Dasavathaaram: my review & thoughts
First, let’s get my disclaimer out. I do not think I can do justice to a review of Dasavathaaram without watching it 2-3 times. Anyway, I decided to put out my thoughts, bowing to reader requests and to counter the slew of negative feedback that has been flowing all over the information superhighway.
The movie moves at break-neck speed most of the time. This is the fastest I’ve ever seen in any movie — in any language, from any country. While I was bit disappointed to not catch everything in one viewing, I was immersed in the entertainment value. (I’m amazed by some of the analyses by fans around the world — maybe, they watched it more than once.)
The really impressive aspect of the movie for me was the screenplay, the same role that Kamal himself admitted to have enjoyed the most. As a person learning screen-writing, I see what a great job it is to beautifully blend so many complex concepts like Chaos Theory and atheism into the script. For an audience wanting pure entertainment, it doesn’t burden them with any sermons that they don’t want to hear. From the days of Michael Madana Kama Rajan, I always believed that Kamal was one of the masters of screenplay in India and this movie probably put him right at the top. Sadly, Kamal has always been viewed as an actor and hence underrated in such areas. (Another digression: it’s amusing to hear people heap Bhagyaraj with such praise, just for making successful and never-boring movies.)
Yes, a couple of characters were probably not required for the story. But with the movie being called what it is, why would we assume that it’s not about the actor? Here, conveniently, some people look beyond the actor. When you go to see a man perform 10 roles in a movie, don’t you need to appreciate his effort in that aspect first? I agree that some of the make-up was overdone and prevented facial expressions. But what about body language and voice-acting? Wasn’t it terrific? Even as the protagonist Govind, did we notice Kamal drop his usual mannerisms?
Special effects were suprisingly tacky in some key scenes. As Brian Jennings admitted, they probably ran out of time and money. Nevertheless, the many scenes involving multiple Kamal characters were wonderfully done.
Rangaraja Nambi showed some difference, Vincent Poovaragan was amazing, Fletcher was uber-cool, Avtaar was goody-goody, Kalifullah was amusing and endearing, Balaram Naidu had us in splits, Krishnaveni Paatti was amusing, George Bush was caricaturish fun and Narahashi quietly made a mark. The supporting cast was adequate, with Asin topping effortlessly as Andaal.
The comedy was mostly refreshing, but fell flat in a couple of places where Kamal attempted slapstick and wordplay like his long-time associate Crazy Mohan.
Songs were quite average, maybe even below that — something we knew several weeks ago. But the screenplay hardly halted for them. The background score was strictly okay; atleast, it wasn’t jarring.
Finally, I am really disappointed with people who claim to be real Kamal fans and compare Dasavathaaram to Nayagan or Mahanadhi or Anbe Sivam. What were they expecting with Aascar Ravichandran as producer and KS Ravikumar as director? Let me clarify that I’m not shifting the blame to these two individuals even one bit. As Kamal fans, we should have understood what we were in for. We should be happy that Kamal was able to put forth great ideas in a commercial format, something which has potential to become a big success, instead of making a movie like Hey Ram (which I worship, by the way) that made its way out of theatres and into university curriculum in no time.
I will write more after watching the movie more times and in other languages. I would love to hear from you in the Comments section.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Personally, I did not like the caricature of George Bush. Also, it seems Kamal tried too much to insert some patriotic jingoism. It was evident from the scene where the guys kicks and shouts ‘Tera Bharat Mahaan’, as someone already pointed out.
I personally feel a talent like Kamal should not have any boundaries. While he hates to confine himself with religious or regional boundaries, which is very good, he time and again tries to prove his patriotism in one way or the other. In my opinion, patriotism is just as bad/good as religious fanaticism.
