Kamal Haasan’s FIVE most anticipated films leading up to 'Thug Life'

Kamal Haasan has long been a powerhouse of talent in Indian cinema, known for his diverse roles and groundbreaking films. Before his latest release, 'Thug Life,' which was released in theaters with high expectations, the actor delivered several memorable movies that left a lasting impact. 'Thug Life' marks another ambitious collaboration, this time with director Mani Ratnam, stirring excitement among fans. As audiences enjoy this gangster action, it’s worth revisiting some of Kamal Haasan’s most anticipated films that have defined his illustrious career. These movies showcase the actor’s versatility and enduring appeal across decades.

'Indian 2' was the much-anticipated sequel to the cult classic 'Indian' (1996), directed by S. Shankar. Kamal Haasan reprises his role as a vigilante fighting corruption, a character that had a huge impact on Tamil cinema. After being delayed several times, the social drama was released in theaters in July 2024. But it failed to keep its promise as the highly anticipated film transformed into one of the most trolled films on social media. Disappointed fans now await 'Indian 3,' while director Shankar is yet to complete the work for the third installment.

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, 'Vikram' is an action-packed thriller that brought Kamal Haasan back in a gritty, intense avatar. The film’s stylish direction, high-octane action sequences, and gripping storyline made it one of the most awaited movies. Kamal Haasan’s performance was widely praised for its depth and energy. The film also featured an ensemble cast that added to the excitement. It marked a major comeback for the actor in commercial cinema.

A Tamil remake of the Malayalam blockbuster 'Drishyam,' 'Papanasam' stars Kamal Haasan as a common man caught in extraordinary circumstances. His nuanced portrayal of a protective father and husband earned rave reviews. The film is a tightly woven thriller with emotional depth and suspense. It showcased Kamal Haasan’s ability to shine in subtle, realistic roles beyond his usual larger-than-life characters. The movie was both a critical and commercial success.

Kamal Haasan’s 'Vishwaroopam' is a spy thriller that showcases him as a RAW agent battling terrorism in his own directorial. The film was notable for its sleek espionage narrative and Kamal’s intense dual role. It was praised for its technical brilliance, action choreography, and gripping screenplay. The movie’s release faced some controversies but was widely appreciated for its bold storytelling. It established Kamal Haasan as a versatile actor capable of handling complex roles.

In 'Dasavathaaram,' Kamal Haasan took on the challenging task of playing ten different characters across various timelines. This ambitious film combined science fiction, action, and drama, highlighting Kamal’s incredible versatility. The technical aspects, including makeup and special effects, were groundbreaking for their time. The film was eagerly awaited because of this unique concept and Kamal Haasan’s reputation for experimentation. It remains one of his most memorable and talked-about performances.