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Dasavatharam Behindwoods Official Review |
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| Behindwoods
Movie Review Board |
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Starring:
Kamal Haasan, Asin, Mallika Sherawat, Jayapradha, Nagesh,
Nepolean, Santhana Bharathi, P Vasu, R Sundarrajan,
Erode Sounder
Direction: K S Ravikumar
Music: Himesh Reshammiya,
Re-recording: Devi Sri Prasad
Production: V Ravichandran |
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Dasavatharam,
which was under production for almost two years, has finally
hit the marquee and in style. Kamal and the marvel of technology
rule this venture of Aascar Films directed by K S Ravikumar
who has packaged Kamal's dream with aplomb.
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It
would be an uphill task in understanding Dasavatharam
if one does not pay adequate attention to the opening
stadium scene where Kamal as scientist Govinda Ramasamy,
renders an acceptance speech for all the praise he receives.
The ensuing 12th century sequences will not fall into
place if one does not concentrate on this scene.
Kamal as Rangarajan Nambi, in a gravity-defying movement,
flies from the bottom of the statue and thrashes the
baddies who are involved in removing the Lord Ranganathar
idol. Napoleon plays Kulothunga Chozhan who is an ardent
devotee of Lord Shiva. He agrees to pardon Kamal if
he just chants Om Nama Shivayah but the latter meets
his watery grave by saying Om Namo Narayanaya along
with the idol.
Sharpness of dialogues exchanged between Kamal's family
and Napoleon in this scene is commendable and a testimony
to the clashes between Saivism and Vaishnavism that
persisted in those earlier times. Napoleon, albeit in
a small role, dazzles in his performance as the Saivite
King. His arrogant countenance and 'mightier than thou'
body language reiterate the experience of this veteran
star in filmdom.
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Cut to the present time again: Govinda Ramasamy (Kamal) is
a scientist working in America, researching the components
of biological warfare which are potent enough to wipe out
the human race. The story that follows shows Kamal in a race
to save mankind from the hands of his superior who purloins
this dangerous chemical. His struggle begins in America and
ends in Chennai on the 26th of December 2004 - during the
Tsunami. |
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Out
of the ten Kamals, the first one who walks away with
plaudits is Indian RAW agent Balram Naidu who is presented
with little make up. His Telugu dialogues are enjoyable
and remind us of the SPB of Guna. Next is Boovaraghan
with his Nellai Tamil. His body language is exemplary.
The Japanese kung fu exponent comes third in this avatar
race with limited dialogues and moderate make-up. The
remaining Kamals fail to make an impression.
The theatre broke into raptures when the American Kamal
asks the Japanese Kamal if he remembers Hiroshima to
which the Japanese Kamal counters with, 'Do you remember
Pearl Harbor?' Dialogue writing in the movie needs to
be singled out. |
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The filmmakers ought to have done a better job of the poorly
conceived Mallika Sherawat song sequence. The lady has disappointed
her fans. Asin has done her job as best as she could, given
her hysterical character. M. S. Bhaskar tries to make us laugh.
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| Cinematographer
Ravi Varman has worked in sync with the story line and
his camera movements are commendable. He has used artificial
lighting well, especially with the lengthy shots where
more than two Kamals appear on screen. Himesh shines
in the Kallai mattum kandal and Mukunda numbers, while
Devi Sri Prasad has done a good job with re-recording.
The usual filmi gimmicks such as grandma-Kamal walking
on the shoulders of people, and Bush-Kamal trying to
act hip could have been avoided. |
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In
short, with unexpected twists and turns missing in the film,
Dasavatharam is a make-up magic show that disappoints as drama
and satisfies as a technical showpiece. Atheist Kamal seems
to be indirectly affirming the existence of God here.
Verdict: Watch for Kamal!
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