That said, I thought the movie was worth watching once. Very entertaining. As I already clarified in my previous comment, I wasn’t expecting a Guna or a Hey Ram, and I was not at all disappointed. Well worth spending 200 bucks.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:56 am
Krishnan, I agree that Kamal is patriotic. But that wasn’t at display in this movie really. “Tera Bharat Mahaan” was more like mocking India, just as in another place, Govind says something like “This is India. Anything will happen”.
June 17th, 2008 at 5:19 am
I watched it twice; first time, a bit disappointment; but second time, I enjoyed it every bit of it!! I think, the second time I matched my expectation/attitude towards the style of this movie presentation.
There is no doubt in my mind that Dasavathaaram marks a new generation of movie making in India.
Though many do not seem get it, it is amazing that how beautifully seemingly God-grace-events were disputed with reasonable butterfly effect (chaos Theory).
June 17th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I also watched the movie twice this past weekend.
One in IMAX (Indianapolis) on 6/14, which by the way was a worst experience. They are supposed to convert the movie to IMAX format and project it, but instead they just projected the movie on to the screen, which caused the picture to be much distorted and very grainy. I felt really bad in watching this master piece in a crappy format. I drove 2 hrs (from Cincinnati) for nothing.
Second was in a Cinci on 6/15, which was much better experience.
I am a hard core Kamal fan, who really enjoys watching all his movies and has a huge collection of his movies in DVDs.
I had mixed feelings after watched the movie for the first time. No doubt, Dasavatharam was a pure entertainer in a well done Screenplay, sure Kamal would have enjoyed in scripting this. He intelligently put together the Chaotic Theory, Butterfly Effect, Technology and Bio Weapon, Well Done KAMAL!!!!
But, I also felt the makeup was purely done for the Muslim character and overly done for Boovaragan character. This made to think how come Kamal missed this, him being a perfectionist, what went wrong here.
Had high expectation for the Tsunami graphics, sure some parts were done very well, but some were very childish. For e.g., Boovaragan drowning scene. But other than that it was a good effort, as Brian Jennings admitted, they ran out of time and money.
Some parts, I was not able to understand, as the movie was going very fast and the subtitle was very distracting. So I got to watch it again. Luckily they screened the movie in Cincinnati the next day.
I enjoyed the movie a lot when I watched it for the second time, I highly recommend if you get a chance go and watch it for the second, you will enjoy it more. I was able to concentrate the movie and was able to understand the movie much better than the first time. My favourite character is the Naidu character, what a great performance. All the 10 roles have their part in the movie and I felt its need for the story. I did not feel they were not need.
At the end of the movie, I saw lots of appreciation in the theater and heard loud applause. One of my friends, who do not appreciate Kamal, came to me and told me that he really enjoyed watching this movie. Sure the hard work paid off.
DASAVATHARAM FOR SURE IS ONE OF THE MASTERPICE FROM KAMAL.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
I indeed loved every bit of the movie. As you say it is amusing how people try to compare it with movies like hey ram, Mahanadhi etc. I can just pity those people who werent just prepared for the roller coaster ride that they had to experience in Dasa. Hope to see a detailed review and a one which gives a fitting reply to those intelligent geeks who thrash the movie just for the heck of it….
June 17th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Well, I saw the movie last Sunday. But I’m determined to wait until I watch it at least twice or thrice before I could comment on it.
Thanks for the review.
June 17th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Fans Grade Dasavatharam:
http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-07/dasavatharam-17-06-08.html
Read the third review, very well written and explained the chaotic theory in detail.
June 17th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I’m not sure how many of you thought on these lines, but the below post makes a lot of sense about the film. There are many discussions on the film happening here – about Chaos Theory, Butterfly Effect, God, Religion etc. I’m watching the film again sometime.
One thing we had noticed is why people didnt get the real subtext and reason for the various roles and hence the title.
