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For the ten Avatars of Vishnu, see Dashavatara. For other uses, see Dashavatar (disambiguation).

Dasavathaaram
Theatrical release poster
Directed byK. S. Ravikumar
Written byKamal Haasan
Produced byV. Ravichandran
StarringKamal Haasan
Jaya Prada
Mallika Sherawat
K. R. Vijaya
Asin
CinematographyRavi Varman
Edited byK. Thanigachalam
Music bySongs:
Himesh Reshammiya
Score:
Devi Sri Prasad
Production
company
Release date
  • 13 June 2008 (2008-06-13)
Running time
185 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budget₹60 crore[1]
Box office₹200 crore[2]

Dasavathaaram (transl. The Ten Avatars) is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language science fiction action film directed by K. S. Ravikumar. It stars Kamal Haasan, who also wrote the script, in ten distinct roles. Jaya Prada, Asin, Mallika Sherawat, K. R. Vijaya play subsidiary roles. The film focuses on scientist Govind, who's forced to steal a vial containing a deadly virus from his corrupt boss who intended to sell it to a terrorist nation, all the while he's hunted by an American mercenary named Fletcher. Several other people also get involved in the process and all their stories connect after the striking of 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, thus bringing philosophical views into the picture.

The film, which had been under production for nearly three years, was produced and primarily distributed by V. Ravichandran. Primary filming locations included the United States and across Tamil Nadu in India. The soundtrack to the film's songs was composed by Himesh Reshammiya and the background scores was done by Devi Sri Prasad.

After delays in post-production, the film was released on 13 June 2008 in around 1300 prints worldwide[3] and received positive reviews from critics. Though its Hindi version was an average success, the film was a massive success at the box-office, grossing ₹200 crore worldwide (equivalent to ₹557 crore in 2023).

Plot

Genetist Govindarajan Ramaswamy speaks at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and explains about chaos theory and the butterfly effect. He begins by reciting events from the 12th century Chidambaram, when Chola Emperor Kulothunga II, who is a Shaivite, persecutes Vaishnavites and intends to destroy a Vaishnavite Temple and an idol of Vishnu. But Rangarajan Ramanuja Nambi, a Vaishnavite priest, protects it and offends the king, who orders Nambi to be executed by submerging him into the sea with the idol. The king's men ties Nambi on the idol and submerges it into the water. Nambi protests the king's decisions in the form of a song, as the Emperor punishes him. Nambi's wife Kodhai is shocked by this and kills herself in front of the King.

Now the story shifts into 20 December 2004. Govindarajan aka Govind, is a genetist, who works at BEAGLE II, a US-based corporate company, who does researches on nanobiotechnology and the formation of deadly pathogens. this company designs a vector-virus intended as a bio-weapon following the September 11 attacks to defend further terrorist attacks on US soil as per order of 43rd American president George Bush. While the team members are watching a news programme, Govind notices from the CCTV visuals of his lab, a monkey named Hanu, who they adopt as a pet, breaks out of his cage and retrieves a sample of the test virus. The monkey takes the vial, thinking it to be the usual chocolate Govind feeds him and swallows the sample of the virus. Govind and his team try to save him but is too late and they watch helplessly as he dies. Govind, saddened by the event, quarantines the lab room and fills it with concentrated salt solution. After learning the original virus's lethal potential the hard way, Govind refuses to hand over the main single vial containing the virus due to fear of misuse. However his senior scientist, Dr. Sethu has a malicious plan in mind - to sell it to a terrorist nation. Realizing this, Govind sneaks the vial out of the lab and is pursued by the security guard and the officials. Govind flees to his friend and co-worker Suresh's house for refuge, who secretly betrays him.

