Kamal Haasan speaks about writing ‘Thevar Magan’: 'I was thinking of Sivaji Ganesan sir…'

Kamal Haasan, who is currently on a promotional spree for his upcoming films ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and ‘Indian 2’, spoke about making ‘Thevar Magan,’ one of his most iconic films. Directed by Bharathan, ‘Thevar Magan’ is an adaptation of ‘The Godfather’, and it was scripted by Kamal Haasan. He also produced the film and starred alongside legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan.

Recently, during the trailer launch event of ‘Indian 2’, Kamal Haasan was asked how he wrote the celebrated ‘Thevar Magan’, and he said, “Partly by pen, and partly by experience!”

Kamal Haasan certainly left the crowd in splits, and he continued, “I come from that kind of place. I belong to a small village called Paramakudi, which has taught me a lot. And my gurus like K Balachander and other great writers, not only in Tamil Nadu but in other parts too. I am a great fan of K Asif. And they taught me how to hold this uncontrollable horse called cinema, and yet have a great ride.”

Kamal Haasan also spoke about working with Sivaji Ganesan, “I was working with the greatest actor. Through him, I could understand that acting transcends language. While writing ‘Thevar Magan’, I was thinking of Sivaji sir, my native place, myself, and things just happened.”

‘Thevar Magan’ by Bharathan is considered the best adaptation of the iconic film ‘The Godfather’.


‘Thevar Magan’ was later remade in Hindi by Priyadarshan as ‘Virasat’. The Tamil film released in 1992 won several awards. It was chosen as India's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film for the 65th Academy Awards but was not nominated. The Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan starrer also won five National Film Awards.