If you knew the real dasavatharams of Lord Vishnu and their characters you can appreciate the script more. Let me explain, starting with the best adapted role:
1. Krishna avatar - Vincent Poovaraghavan
Lord krishna is actually a dalit, he is dark-skinned [shyamalam]. He saved draupadi when she was being violated and he was the actual diplomat in mahabharatham. Lord krishna dies of an arrow striking his lower leg. Now look at how vincent was introduced.. he appears when asin is about to be molested and he saves her like draupadi. Vincent is the dalit diplomat, fights for land issue [soil issue to be exact] and dies from the metal rod striking his leg. Oh even five of vincent’s men are drugged at P. Vasu’s.. sounds familiar???
2. Balarama avatar - Balarama naidu
This is an easy given. as the name suggests and the role personifies you can easily get it.
3. Mathsya avatar - Ranagaraja nambi
nambi is thrown into water in an act of trying to save lord from being thrown into sea, though vainly. what more clue do you want?
4. Varaha avatar - Krishnaveni paatti
During the mukunda song, krishnaveni paatti does varaha avatar in the shadow puppetry. The frame freezes on it for a second. there is the clue. Moreover, in varaha avatar lord actually hides earth so as to protect life forms. Here too krishnaveni hides the germs - life form inside the statue so as to protect.
5. Vamana avatar - Kalifulla khan
remember in vamana avatar, lord vishnu takes the vishvaroopa, that is the giant form! Hence the giant kalifulla here symbolises vamana avatar.
6. Parasurama avatar - Christian Fletcher
Parasurama is actually on an angry killing spree and killed 21 generations of the particular kshatriya vamsa. Hence the real KILLER… Guess what thats what our Fletcher is! He comes around with the gun [modern upgrade for axe] and kills everyone around. I have to check if he kills 21 people though.
7. Narasimha avatar - Shingen Narahashi
first of all the name itself is a play on the words singam [means lion in tamil] and narasimha [the avatar being symbolised]. Lord Narasimha manifests himelf to kill the bad guy and he also teaches prahaladha. In the movie, he shows up to kill the killer fletcher! and is also a teacher.. Lord Narasimha had to kill the asura with bare hands and hence the martial arts exponent here.. get it?
8. Rama avatar - Avatar Singh
Lord Rama stands for the one man one woman maxim, kind of symbolising true love.. Here Avatar portrays that spirit by saying that he loves his woman more than anything and wants to live for her.
9. Kalki avatar - Govindaraj Ramasamy
As you know, the hero in kaliyug can be none other than the Kalki avatar!!!
10. Koorma avatar - Bush
This is the most loose adaptation I couldn’t clearly comprehend. But if you look at the real koorma avatar, the lord is the turtle/tortoise that helps in stirring the ksheera sagara and bringing out the amruth. This essentially creates war among the devas and asuras. Similarly today Bush facilitates war between you know whom… May be Kamal also indicates that this avatar is a bit dumb like the tortoise…
June 18th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Hi..I have watched d movie & totally excited… Kamal is Kamal…He is the gem of Indian Cinema….But We are defenitely missing AR Rahman in the Movie…
June 18th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Good one, Giri! Especially Poovaragan…
June 18th, 2008 at 2:49 am
Dear Randramble:
YOU ARE VERY RIGHT!
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. There was not even a second where I got bored (which I hardly do in Kamal-ji’s movies anyway!)
It’s an EXCELLENT ENTERTAINER - with little more for those who are willing to scratch the surface!
I am so glad that the movie is doing TREMENDOUS BUSINESS (forget about those few internet savvy, double standard hypocrites who would say the expected a “Hey! Ram”, “Anbe Sivam” or “Mahanadhi” but when those movies were released either chose to ignore them or blamed Kamal for not having any “entertainment” value in them!! These people will praise all those movies after 10-15 years!! What a waste! They could not appreciate or stand by this legendary artist - who respected their intelligence but ended up always on the losing side! Remember “Guna”? I could not sleep for a month after watching the movie but then it was not a hit. Now ask people they say that it’s the best movie showing the pain of unfulfilled life!! It inspired a Ram, Kadhal Konden etc.,!!)
