Jun 20, 2008 03:27 PM
4683 Views
I'm a new member, i'm a True as well as Fanatic Fan of Kamal Hassan. For example, I can enjoy Anbe Sivam and Dasavatharam in it's true sense. Ever Since the announcement came about this movie, I guessed it to be an entertainer and not in the class of Mahanadhi or Anbe Sivam. My Favourite Kamal movie is Mahanadhiand I was sure Dasa won't change it even if it's in the making. Dasa should be enjoyed in it's true sense, it has loads of fun with the best possible use of technology. It's clearly evident Kamal has to make some compromises because the budget is big for an Indian Film. Inspite of it he comes with a racy screenplay which does'nt allow you to tilt your head and keeps you glued.
Dasavatharam is a complex plot, but beautifully explained in simple terms. It opens with the camera playing tricks at the hands of Ravi Varman - A commendable Effort. From the sea level to the Bird's Eye View of Chennai and down to 12th Century. The next 15-20 minutes keeps one awestruck,the whole portion of Nambi is being brilliantly conceptualised, with mind blowing, power packed performance by Kamal, well supported by Napoleon, Asin. Then the story moves to 21st century where in the Scientist Kamal - Govind Ramaswamy tries to save the world from a deadly biochemical weapon and the characters he meets during this intruguing journey . All the ten avatharams is necessary, every character has it's own importance.
The RAW Officer Balram Naidu is fantastic or should I say FUNtastic ! The Japanese Narahasi gets the award for Best Makeup. The Climax fight between Narahasi & Fletcher is breathtaking. Fletcher for Sheer Style, his American Accent is awesome. Boovarahan's body language and eyes conveys the message he wants to say convincingly. Krishnaveni Patti character is potrayed brilliantly, some one in their reviews commented her face was horrible, I would like to remind that her age was supposed to be 95 and she was'nt supposed to be beautiful at that age. So, the wrinkles are quite natural and with the makeup it's inevitable.The effort to make her hands, fingers look like the 95 year old and the hunch was tremendously executed.George Bush for Fantasy, Kamal has made a superb voice modulation and gestures and the stlyle with which Bush gets up from his seat to deliver a speech during Ulaga Nayagane song is simply stunning. that's exlusively for Kamal Fans to enjoy ! Avatar Singh is magnanimous and the evergreen Kamal - Jayapradha Pair on screen again. Kalifullah khan an innocent 7 ft.tall (Lighthouse)Muslim character, a novel idea this, to show the variety. But the makeup for this role could have been better. Finally the protagonist Scientist Govind, who connects the other characters. His pain to keep the Vial in room temperature is maintained throughout the film, the humanity of the character stands out.
Asin should be seen as a character, not a heroine, because the story starts on 20th Dec '04, Kamal Meets Asin on 22nd they are together moving around for 3-4 days, how can one expect a chemistry as someone pointed that there is no chemistry between them. Asin finally conveys her feelings towards Kamal after watching him from close quarters, after realising that he is actually a genuine person. Therefore she is'nt a regular heroine you find in other films to dance around and woo the hero, she is a character till the last part of the film.
The Music for the film, I would say i'm 80% satisfied, I have'nt heard Himesh before, therefore no expectations. Songs are all script based, except Ulaga Nayagan song, therefore he needs to understand the culture and deliver, based on that it's fine. Though, I would have preferred Illayaraja always ! The Background score by Devisri Prasad is good to suit the needs but not extraordinary. In a film of this kind there is no enough space for other characters though the Legend Nagesh, Bhaskar, Raghuram Master, P. Vasu, Rekha, chittibabu performs well within their parameters.
Mallika Sherawat sizzles in a brief role.
Cinematography by Ravi Varman is excellent ! Imagine how he would have shot two Kamals in a car, 2 Kamals inside a Lift, 3 Kamals during the climax. Amazing professionalism from Ravi Varman. Deserves lots of Recognition, a Fantabulous effort.
No Review would be complete without the mention of Tsunami sequence, it's breathtaking ! It leaves us shell shocked. Brilliant Execution, by all those concerned.
Director Ravikumarhas to be complimented, because eventhough he is an experienced director, he has'nt worked in a film that involves so many technicalities. He understood the script and worked in terms with Kamal as well as with Producer Ravi.
*AASCAR Ravichandran has shown tremendous faith and confidence and it has paid off. Kudos to him for this great attempt !
Lyrics by Valee & Vairamuthu are simply class. Kamal Fans owe a lot to Vairamuthu for Ulaga Nayagan song.
Finally the Man, Kamal Hassan ! This is easily the best screenplay for a fast paced racy entertainer such as this.** His story which connects the centuries, continents, languages, culture with all the commercial elements provides for a wholesome entertainer. The dialogues are witty, intelligent, crisp & sensible. On a whole Dasavatharam is a Treat to Watch. It needs to be experienced. I watched it Yesterday evening at Satyam, it was a thunderous, genuine applause at the intermission as well as a standing ovation at the end of the film. I met a person who was watching it third time within six days of it's release, and i'm going to watch it second time, tomorrow.
I would like to point out a few factors on why the film has mixed response. People say it's not upto the hype. Hype is created by Media.In this modern era, hype is inevitable, that too an actor of Kamal's Calibre donning 10 roles is no mean acheivement, a film made with a whopping budget, all the more reason for the hype & expectations. If the film unit spoke about an aspect of the film once, the media voices it 1000 times there by creating unprecidented hype & expectations. Those so called critics have critisied just because it's a Kamal Film and they expected a heavy stuff but got a light one. In an examination, if you a get a question paper very easy & simple for a tough exam, even that takes time to adjust, that's what has happened here.
Final Verdict : Dasavatharam is like an entertaining 20-20 match, you got to go with an open mind to enjoy it !
