#5YearsOfPapanasam: A look at some of Kamal Haasan's successful remakes

Today marks the fifth anniversary of Kamal Haasan’s Papanasam, the Tamil remake of the blockbuster Malayalam film, Drishyam. While everyone will agree that remakes are tricky, Kamal is someone who can get into the shoes of the character and retain its soul, thus transforming it as his film. Here is a look at the popular movies, remade into Tamil, with Kamal Haasan as the lead.

Papanasam: A shot-for-shot remake of Mohanlal-starrer Drishyam, directed by Jeethu Joseph, Papanasam has been exclaimed by many as a movie that outlived its original. Directed Jeethu Joseph, Papanasam had Kamal Haasan playing Suyambu, a middle-class cable TV operator, Gauthami as his wife and two daughters- this made his family. The film portrayed the angst of a man, who wants to safeguard his family, at any cost, and his efforts and struggles to achieve that.

Thoogavanam: Directed by Rajesh M Selva, Thoongavanam starring Kamal Haasan, Prakash Raj and Trisha in lead roles is a remake of the French film, Nuit Blanche. Critics hailed the movie as a slick adventure film, different from the regular Kollywood movies, and credited Kamal Haasan for making it international stuff.

Unnaipol Oruvan: Unnaipol Oruvan directed by Chakri Toletti, was the Tamil remake of Neeraj Pandey’s critically acclaimed 'A Wednesday'. While Kamal Haasan played the role essayed by Naseeruddin Shah in the original, Mohanlal essayed the role played by Anupam Kher. According to Kamal, Unnaipol Oruvan was a portrayal of the common man’s anger, angst and suffering. Critics described the film as more engaging and energetic than the original, and the film’s crisp presentation and outstanding performances by two stalwarts from south India, Kamal and Mohanlal, made it appreciated by socially responsible citizens.

Vasool Raja MBBS: This comedy-drama was a remake of the Sanjay Dutt- starrer 'Munnabhai MBBS'. Though the film gotten into controversy as Tamil Nadu Medical Council president K R Balasubramanian filed a petition against the film, saying that its title was an insult to the medical fraternity, the film became a stupendous success at the box office. Vasool Raja was Kamal's show all the way. And the Kamal Hassan - Crazy Mohan duo created a laugh riot in the film. With the Chennai slum lingo and an excellent performance by Kamal, the film was a wholesome entertainer.

Kuruthipunal: This action thriller was directed by cinematographer PC Sriram. A remake of Govind Nihalani's Hindi film Drohkaal, the film had Kamal Haasan, Arjun and Nassar in the lead role. It was the first Indian film to use Dolby Stereo surround SR technology. The movie was India’s official entry for the 68th Academy Awards under the Best Foreign Language film category, though it was not nominated. A foreign movie critic hailed the movie as an American action movie made in Tamil.

Sathya: This social drama was directed by Suresh Krishna and starred Kamal Haasan and Amala. The film was a remake of the Hindi film, Arjun. While Suresh Krishna debuted as a director with the movie, the film is considered one of the best remakes in Kamal Haasan’s acting history. The film was a story of an angry young man, Kamal fit the bill perfectly. With a short hairstyle, beard, steel kada and rolled-up sleeves, the film is still afresh in people’s minds.

Unnal Mudiyum Thambi: This film was the Tamil remake of Rudraveena directed by K Balachander. Starring Kamal Haasan, Gemini Ganesan and Manorama in pivotal roles, the social drama, was a clarion call against the caste system. Kamal’s character in the movie, Udyamurthy was based on and named after a real-life social activist MS Udayamurthy. The movie received positive reviews and critical appreciation.

Sattam: This K Vijayan directorial was a remake of the Hindi film Dostana released in 1980. The film had Sarath Babu in an important role and Madhavi as the female lead. Kamal played Raja, a police inspector, and the film was well-received.

Vazhve Mayam: Directed by R Krishnamoorthy, the film was a remake of the Telugu movie, Premabhishekam. The film had Sripriya and late Sridevi as leading ladies. The movie was a blockbuster and ran for 260 days in theatres. The film also marked musician Gangai Amaran’s first collaboration with Kamal Haasan as music director. The song in the film, Neelavaana Odayil...remains an evergreen song.

Guru: Directed by late IV Sasi, Guru starring Kamal Haasan, was a remake of the Hindi film, Jugnu, directed by Pramod Chakravarthy. Kamal played Raghu and Ashok, a dual role, and Sridevi was the heroine. The action caper was a blockbuster than ran for 360 days in theatres.