The Hero|Oct. 21, 1987|India|156 Min.
Genre: Crime;Drama;South;Indian
Description: The 1987 film *Nayakan* follows the story of Sakthivel “Velu,” the son of an anti-government union leader. When Velu is arrested by the police, they manipulate him into believing they are on his side before releasing him. Shortly after reuniting with his father, Velu witnesses his father’s murder by the police. Feeling betrayed, he stabs the police inspector and flees to Bombay, where he is taken in by Hussain, a compassionate smuggler living in the Dharavi slums. Eventually, Velu takes over Hussain’s smuggling activities, demanding a larger share of the profits, which angers the other smugglers. They conspire with Inspector Kelkar to arrest and kill Hussain, framing it as a suicide. Velu, enraged by the truth, murders Kelkar but later cares for Kelkar’s wife and mentally challenged son, Ajit.
Velu’s life takes another turn when he meets Neela, a young schoolgirl forced into prostitution but determined to pursue her education. Impressed by her courage, Velu marries her, and they have two children: Surya and Charumathi. Over time, Velu gains power in Dharavi, earning the trust of the locals and the nickname “Velu Naicker.” However, his rise to power attracts enemies, and an assassination attempt results in Neela’s death. After avenging her, Velu sends his children to Madras for their safety.
Years later, Surya and Charumathi return to Bombay as adults. While Surya follows in his father’s footsteps, his tragic death during a police operation devastates the family. Charumathi, blaming Velu for the deaths of her mother and brother, decides to leave Bombay, disowning her father and rejecting his violent lifestyle.
Cast director: Mani Ratnam
Cast actor: Kamal Haasan, Saranya Ponvannan, Janagaraj, Karthika, Vijayan, M. V. Vasudeva Rao, Delhi Ganesh, Nizhalgal Ravi, Nassar, Tara
Original name: நாயகன்