“You work too hard, Thambi,” she said, her voice like crinkled silk. “You chase shadows. But you never stop to see the women behind them.”

Arjun paused. “The Suganya? From the late 70s and 80s?”

Directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan in a career-defining role, Nayakan is often ranked among the greatest films in Indian cinema history. While the film belongs to Kamal, Suganya delivers a supporting role that leaves a lasting impact.