This movie is by far the best (and I think it'll remain the best) Tamil movie I've ever seen. Superb acting by Kamal Hassan and excellent directing by Mani Ratnam considering the resources he had in that era back then...no special effects/CGI or any of that bullshit modern age mumbo-jumbo, just pure flawless acting, cinematography and a great and moving music score to fit the story oh so ever well. People seem to compare this movie to the Hollywood's version of the Godfather but in my opinion this one surpasses the Godfather by a mile simply for the fact cause of the way the harshness of the lead character's life is portrayed and the circumstances in his life that compels him to do the things that he does and for the cause that he does them for. A whole city of people who love and fear him but the true affection that he seeks from his daughter eludes him due to what he does and eventually connecting the events that would bring about his demise. Kamal Hassan's best performance to date and for those Godfather fans out there, take a look at this one and perhaps you'd change the ranking spots in your movie lists.

Undoubtedly the best Indian film with legends like Kamalhasan,Manirathanam and unparralled Ilaiayaraja.Though many compare it to godfather,it has its own specialties.kamalhassan whose acting in the film is world class.Maniratnams depiction of various periods from 50s to 80s makes everyone surprise that a TAMILdirector can equal Hollywood.I watch this film every now and then.Though repeatedly watched every time the movie gives new meanings.If the godfather hadn't been earlier,our own kamalahassan would have won the Oscar.Thats for sure.Those who still not watching this film are not fit to be good film fans.

i find lot of people mentioning the movie has its roots from godfather. which i don't know how. some are saying that they have seen the godfather Tamil people are stupid enough to buy the Indian version. then do they others are stupid enough for watching a movie inspired by a book.the movie is absolutely fun to watch even though it's been 20 years since the movie has been actually made. good direction, acting, music, screenplay makes the movie a reason not to miss this.the movie is actually well edited . the two songs in this movie are good . while compared to other , especially recent Mani Ratnam movies like Guru where the songs pop out with out any reference to the movie, Nayakan has every song and scene in a right place.

If it is featured in the time magazine's 100 all time movies from all over the world, then it must be something. Mani Ratnam has done some great movies in south India. I like all his movies. And he pays more attention to all the details of the movie such as music, photography, casting, editing etc. You can see the quality of the movie and see the involvement of the director in the movie. I treat this more as a Mani Ratnam movie than Kamal Hasan though Kamal is one of my favorite actors. Go rent the movie. You will not be disappointed. Also, check out Mani Ratnam's other movies such as Roja, Mouna Raagam (Telugu), Githanjali, Sakhi, Iddaru, Guru etc. Also, in case you didn't already know, A R Rahman was introduced by Mani Ratnam through Roja. Check out. http://www.time.com/time/2005/100movies/the_complete_list.html