But suddenly, ex-CIA agent-cum-mercenary Christian Fletcher, arrives in a helicopter in the middle of Govind's and Suresh's house. Fletcher fast-ropes down to Suresh's apartment with a crossbow, kills Suresh and attempts to seize the vial. Govind flees away while Yukha Narahazi, Suresh's wife and an Aikido champion, fights Fletcher and protects Govind, but Fletcher kills her. Govind manages to jump into another apartment's window and escapes the building before the apartment is bombed by Fletcher. The virus is inadvertently shipped to India by Govind's friend Sairam aboard a passenger aircraft, safely in Govind's hands. Govind secretly boards the aircraft carrying the virus and changes its location. Govind later learns that the package containing the vial is being sent to Krishnaveni in Chidambaram.

In Japan, a skilled Martial arts teacher Shingen Narahazi, who is Yuka Narahazi's elder brother gets informed of his sister's murder and sets out to finish the culprit. After arriving in India, Govind is questioned by Balram Naidu, a quirky Telugu police officer, who misbelieves Govind as a terrorist. Due to this, Govind was unsuccessful to explain the series of incidents to Naidu. Meanwhile, Fletcher and his wife Jasmine arrives in Chennai. Using Jasmine as a translator, Fletcher threatens Govind and a police officer named Bharat and takes them away in a jeep, after killing two NSG officers at the airport for a clean exit from pursuing Indian authorities. The arrival of the famous pop singer Avatar Singh makes their escape easy. After exiting the city, Govind escapes from Fletcher with the help of the policeman and reaches Chidambaram. Fletcher follows him along with Jasmine, after calling his aide in Chennai.

After Govind attempts to persuade Krishnaveni and her granddaughter Andal, a clumsy girl who are receivers of the package carrying the virus, Krishnaveni puts the vial into the idol of Lord Vishnu, asking the deity to take care of it. Watching all these events from the outside the middle of the religious festival happening in the street, Jasmine goes near the idol and looks for a minute to get the idol on hand. Balram Naidu arrives with a police force and orders Govind and Fletcher to surrender in front of him. While suddenly, a musth elephant in the town, provoked by Fletcher, goes mad with total chaos in the street. In the chaos, the elephant gets hold of Jasmine and throws her and she gets impaled on a iron rod on the wall. Knowing that her injuries are too fatal, Fletcher in an urge to get hold of Govind who in the middle of the chaos took the idol with him, kills Jasmine. Andal desperately runs behind Govind for getting back the idol into which Krishnaveni put the vial. Govind and Andal run away from Fletcher with the idol with several chaos and arguments between them. Her anger about taking the idol away from Chidambaram and him being worried about saving the vial from Fletcher which is into the idol now. They arrive at a ground where illegal sand miners are working. When the miners try to molest Andal and assaults Govind, Vincent Poovaraghan, a Malayali social activist, saves them with a large crowd and protests against the miners. At that time, Govind and Andal escapes from the place with one of the trucks that belong to the miners. Andal in an urge to get back to Chidambaram, forces Govind to turn the vehicle and they end up crashing a van opposite that has a large Muslim family. Andal and Govind recover from the truck and saves the family where a 7-feet tall man named Khalifulla is seen. Khalifulla's mother faints suddenly and is taken to a hospital, where Govind procures a cooling box to store the idol, as it is unstable and its temperature needs to be maintained. Avatar Singh is also there with his family for the treatment of his throat cancer. His prescription drugs are in a similar-looking box and before leaving the hospital, his family unknowingly switches it with Govind's box. Govind unaware of this goes to the police station to let them know of all the chaos happening.

Knowing this meanwhile Fletcher who spots Andal in the hospital takes Andal and Khalifulla's family hostage in their house, and Govind is blackmailed to bring back the box he is carrying. With no choice, he reaches the place only to discover that Avatar must have the vial box as the medicine box is with him. The police surround the house, and Fletcher forcefully takes away, Govind and Andal, and a small boy from the Muslim family to flee in a jeep. Shingen Narahazi (who mistakes Govind as the killer after being misled by Balram) follows them. Avatar finishes his last performance and meanwhile, Fletcher along with Govind, Andal, and the boy reaches the place for getting the box that contains the idol. In a fight between Fletcher and Govind in the place to take away the idol, Avatar is shot by Fletcher. While Avatar's wife pulls Fletcher and fights in anger for shooting her husband, Andal runs away with her idol and Govind goes behind her.

