Nammavar(1994)
Nammavar (1994) is a Tamil-language drama film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan. It stars Kamal Haasan as Professor V. C. Selvam and Gautami as Vasanthi. The story follows a history lecturer who becomes vice principal of a troubled college in Chennai. He uses discipline, creativity, and forgiveness to reform students and staff, while hiding his own terminal blood cancer. The film won three National Film Awards including Best Feature Film in Tamil and Best Supporting Actor for Nagesh. It was released on Diwali day, 2 November 1994.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 2 November 1994
- Director
- K. S. Sethumadhavan
- Language
- Tamil
- Runtime
- 2h 30m
- Rating
- 5.3/10
Storyline
A strict but kind history professor takes charge of a college ruled by a rich bully. He transforms the campus through discipline and art, but his own secret illness threatens everything. Can he save the college before his time runs out?
“One teacher. One chance. One family.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Nammavar
Cast reunions in this film: Senthil & Delhi Ganesh (22 films together), Kamal Haasan & Nagesh (19 films together), Senthil & Kovai Sarala (16 films together), Senthil & Srividya (15 films together), Delhi Ganesh & Srividya (15 films together), and Nagesh & Srividya (12 films together).
Trivia
- This was the only Tamil film directed by K. S. Sethumadhavan, a veteran known for Malayalam classics.
- Actor Kamal Haasan, who played Selvam, reportedly took no payment for his role in the film.
- The film's climax was shot at the historic Presidency College in Chennai, adding realism.
- It marked the debut of music director Deva in Tamil cinema, who later became very popular.
- The story was partly inspired by real-life reports of student unrest in colleges during that era.
- Actress Gautami, who played the female lead, was also Kamal Haasan's partner in real life at the time.