Actors often take up more than one role in a film but very few have done it as memorably as Kamal Haasan. Known for his unmatched versatility, Kamal once amazed audiences by playing 10 different characters in the 2008 Tamil film Dasavathaaram.
Long before that, he had portrayed four unique roles in the 1990 comedy Michael Madana Kama Rajan. Both performances were highly praised and showcased his remarkable talent.
In Dasavathaaram, Kamal Haasan played characters ranging from a 12th century philosopher to a modern-day spy, a Punjabi pop star, a ruthless villain and even the then-President of the United States, George Bush. His ability to transform into such vastly different characters set a high benchmark in Indian cinema.
However, that record has now been broken. In 2018, Malayalam actor Johnson George made history by playing 45 different characters in a single film titled Aaranu Njan. Though the film initially went unnoticed after its release on March 9, 2018, it gained widespread recognition once the Guinness World Records officially acknowledged Johnson George’s achievement.
Directed by VR Unnikrishnan, Aaranu Njan runs for 1 hour and 47 minutes and features Johnson George in a range of powerful roles. He portrays prominent historical and cultural figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus Christ, Swami Vivekananda and Leonardo da Vinci. His performance not only set a world record but also created a new benchmark for dedication and versatility in acting.
Johnson George’s entry into the Guinness World Records has now given Aaranu Njan the attention it deserves, marking a proud moment in Indian cinema and a new milestone in cinematic history.
