Sridevi and Kamal Haasan first appeared together on screen in the 1980 film "Avatharam," but it was their 1987 film "Nayagan" that cemented their status as a leading on-screen pair. Directed by Mani Ratnam, "Nayagan" is a crime drama that tells the story of a young man's rise to power in the underworld. Sridevi's portrayal of a strong-willed and independent woman, alongside Kamal Haasan's nuanced performance, made the film an instant classic.