic film Nayakan, which inspired not one but many filmmakers.

Do you know Nayakan is inspired by The Godfather?

The film, which released in 1987, was inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s director The Godfather (1972) and was loosely based on the life of Bombay underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar. However, not many know that it left a lasting impact on many filmmakers and cinephiles across the country. Once director Vetrimaaran, known for  Aadukalam, revealed that he watched the film over 45 times and it was this which which inspired him to become a director. Another director Vasan Bala, known for Bollywood films such as Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota and Monica O My Darling,  revealed that the film impacted his filmy career.

It has not just impacted the career of filmmakers, but its iconic dialogue at the climax "Neenga nallavara kettavara? (Are you a good guy or a bad guy?)" is used in many films. The most recent film to use the dialogue was the 2022 film Vikram, helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and featuring Kamal Haasan.

Nayakan featured an ensemble cast, including Saranya, Delhi Ganesh, Karthika and Tinu Anand, among others. The film revolves around the gradual transformation of Velu Naicker (played by Kamal Haasan) from an ordinary slum dweller to a don.

All about Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan's next film

The director-actor duo, who gave a blockbuster hit to the entertainment industry, is set to reunite. The makers have started with the filming and a few days ago, the actor was snapped in Chennai shooting a promo video. Apart from him, the film will reportedly feature Nayanthara in the pivotal role. Reportedly, the film will have action sequences directed by Anbariv. It is expected to hit the theatres next year, but the makers are yet to announce the official release date.