November 7, 2026, brought a new film shoot for Kamal Haasan on his 72nd birthday. His company, Raaj Kamal Films International, announced that shooting had begun on Sandiyar, directed by SU Arun Kumar. The birthday update follows a career dating to 1960, longer than the five decades suggested by the headline.
From the emotional drama Moondram Pirai to the action thriller Vikram, Kamal Haasan’s movies cover crime, comedy and political cinema. His work also extends to writing, directing and producing.
Key Highlights
- Haasan was born on November 7, 1954, in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu.
- His screen debut was Kalathur Kannamma (1960).
- He has won three Best Actor National Film Awards and one Best Child Artist Award.
- Thevar Magan, which he produced, won another National Film Award.
- Shooting for Sandiyar began on November 7, 2026.
How Did Kamal Haasan Build His Film Career?
His first appearance came as a child actor in Kalathur Kannamma, released in 1960. He later trained in dance and spent time working behind the camera. Director K Balachander helped establish his adult career, particularly through Apoorva Raagangal (1975).
Hindi audiences saw him in Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981). He also worked in Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada cinema, rather than limiting his acting to Tamil-language productions.
The timeline is worth distinguishing: Haasan has worked in films for more than six decades. A five-decade description applies more closely to his adult acting career. He subsequently wrote and directed Hey Ram (2000) and Virumaandi (2004), taking leading roles in both.
Long before his action films, Balachander cast him in stories involving difficult relationships and family disputes. These early roles allowed Haasan to explore emotionally demanding characters and develop his reputation as a dramatic actor.
Which Kamal Haasan Movies Are Considered His Best?
The following five titles show the range of his screen work. They are selected for notable performances and influence, not presented as an official ranking.
| Film | What Makes It Notable |
| Moondram Pirai (1982) | A relationship drama centred on memory and care |
| Nayakan (1987) | Mani Ratnam’s portrait of a Mumbai underworld figure |
| Thevar Magan (1992) | A rural family dispute shaped by power and violence |
| Indian (1996) | A vigilante story confronting corruption |
| Vikram (2022) | An action thriller that returned Haasan to major theatrical success |
Among other notable performances are Anbe Sivam (2003), Dasavathaaram (2008) and Vishwaroopam (2013). In Dasavathaaram, he portrayed ten characters using different appearances and performances.
One measure of Vikram‘s commercial reach is the estimated ₹414.43 crore worldwide gross recorded by trade tracker Sacnilk. It is an industry estimate, not an audited producer figure. Later films Indian 2 (2024) and Thug Life (2025) did not enjoy comparable box-office success.
His appearance in Kalki 2898 AD (2024) was a supporting role rather than a lead performance. That distinction is relevant when comparing his recent films’ commercial results.
How Many National Film Awards Has Kamal Haasan Won?
Four awards recognise his acting, including his childhood performance. His involvement reaches five when the National Film Award for Thevar Magan, produced by Haasan, is counted. The distinction prevents a common error: he has three, not four, Best Actor wins.
- 1960: Kalathur Kannamma, Best Child Artist.
- 1982: Moondram Pirai, Best Actor.
- 1987: Nayakan, Best Actor.
- 1996: Indian, Best Actor.
Thevar Magan (1992) separately received the Best Feature Film in Tamil award. Haasan’s Padma Bhushan in 2014 and Padma Shri in 1990 are civilian honours, not film-category prizes. The awards document both his performances and his contribution as a producer.
What Is Kamal Haasan Working on in 2026?
Thug Life, released in June 2025, reunited Haasan with Mani Ratnam after Nayakan. The film drew a weaker commercial response than Vikram. His next announced lead project takes a different route.
On November 6, 2026, his production company named the film Sandiyar. Its official birthday announcement on November 7 confirmed that shooting had started. SU Arun Kumar directs, Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music, and Haasan is producing with R Mahendran. A release date has not been confirmed.
The announced pipeline also includes Indian 3 and a planned project with Rajinikanth. These are upcoming films, not fresh releases already available to watch. For the latest production details, the official Raaj Kamal Films International post is the relevant source.
FAQs
How old is Kamal Haasan in 2026?
Born in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, on November 7, 1954, Haasan reached his 72nd birthday in 2026. His career began during childhood and later extended across several Indian film industries.
What was Kamal Haasan’s first movie?
His acting career started with Kalathur Kannamma, released in 1960, when he was a child. Years later, director K Balachander played an important role in establishing his adult film career.
Which film brought Kamal Haasan his first Best Actor National Award?
Moondram Pirai (1982) earned him his first National Film Award for Best Actor. He later received the same honour for Nayakan and Indian.
How many National Film Awards has Kamal Haasan won?
He has four acting awards: three Best Actor honours and one childhood award. Counting the Best Tamil Film award for Thevar Magan brings the total to five.
What is Kamal Haasan’s next movie after Thug Life?
Filming for Sandiyar began on November 7, 2026, under director SU Arun Kumar. The production has been officially announced, although its theatrical release date remains unconfirmed.
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