Govind and Andal flee to reach a construction site, where a chasing happens between Fletcher who reaches as soon. In the chaos and chase, the vial from the idol comes out and Govind gets hold of it. Fletcher who is unaware of this catches Govind at a point and Govind gives away the idol to Fletcher and moves from the place immediately with Andal who is unhappy that Govind has given away her idol to Fletcher. The sun dawns on 26 December 2004 and Govind gets an idea from some drainage workers to immerse the virus in a large quantity of salt to destroy it. He goes to the beach, only to be stopped by Fletcher who finds out the vial is not inside the idol. Shingen Narahazi arrives and apologises to Govind for misinterpreting him as the murderer. Narahazi fights Fletcher and defeats him. In the mids tof the fight, Govind is stabbed by Fletcher. At the same time, Balram Naidu arrives in a helicopter and asks Fletcher to surrender. At the end of the moment, Narahazi asks Fletcher how he wants to die. Caught between Narahazi, and Balram Naidu, Fletcher opens the vial and eats it, getting infected by the virus and vomiting blood. Govind and Balram Naidu, who is aware of the consequence, stare helplessly at the situation when suddenly, a tsunami strikes, washing away Fletcher, and causing great destruction along the coast while stopping the impact of the vial which would have destructed the entire state. Govind, Narahazi and Andal gets into a boat on the coast. Poovaraghan, in the midst of saving others from the flood, gets his foot stuck in a car and drowns.

After the chaos Krishnaveni Paatti arrives and cries after perceiving Poovaraghan's dead body as her long-lost son (who had died 50 years ago). Khalifulla and his family as well as neighbours are safe as Balram took all of them into a far away Masjid for questioning. Narahazi peacefully drowns his sister's ashes in the water. After relief measures are taken, Andal argues that God had sent forth the tsunami to get rid of the weapon. Govind responds by asking if God would destroy hundreds of lives to save millions. Later, they unite and expresses feelings for each other, while it's revealed that they're in front of the same idol of Vishnu that was submerged in the 12th century (which has ultimately been brought back from the ocean). Rangarajan Nambi's bones are seen on the idol.

The scene shifts to the stadium, where Avatar, who had his cancerous growth taken away by Fletcher's shot, along with all the others, listens to the speech by Govind, followed by George Bush as the credits roll.

Cast

Kamal Haasan plays ten different characters in the movie and had to wear excessive prosthetic makeup to portray all of them except Nambi and Govind.

Production

Pre-production

Kamal Haasan came up with an original storyline and approached a number of directors, including Gautham Vasudev Menon to direct it, when K. S. Ravikumar accepted the offer. It began soon after the announcement of Sivaji: The Boss starring Rajinikanth.[4] Ravikumar and Haasan came together for the fourth time following their three previous successful ventures, Avvai Shanmughi, Thenali and Panchatanthiram.

Development

Kamal was set to play ten different roles in the film, making it the first time that an actor has appeared in so many roles in world cinema.[5] V. Ravichandran signed up to produce the venture securing distribution rights in the process. Pyramid Film Fund had an exposure of 50 percent in the project.[6]

Following nearly a year of pre-production, deciding the cast and the locations, the film began its first schedule on 11 September 2006.[7]

Ashmith Kunder was signed up to edit the film, despite early indications that A. Sreekar Prasad would have landed the offer.[8] Haasan also wrote the script for the film following negotiations with Sujatha, who died before the release of the film, and Crazy Mohan. Jeeva was initially announced as the cinematographer of the film, and he had taken over the role for a day of the shooting. However, the shots taken by him did not appear in the film and Ravi Varman became the director of photography.[9]

