“Dasavatharam” is a Tamil-language science-fiction action thriller that was released on June 13, 2008. Directed by K. S. Ravikumar, this film is one of the most ambitious projects in Tamil cinema, featuring Kamal Haasan in ten different roles. The movie also stars Asin, Mallika Sherawat, and Jayaprada in important roles.
The film is a mix of action, history, science fiction, and social commentary, making it unique. With A. R. Rahman initially composing the background score (later replaced by Himesh Reshammiya for songs), the movie delivers a complete cinematic experience. Let’s dive deeper into what makes Dasavatharam special.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
The story revolves around a biological weapon that poses a serious threat to humanity. Govind, a scientist, is on a mission to stop it from falling into the wrong hands. However, a series of unexpected events take place, bringing together characters from different timelines, backgrounds, and beliefs.
The historical backdrop of the 12th-century Chola kingdom plays an important role in the film, connecting the past to the present. The movie moves across different locations and times, linking various characters who have their own importance in the grand storyline.
With chases, action, and thrilling twists, the film keeps the audience engaged while also exploring deeper themes of science, religion, and destiny.
What’s Good?
1. Kamal Haasan’s Outstanding Performance
The biggest attraction of Dasavatharam is Kamal Haasan’s ten different roles. He plays characters ranging from:
✔ A 12th-century Vaishnavite priest
✔ A modern-day scientist
✔ A tall and scary American villain
✔ A brave ex-CIA agent
✔ A hilarious Dalit activist
✔ A Japanese martial arts expert
✔ An old woman
Each role has unique makeup, voice, and body language, showing Kamal Haasan’s unmatched acting skills.
2. High-Quality Visual Effects
For a Tamil film released in 2008, Dasavatharam had groundbreaking visual effects. The tsunami sequence, the chase scenes, and the historical parts were all done using advanced CGI. While some VFX may look a bit outdated today, they were revolutionary for Tamil cinema at that time.
3. Engaging Direction by K. S. Ravikumar
Director K. S. Ravikumar managed to keep a complex story engaging. Handling a multi-layered plot with ten main characters is not easy, but he executed it well. The mix of action, science, and history makes the film stand out.
4. Music and Background Score
The songs composed by Himesh Reshammiya may not be the biggest highlight, but the background score by Devi Sri Prasad adds to the film’s energy. The music fits well with the action-packed sequences and emotional moments.
5. Strong Storytelling and Dialogues
The story is bold and ambitious, touching on science, religion, politics, and history. Some dialogues are thought-provoking, especially those about destiny and the impact of human actions.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
✅ Kamal Haasan’s ten different roles – A cinematic achievement.
✅ Thrilling and unique storyline – Mix of history, science, and action.
✅ High-quality VFX and cinematography – Especially for its time.
✅ Well-researched historical and scientific themes – Adds depth to the film.
Weaknesses:
❌ Too many subplots – Some characters don’t get enough screen time.
❌ Overcomplicated narrative – The story jumps between too many events.
❌ Some weak CGI moments – While the VFX was advanced, certain scenes look unnatural today.
❌ Music could have been better – The songs didn’t become as popular as expected.
Overall, despite its minor flaws, Dasavatharam remains an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Target Audience
“Dasavatharam” is perfect for viewers who love:
✔ Science-fiction and historical dramas
✔ Action-packed thrillers
✔ Kamal Haasan’s versatile performances
✔ Movies with deep storytelling and multiple characters
If you enjoy fast-paced action and mind-bending narratives, this movie is for you. However, those who prefer simple, light-hearted movies might find it a bit complex.
Box Office Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹60 Crores |
| Worldwide Collection | ₹200+ Crores |
| India Opening Day Collection | ₹5.6 Crores |
| First 5 Days Collection (India) | ₹32 Crores |
| Overseas Collection (First 5 Days) | ₹10 Crores |
The film was a massive commercial success, breaking several box office records at the time. It was one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2008 and performed exceptionally well in overseas markets like the USA, UK, and Malaysia.
The strong word-of-mouth publicity and Kamal Haasan’s star power helped the film become a blockbuster. It also won several awards for best visual effects and performance.
Recommendation
“Dasavatharam” is a bold and experimental film that showcases Kamal Haasan’s genius as an actor. With its unique storytelling, grand visuals, and thought-provoking themes, it remains a milestone in Tamil cinema.
If you love intelligent, thrilling, and action-packed movies, Dasavatharam is a must-watch! 🎬🔥
