Legendary actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan celebrated his 72nd birthday on 7 November with a special milestone in his professional life. The veteran actor began filming his upcoming project, Sandiyar, on the same day, marking the occasion with the film's cast and crew.
Haasan cut a cake with his team during a birthday celebration held on the sets of the film. He also hosted a lunch for the unit. The makers later shared a video from the event, which drew attention online.
The video was a one-minute montage of Haasan's work over the decades, including clips from his most celebrated films. The makers wrote alongside it: "A thousand characters. One name we call our own. Happy Birthday to our Kamal Haasan Sir."
A gritty action entertainer set in Madurai
Sandiyar is being directed by S U Arun Kumar, and the film is being described as a gritty action entertainer. It marks the director's first collaboration with Haasan, and reports have suggested it is set against the backdrop of Madurai.
Arun Kumar is known for the critically acclaimed family drama Chithha. The new film was earlier referred to by the working title KH237, and it will be produced by a leading production house.
The team started work on the first schedule on 7 November, and they plan to start filming Haasan's major portions in Madurai after Pongal, in around mid-January 2027, over a 45 to 50 day schedule.
A title with a history
Haasan first chose the title Sandiyar for a film in 2004, and the project eventually released under the title Virumaandi after a controversy over the title.
The makers also released the film's first look poster alongside a short announcement. "Shoot begins today," they wrote.
Before Sandiyar, Haasan played the lead in Mani Ratnam's Thug Life. The actor portrayed an ageing influential man in conflict with his foster son, Amar, and Silambarasan TR was the co-lead in the film. Trisha Krishnan was also part of the cast. The film received mixed reviews.
Birthday wishes pour in
Many well-known names in Indian cinema wished Haasan on his birthday. Actor Vijay wrote, "Dear Kamal Haasan, I extend my heartfelt wishes to you on your birthday on November 7, 2026."
Haasan's daughter and actor Shruti Haasan took to Instagram and shared a tribute for her father. "Years and years in your favourite playground of cinema haven't jaded, not even a little bit the love and with which you live this magical life and the gifts you give us through your craft," she wrote.
Mammootty and Mohanlal also greeted him. Mammootty shared photos of the two of them together and wished him "good health, happiness and many more years of brilliance". Mohanlal wrote, "Wishing Kamal Haasan Sir a very happy birthday. May the year ahead be filled with health, happiness, and stories that continue to inspire generations."