The general public of TN & Andhra have given the movie A WONDERFUL RECEPTION! I think Kamal-ji should make more movies (not working on it for two years!) like this and an Anbe Sivam or Mahanadhi here and there! Why should he waste his efforts for some few - who would not care anyway - making all those movies transcending time!
Yes the special effects were little tacky at places (He does not have the money like hollywood does!) but if we can watch movies 200 times with the hero having a tacky stick-on beard (Yes, yes Padayappa!) - why can’t we look past this and enjoy the movie?!
I have not seen any movie flying so fast for almost the entire 3 hours - not even Jason Bourne movies! I had a blast man! I will watch it few more times before reviewing the “deeper” meaning like some other folks!
WAY TO GO KAMAL-ji! HOPE WITH A FEW MORE MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU WILL BE ABLE TO BRING “MARUDANAYAGAM” TO LIFE!
WISHES & CONGRATS TO KAMAL-ji!
June 18th, 2008 at 3:14 am
Giri!
June 18th, 2008 at 3:23 am
Giri! You spoke my mind!! I was kinda down for the past few days after viewing the movie.How could have kamal delivered such a simple story n also said he is proud to take the 11th role of the story writer… but after many sleepless nights n the constant pondering of the movie.. it striked me! Lord Krishna has to Vincent he was the only dark skinned he enters at the time where the villian is pulling asin’s saree n the way he dies… i was stunned!! I was smiling and i was trying to find the other characters… Guys for those who know abt the beauty of the story pass the msg ard and those of kamal fans who are disappointed cheer up.. this aint hey ram.. this is an intelligent masala movie… i think kamal have created a new genre atleast in tamil cinema…. n last words… yes they hyped it too much.. but then again tats wat hollywood is doing.. for the efx it was a disappointment but for the guts n the intelligence of kamal one should go watch it atleast twice!
June 18th, 2008 at 5:30 am
I hv not seen the movie yet but i hv a strong desire to see it and crazy abt Kamalji to watch him in 10 different roles.
June 18th, 2008 at 6:01 am
APALA, CAN YOU DEFINE ‘TREMENDOUS BUSINESS’.DOES IT MEAN DASAVATHARAM HAS BEATEN SIVAJI IN TERMS OF COLLECTION?
June 18th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Giri,
a kind request… kindly send your review to behindwoods.com so that all the viewers from the world can accept the truth… of course we of fans making sense to the legend Kamal.. Expecting your review to post it in behindwoods soon….
June 18th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
At this blog, we aren’t interested in unnecessary comparison with Rajni and resulting inflammation. Siva & others: please avoid this henceforth.
June 19th, 2008 at 2:12 am
Thank you for a wonderful movie. As you said those who see GOD will understand it better. Many have missed the point, I think Kamal has given the true meaning to Hinduism and most importantly to the act of devotion to GOD.
He has showed the greatness of Hindu Devotion, that a man’s life is not important when it comes to the devotion to GOD. He potrayed GOD’s role in every religion, he did not bring down any religion or give prominence to any specific religion too.Whatever the religion, one must believe that everything that happens in the world, be it bad or good happens for a reason, and that GOD has a much bigger agenda, which we cannot see with our naked eyes. It is the level of our faith that defines the existance of GOD.
Listen to the “Kallai Mattum Kandal” song again, and try to understand its meaning.
Once again, thank you Kamal sir, I hope you will make a full Devotional movie that reflects true devotion and faith in GOD. A Hindu one please. The first part of the movie was the most superb part, I believe it would have made more people to turn to religion and believe in it more.
Thank you.
June 19th, 2008 at 4:42 am
Pls don’t judge any classy film with the business stick.I think all of u accept my words that all classy films can’t able to do good business always.Tre r so many bogus films in Indian film history which got good market value but not consider as classy films at all.Just take a look at the movie Om Shanti Om (OSO)…fake one but earned enormous money and also vast popularity.
