An early Ratnam film, Nayakan was the defining moment in the filmmaker's career.

Far beyond a mere Godfather-tribute, this film was superbly earthy and relatable, and earnestness dripped from each frame.

Kamal Haasan plays Velu Nayakar, a boy who turns to crime after his father is killed by the police.

The film is a triumph. Velu shuttles between issues stemming from both the families he leads -- at home and in the underworld -- giving his character a thick outline of reality.

The film has brilliantly etched moments that make it unforgettable. For example, when Velu wants to give his son the nod to head a particular undercover operation, he hands him a paan.

The son takes it, but turns away from it as he eats it -- as a mark of respect for his father.

Wordlessly, all is made magnificently clear. Fabulous cinema.