Jun 21, 2008 02:08 PM
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(Updated Jun 21, 2008 03:16 PM)
Wherever progress of humanity is blocked by villainous factors there had always one Xavier or other. The Jews believed in Prophets and carried this believe to Christian & Muslim faith. For Hindus which base on 'Adwaita' it was 'Avathar'. The knowledge so far for the human mind has reached to a conclusion that 'God' exists in all of us. The entire 'karma' of humanity should be guided for the welfare of the larger interest, i.e. say, family, society, country and the world. The concept of there is no sin takes a backseat where helpless people cry for support and protection. At this stage God in each of us tend to act for the less blessed, but our pre-occupations limit and we remain as less mortals. There are people however who manage to break these reservations and act for the society and these people are considered the leaders of humanity.
In Dasavatharm, the versatile actor & writer Kamal Hassan tries to tell the story of 10 Avatars in the modern era. The concept is great and the novelty is that here the villain too is one of the Avatars, truly synchronizing with the Adwaita principle. However, the ultimate xavior is faith where the purifier was tsunami without which it was a mad world, running and chasing one Avatar after another.
The connecting link with all the avatars is a 'deadly Virus' created by Govind (Kamal) the scientist working for a funded project by US, to use as biological weapon. Fletcher (Kamal), an ex-CIA man and now a hitman is hired by a gang to secure this virus. Govind try to block Fletcher and report to authorities. The Virus pack reach to India and so is the confusion.
The movie is more of style than substance. Kamal Hassan as an actor did fantastic job. His patience and will to go any extend for the perfection is well known and the great actor live to his name in this film too. He simply lives some characters, though I will not say for all. The Hyderabadi Police officer, first Avatar who worship Vishnu and the social activist, these are the 3 perfect Avatars when it comes to acting. The Afghan look Avatar and the grandma were the worst. His normal looking (the central character, Govind) Avatar was quite ordinary. The Villain was given super powers without justification. This Avatar looks like he is from Aliens. The George Bush Avatar is simply unnecessary. He mimics well to an extent, but in some places I thought he is imitating Karunakaran. The Japanese stunt master impress in his small presence and the Punjabi singer Avatar was cool. Overall I will say the score is 3 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Ordinary and 2 Poor.
Now I am wondering who has done those Manmohanshingh Avatar and Karunanidhi Avathar. I have my doubt on the Jayalalitha Avathar as well. Lol!!
The cinematography was superb, full marks. Songs I felt quite ordinary but ok. Choreography was good, though not extra ordinary like in films by Shankar. Editing could have been better. The graphics were good at times, but very poor at some places. For example the scene where the virus is coming out was the worst. The Tsunami scenes were breathtaking.
Now, coming to the main point, i.e. the story and screen play, I will say Kamal Hassan as a writer failed miserably. He had great intentions but that was not penned well. Logical confusions and Illogical conclusions reflect in the writing. The Avatars as suppose to be rescue points in itself. However, in this almost all Avatars were helpless and the create chaos as their own. The first Avathar misses the principle of Adwaita completely. The central character makes one deadly virus capable of killing millions and misses hundred chances to rescue it with his lack of ability. The grandma Avatar is nothing but silly where George Bush Avatar is suppose to be funny. The villain's background is not given and his power source and stamina is Iron-ious. So, is the motivation and ability of people who assist him, let it be the taxi driver or the seductress Mallika Sherawat. The Police officer Avatar generated a lot of smile with his style but at end he turns to be a foolish officer who cannot understand what a great scientist is trying to say for hours. Only the social activist did a good job even at his death. Rest almost all Avatar's were helpless. The story lack logic in many and many places to make it as a film to watch keeping our brain at home. (If you are watching the movie at home, keep it in the fridge).
But wait, the ending 15 minutes were as good as the first 15 minutes and I will say the movie worth a watch for these 30 minutes.
Few good moments from the movie:
The entire episode of Kamal fighting the Shaivaite forces.
The Tsunami scene
The Killing of Philippine looking lady in US Flat.
The social activist intervenes in the sand mafia.
The Hyderabadi Police officer's dialogues.
Grandma crying for the social activist, throwing away the photo.
The leading lady (Asin, who did an 'ok' job in the film) is attacked by a gang and in anger she shouts at them 'Nee' and in a moment she correct, 'Sorry, Neengal'.
So, if you are a Kamal fan, you can watch it for sure for his brilliant acting. Otherwise you may watch it for some brilliant moments. Not a must watch, but an ok film to watch, more of glamour without a message.
The final message from the movie. Have faith in your religion and God will send his xavior in time. Everything happens is for good. The irony at the end however is that the bad man killed by himself but Tsunami was send to save others, except the only real good Avatar, but he died in honour and that was the best Avatar out of 10!