June 19th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Giri, you really deserve a praise here. That is one solid observation man!
Good review randramble. I’ll be watching it 3 or 4 times too.
June 21st, 2008 at 9:59 am
The most awaited movie of the year has finally released and turned out to be a block buster hit at b.o. I watched Dasa 3 times and really loved it a lot. I loved the roles of Govind,Balaram nadar & Avatar singh very much All Songs r simply supereb & terriffic. Asin looked very traditonal & xtra glamourous in this movie. Iam very happy and thankfull 2 The Legend Kamal Sir for such a beautiful movie. Dasa has strted recieving terriffic collections all over da world. Dasa should go to oscars & should also get oscar.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:17 am
What do you guys have to say about the allegations that Kamal has degraded hinduism?
June 30th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
How can you call it degradation?This is HISTORY!This is what actually happened!
July 5th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Hi Randramble, et all..
I’m a die-hard fan (like the other bloggers here!) of Kamal Haasan. I was more than desparately waiting to watch the movie when it got released. Since Tamil movies don’t get released here, in Finland, I had to go watch it in Swiss (during a trip), last week.Since I read randramble’s review and the watched the movie myself, I was pondering so long about the reason why it should be watched more than once, to get hold of it fully, and even to remark on it. I didn’t get this answer soon-
Actually, it contains too much of information in it. It is a wholesome movie, or 10 different movies amalgamated into one beautiful movie. This ‘load of information’ within a feature film, makes a viewer unable to comment on it just when he raises up his seat, after watching the movie the first time. But, during the second time, everything falls in place in mind, and makes one enjoy it to the full extent.
July 5th, 2008 at 9:30 am
what say, Randramble?.. others?
July 5th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I am a die hard fan of Kamal like all of you and was dying to watch the movie when it was released but was also adamant that I would watch it only in Satyam Cinemas in Chennai (which I consider as the best theatre in town), so had to wait for a while before I got tickets. However, by then I had heard a lot of reviews and thoughts about the film and read a couple of reviews in this site as well, so I guess I wasn’t able to see the movie with a completely fresh mind.
I must admit here that I was quite disappointed with the overall outcome of the movie though I was clear I could not expect a Hey Ram or a Mahanadi or an Anbe Sivam. Disappointed because I saw a lot of things in the movie in which things were not perfect e.g., the graphics by Michael Jennings, the make up of some characters was very plastic. And for me, it was very very hard to digest that Kamal could settle for less than perfect. However, I do understand the predicament of making a commercially viable movie and also make his mark by pulling a lot of his intelligent thoughts into the movie. Of course, I was totally moved by this man’s dedication (as always) with the patience he had to enact all those 10 characters and I totally am impressed with him as an actor. No one can disagree with that can we??
Having said all that, I have been contemplating watching the movie again but after all the hype dies down may be. And frankly after reading Giri’s comment (17 June) I am totally for watching it a second time because I didn’t not understand the avatars very well before this and did not think in those lines. Having read his explanation, now I’m excited about the whole story and I guess it will make more sense to me the second time around. So, I’m going to leave more comments for after two or three more times of watching the movie.
In conclusion, I am however not undermining Kamal’s effort and as always I was thoroughly moved by his thinking about religion and the various fantastic messages woven around it. I especially liked the character Govind’s dialogue at the end - “I never said that there is no GOD, just said it will be nice if there is a GOD”!
July 5th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Savitha, Hemanth: thanx for your comments.
Hemanth: I also felt that on the second watch, you know what to expect and hence sit back and enjoy the nuances that you missed out in the rush of the first watch. Anyway, I’m going to get the DVD when it’s out and watch frame by frame.
Savitha: I understand how you feel. The key to enjoying the movie is accepting what Kamal aimed for. Will publish an interview towards that effect soon. The dialogue that you mentioned totally stood out, though it was delivered casually. It’s probably one of the best movie dialogues of all time!