At a recent press conference ahead of the much-anticipated launch of his sequel, Indian 2, Kamal Haasan faced a probing question that elicited knowing smirks from his colleagues on stage. An inquisitive journalist asked if the veteran actor felt dismayed by the presence of three beautiful heroines in the film while he himself had no consort. With characteristic poise, Kamal raised the microphone and declared, “My consort in the film does not have to be a woman.” This succinct yet profound response encapsulates the essence of Kamal Haasan—not just an actor celebrated for his heroism but a philosophical artist whose relationship with cinema transcends conventional boundaries and stereotypes.
This profound insight into Kamal’s ideology is at the heart of K. Hariharan’s book, Kamal Haasan: A Cinematic Journey. Documenting the legendary actor’s illustrious career is no small feat, yet Hariharan, a seasoned filmmaker deeply versed in politics, history, and culture, rises to the challenge with finesse. Hariharan meticulously curates 40 films from Kamal’s extensive repertoire of around 260 films, weaving a tapestry replete with references to masters of world cinema, political theories, and parallel events unfolding in real-time. This approach illuminates Kamal’s diverse artistic abilities, portraying him as a consummate artist and a quick-change performer capable of astonishing physical and emotional transformations.
The book begins with an electrifying introduction, diving headfirst into the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Kamal’s birth. Although Hariharan steers clear of delving too deeply into Kamal’s personal life, he encapsulates the actor’s early years and the liberal family milieu that influenced him, framing the towering achievements he has since accomplished. Kamal’s education was unconventional, acquired not through formal schools but through practical experiences with mentors, actors, and directors. This experiential learning forged Kamal into a multi-talented ashtavadhani, a traditional Indian term denoting a person highly skilled in multiple disciplines.
One of Kamal’s most compelling traits, as Hariharan explores, is his perpetual quest for knowledge and innovation. Throughout his career, Kamal Haasan has eschewed the notion of a completed education marked by degrees or certifications. Instead, he remains a lifelong learner, enthusiastically embracing new ideas and technologies. His reverential awe during a recent trip to China, where he marveled at the advancements in animation and film screening, underscores this continuous quest for improvement. Kamal’s unassuming demeanor belies his monumental achievements and capacity to inspire awe among his peers.
A crucial aspect of Hariharan’s narrative is the symbiotic relationship between Kamal and his mentor, K.
. Balachander. The book dedicates a chapter to this epoch-making collaboration, highlighting how both mentor and protégé plunged into the depths of filmmaking, exploring complex social themes and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. Their work seamlessly integrated progressive agendas into mainstream entertainment, confronting issues such as caste, gender, and human relationships without alienating audiences. Their films often featured androgynous heroes and rebellious heroines, challenging societal norms and championing a more liberal, inclusive worldview. Behind the scenes, both Kamal and Balachander emerged as cultural revolutionaries, subtly urging societal change through their compelling narratives.
Hariharan enriches his account with captivating anecdotes that showcase Kamal’s acute awareness and technical expertise. For instance, on the sets of 16 Vayathinile, Kamal astutely detected that the camera wasn’t loaded with film, merely by analyzing the sound it made. Such stories underline Kamal’s profound understanding of every facet of filmmaking, from acting to technical details.
Additionally, while the book largely avoids Kamal’s political ventures and personal life, it subtly chronicles his rise as a political figure. It presents his entry into politics almost as an inevitability, shaped by his storied career and the socio-political landscape of his home state.
Hariharan doesn’t shy away from raising critical questions about motives and techniques, navigating the delicate balance that cinephiles often traverse. For avid moviegoers, Kamal Haasan: A Cinematic Journey is an enthralling read, offering moments as gripping as the thrilling transformation scenes Kamal is known for, such as the transformation of the effeminate Kathak dancer Viz into the agile spy Wizam Kashmiri in Vishwaroopam. Each scene in Kamal’s cinematic journey reveals another layer of his mastery in acting, leaving audiences spellbound time and again.
In sum, K. Hariharan’s Kamal Haasan: A Cinematic Journey is an essential and illuminating chronicle of a legendary artist who continues to redefine cinematic boundaries. It offers an invaluable glimpse into the mind of Kamal Haasan, an artist whose work stands as a testament to the power of relentless innovation and profound intellectual curiosity.
Price: ₹699. Available at Harper Collins India.
