The best phase of Kamalhassan

[Plum]

Well, there is already a golden jubilee thread, and so many discussions going on. I thought it relevant to open a thread where I'd like to understand different perspectives from people. This is a carry-over from Baradwaj Rangan's space, where an interesting discussion went on with that 'cool 80's' thing. I have been intrigued, too, why Rangan would highlight that aspect as part of his jubilee article.
So, here's a question, and a poll, which ensures a few pages of participation atleast

So, which do you think has been the best phase/aspect of Kamal.
1) Child Artiste - Kannamma to kANikkai
2) Young tyro - aimless entry phase from pattampoochi to pre-KB bit roles
3) Young genius - KB 70's movies, 16V, and the phenomenal phase where he established himself as an actor of substance - say, up to Saagara Sangamam
4) Masala man - this phase, which I abhor the most, overalps partly with (3), the Sagala Kala vallavan to Per sollum piLLai(my friend from BR's blogspace calls it saakkada kala vallavan to per kedutha pillai!) - I suspect Bala will have a lot to say on the merits of this phase
5) The colossus, the legend - post Apoorva SagodharargaL - the writer-director-ghostdirector phase
6) The balancer - the low-budget comedy, and the light movies post 90's

[Vivasaayi]

Plum I would put it as late 80's and early nineties

from nayagan to avvai shanmugi.

Or early nineties only - Guna,Michael madhana kama rajan,thevar magan,mahanadhi,sathi leelavathi,indian,avvai shanmugi,kurudhipunal,magalir mattum(as a producer),singaravelan...

[crajkumar_be]

First of all, Pudhu thread podalaama?ok-va?

Anyway, i voted for (5) Colossus, post-Aboorva (inclusive)

[crajkumar_be]

4) Masala man - this phase, which I abhor the most, overalps partly with (3), the Sagala Kala vallavan to Per sollum piLLai(my friend from BR's blogspace calls it saakkada kala vallavan to per kedutha pillai!) - I suspect Bala will have a lot to say on the merits of this phase

6) The balancer - the low-budget comedy, and the light movies post 90's

Ennanga, mutual fund range la solreenga
By the by, post 90s was not all comedies and light movies illaya?

[Plum]

Vivs, Nayagan to Avvai Shanmughi-nu paarthA, per sollum piLLai ellAm nadula varum. Thats why I divided it the way I divided it.
There seems to be an evolution-devolution pattern, and the goal is to explore what made him make those choices. Why go from acknowledged super actor of 70's to masala superstar of 80's? What made him finally do Apoorva SagodharargaL and turn over a new phase where he was in control of distributing his talent effectively?

I'd wnat to know more from people like CR on how mandram activities were like in the 80's, the fanzine articles, what was the impact of fan clubs in choices like Uyarndha ULLam, was he confused then what path to take etc?

[Plum]

4) Masala man - this phase, which I abhor the most, overalps partly with (3), the Sagala Kala vallavan to Per sollum piLLai(my friend from BR's blogspace calls it saakkada kala vallavan to per kedutha pillai!) - I suspect Bala will have a lot to say on the merits of this phase

6) The balancer - the low-budget comedy, and the light movies post 90's

Ennanga, mutual fund range la solreenga
By the by, post 90s was not all comedies and light movies illaya?

Adhaan bala, 90's a rendA pirichu, option 5 & 6-nu koduthirukkAen. I suspect a few youngsters(like sarna) will opt for 6

[Plum]

First of all, Pudhu thread podalaama?ok-va?

Anyway, i voted for (5) Colossus, post-Aboorva (inclusive)

Me also, and I think we can get Prabhu Ram to campaign for this option, too

There should probably be another for the worst phase, and I will choose the masala man phase. Lost a few years worth of writing there.

[Cinefan]

Plum,
My choice would be the mid 80's onwards phase when Sagara.....,Swathi....,Nayakan,Pushpak,AS,MMKR,Gun a,TM,Mahanadhi followed on after another.

2000 onwards has been a bit of concern with just a Hey Ram,Anbe Shivam and Virumaandi to talk about.

[Plum]

cinefan, I differentiate nayagan and KV movies from Mahanadhi, AS etc - because in the former, phenomenal as his input is, he is an actor for hire, and they are primarily someone else's movies. AS, MMKR, Gunaa, Mahanadhi, Hey Ram, Virumandi, Anbe Shivam, Devar Magan are all his writer-director phase. Full control with him.

Hence, I am asking you to choose between the 2 - the Kamal of Nayagan and KV movies versus the post-AS Kamal of Kamal movies

[P_R]

Some issues with poll choices...ippo pEsa nEram illai...Anyway voted for 5....Colossus