Associated with South Indian film industry, Nassar is an actor, director, and producer. He is recognized as one of the character actors in the same league as Om Puri, Amrish Puri, and Nana Patekar. The actor made his feature film debut in K. Balachander`s Kalyana Agathigal (1985) and went on to play the role of an antagonist in several films. His breakthrough role came through his performance as a police officer in Mani Ratnam`s Nayakan.

Over three hundred movies to his credits, some of his popular films include Thevar Magan (1992), Bombay (1995), Padaiyappa (1999), Saivam (2014) and Uttama Villain (2015). His other projects include S3, Iru Mugan, The Ghazi Attack, Solo, 8 Thottakkal, Mister, Baahubali: The Conclusion, Keni, Kotikokkadu, Party, Aabhaasam, Athadey, Neerali, Vishwaroopam 2, Hero No Zero 2, Sei, Vijetha and NOTA .

Apart from acting, Nassar has also directed movies. His directorial debut, Avatharam (1995) became a critically acclaimed film. He has also directed movies like Devathai (1997), Mayaan (2001) and Pop Corn (2003). His other projects include Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven, Kolaigaran, Voter, Article 15, Kalki, Syeraa Narasimha Reddy, 100% Kadhal, Venky Mama, Software Sudheer, Iddari Lokam Okate, Market Raja MBBS, Pattas College Kumar and Master, Kabadadaari and Ninnila Ninnila.