Nayakan
Seen it?1987 | 156 min | Drama, Crime
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It was critically acclaimed and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans. If you loved Menace II Society or The Departed, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Dark and gritty.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 36 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 2 hr 36 min.
- It's in Tamil, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Velu Naicker, who witnesses the brutal murder of his father, kills a corrupt policeman and escapes to Mumbai, only to become a gangster.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
Critically acclaimed
- AudiencesSolid
7.9 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
6 wins and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 176K people sought it out in the past year
More like this
Menace II Society Saturday SpecialAnother mob crime drama, and a Saturday Special.
The Departed
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed mob crime drama.
Once Upon a Time in America Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved mob crime drama.
The Funeral
Sunday Safe BetAnother mob crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Scarface Friday Night FlickAnother much-loved mob crime drama.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Mani Ratnam
- Kamal HaasanSakthivel 'Velu' Naicker
- Saranya PonvannanNeela
- KarthikaCharumati (adult)
- JanagarajSelvam
- Delhi GaneshIyer
- Nizhalgal RaviSurya (adult)
- NassarAssistant Commissioner Patil
- Tinnu AnandAjit Kelkar
- VijayanDurai
- M. V. Vasudeva RaoHussain Bhai