“Dasavatharam” is a Tamil-language action thriller film that hit the screens on June 13, 2008. Directed by K.S. Ravikumar, this movie is special because of Kamal Haasan playing ten different roles, a rare and ambitious effort in Indian cinema. The film mixes history, science fiction, and action, creating a unique story that keeps audiences engaged.
With a high budget and grand visuals, “Dasavatharam” became a major talking point before its release. Kamal Haasan not only acted in multiple roles but also wrote the story, ensuring a deep and meaningful narrative. The film also features Asin, Mallika Sherawat, Jayaprada, and Napoleon in important roles. The music by Himesh Reshammiya and background score by Devi Sri Prasad add to the impact of the film.
The movie received mixed reviews, with some praising its innovative concept, while others felt it was too complex. Let’s take a deeper look at what makes this film stand out.
Plot Summary
The story revolves around Govindarajan Ramaswamy (Kamal Haasan), a scientist working on a bio-weapon in the United States. He discovers that this weapon can be extremely dangerous and decides to stop it from being misused. However, things go wrong when the bio-weapon accidentally reaches India.
As Govind tries to recover it, he meets different people across various locations. Each character he encounters, from a 12th-century priest to a modern-day fighter, plays an important role in shaping the story. Meanwhile, a powerful villain is also chasing the bio-weapon, creating thrilling action sequences and intense drama.
The movie also takes viewers back to Chola dynasty times, exploring historical events and their impact on present situations. With a mix of science, religion, and fate, the movie keeps shifting between different periods, making it both engaging and complex.
What’s Good?
Kamal Haasan’s Performance
The biggest highlight of “Dasavatharam” is Kamal Haasan’s transformation into ten unique characters. From a brilliant scientist to a devout priest, from a tall American to a Japanese fighter, each role is different in terms of body language, voice, and expressions. His dedication to playing all these roles is simply incredible.
Story and Concept
The movie explores interesting ideas like chaos theory, fate vs free will, and how small events can have huge consequences. The way different timelines are connected makes the story feel grand and meaningful.
Direction and Screenplay
Director K.S. Ravikumar handles this complex film well. Though there are many characters and subplots, he ensures they come together neatly by the end. The screenplay, written by Kamal Haasan, keeps things unpredictable.
Cinematography and Visuals
Ravi Varman’s cinematography is stunning, especially in the historical portions and action sequences. The tsunami sequence at the climax is one of the most memorable visual moments in Tamil cinema.
Music and Background Score
The songs composed by Himesh Reshammiya were received well, with tracks like “Mukundha Mukundha” becoming popular. The background score by Devi Sri Prasad adds intensity to the action and dramatic moments.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
✔ Kamal Haasan’s versatility – Playing ten roles in one film is a remarkable achievement.
✔ Unique storyline – A mix of history, science, and thriller elements makes the movie stand out.
✔ Impressive visuals – The cinematography, makeup, and action sequences are top-notch.
✔ Strong climax – The final moments of the movie are thrilling and visually grand.
Weaknesses
✖ Complex storytelling – The film can be confusing, especially for casual viewers.
✖ Lengthy runtime – Some portions feel stretched, making it a bit tiring.
✖ Makeup flaws – Though ambitious, the prosthetic makeup for certain characters (especially the American character) doesn’t look realistic.
✖ Music could have been better – While the background score is great, the songs didn’t have a lasting impact.
Target Audience
“Dasavatharam” is a film that appeals to different types of audiences:
- Kamal Haasan fans – If you admire his acting skills, this film is a must-watch.
- Lovers of complex stories – Those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives will find it engaging.
- Action and thriller fans – The chase sequences and fights keep the excitement alive.
- People who enjoy historical themes – The Chola dynasty portions are visually stunning and well-researched.
However, those who prefer light-hearted movies or simple storytelling may find this film overwhelming.
Box Office Details
“Dasavatharam” was made on a massive budget of ₹60 crore, making it one of the most expensive Tamil films at the time. The film had a strong opening and became a commercial success.
Box Office Performance
| Details | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Total Budget | ₹60 crore |
| Worldwide Gross Collection | ₹200 crore |
| India First Day Collection | ₹10 crore |
| Overseas First Day Collection | ₹4 crore |
| First 5 Days Total Collection | ₹60 crore |
The film performed exceptionally well in Tamil Nadu and had a strong overseas presence, especially among Tamil audiences in Malaysia, Singapore, and the USA. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film’s star power and grand scale ensured it became a blockbuster.
Recommendation
“Dasavatharam” is an ambitious and visually impressive film that showcases Kamal Haasan’s dedication to cinema. While it has some flaws, the scale, storytelling, and performances make it a must-watch for Tamil movie lovers.
If you love complex plots, historical connections, and unique storytelling, this film is worth your time. However, if you prefer simple, fast-paced movies, it may not be the best choice.
Overall, “Dasavatharam” is a bold and unforgettable cinematic experience that deserves appreciation for its innovation. 🎬✨
