I am enjoying the letters on the Kamal Haasan-Muktha Srinivasan tussle. I am quite shocked at the suggestion that Nayakan, a film that glorified and justified violence, is a milestone in Tamil cinema. Kamal Haasan, a producer himself, should appreciate the concerns of a producer.
The actor had to shelve Marudhanayagam because of financial strain. It is the duty of the hero and director to ensure that a film is a commercial hit.
C.S. Baskar,
Chennai
It is unfortunate that the occasion — 25th year of Nayakan — has been mired in controversy. The film should have been remembered for its effective script, lucid editing, cinematography, melodious music, and deft direction.
I would classify the history of Tamil cinema as ‘before Nayakan ’ and ‘after Nayakan ’ — such was its impact. While Kamal Haasan metamorphosed from a romantic hero to a realistic, mature hero, Mani Ratnam, a great director, ushered in the winds of change with the film. The theme music still rings in our ears.
P.H. Damodaran,
Chennai