Casting

Between the announcement of the project and prior to the launch a year later, several actress were signed up, who then either opted out or were removed from the project. Vidya Balan was first signed up and set to make her debut in Tamil films, however due to the long inactivity of the film, Balan opted out citing date clashes with her Bollywood project.[10] Following the removal of Balan, it was reported that each of the ten characters portrayed by Kamal Haasan in the film, would have a female lead opposite them. Actresses who were considered but failed to make the final shortlist were: Meena,[11] Mumtaj,[11] Kiran Rathod,[11] Nadhiya,[12] Kamalinee Mukherjee,[13] Nithya Das,[13] Meera Jasmine,[13] and Vasundhara Das.[13] Moreover, actresses Balan,[citation needed] Trisha[14] opted out due to date clashes.[15] Furthermore, Shriya Saran was forced to opt out of the project by the producers of her other film Sivaji: The Boss, a film built up as the rival to Dasavathaaram at the box-office.[16]

Finally, the major female lead role was given to Asin, who was later assigned two distinct roles in the project.[17] The second lead female role in the film went to Mallika Sherawat, for whom Dasavathaaram was her first Tamil language film.[18] Over the course, of the production more supporting actors were added to the film, the first being Napoleon, who was signed up to portray a king in the film. Other veteran actors, Jaya Prada, Nagesh, P. Vasu, K. R. Vijaya and M. S. Bhaskar as well as a bevy of American supporting actors were roped into essay other small roles in the film.[19] Actors, Jayaram and Vadivelu opted out of the film during the production of the project, citing date problems.[20][21]

Filming

Picture of the film set depicting the Vishnu idol used in the film. The idol, made out of black stone and smeared with kumkuma and sandalwood paste, depicts Vishnu lying on his 7-headed serpent Shesha, attended by Vishnu's consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi at right.

A preliminary schedule took place before the start of the film, which featured no filming, but only the make-up tests, lasting for 25 days in the USA.[22] The make-up used for Kamal's characters proved to create difficulties. It took nine hours to implement the make-up and it failed to stay for a long period of time. To compensate for that, he had to rest and take fluids using a straw and at the same time, refrain from making movement in the facial muscles to make sure that it was not disturbed.[23] The technology of motion control was employed for the cinematography in the film.[9] The filming of Dasavathaaram began on 3 August 2006 at Mahabalipuram in Chennai, where the intro song was picturised on a set created by art director Sameer Chanda. The set resembled the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram in Kumbakonam and scenes with Kamal Haasan in an Iyengar priest get-up, accompanied by over 750 extras, were recorded. Though it was initially planned to be shot in the temple itself, permission could not be obtained as the structure was a heritage site and the shooting was believed to interfere with the activities of the temple. Further plans to use a hundred elephants were shelved after the transport and accommodation for the animals was deemed impossible.[24] However, in September 2006, Sameer Chanda was sacked from the project due to his tendency to employ only workers from Mumbai and not Tamilians, prompting Haasan and Ravikumar to remove him from the project, with his role being entrusted to Prabhakar of Virumaandi fame.[25]

Another team member was sacked in Chengelpet when a stunt sequence was being captured by the camera; stunt master Kanal Kannan was reported to have used unparliamentarily and corporation words at the workers and that took over the public address system. Angered and humiliated by such remarks, the workers walked out of the sets refusing to work anymore and resumed duty only after the elimination of Kanal Kannan. A new stunt master, Thyagarajan was given the opportunity to take over following the controversy caused by Kannan, who had a similar problem while shooting for Sivaji: The Boss.[26]

Major portions of the films were shot extensively in overseas locations which included the US, Tokyo, Malaysia and Thailand.[27] A role of an American mercenary, played by Haasan, was shot for in casinos in and around Las Vegas and Orlando. A song involving Kamal Haasan and Mallika Sherawat that was to be shot in US was moved to Malaysia due to problems with Sherawat's visa. The crew instead decided to shift to another destination in Malaysia and the song was shot in posh night clubs; furthermore scenes were shot at a lobby of a prominent Malaysian airport.[28]

A Replica of the White House was erected at the Taramani Film City in India, with Haasan's makeup for the role of George Bush lasting six whole hours to obtain the desired outcome.[28] For the climax, another scene was shot dramatically above the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with the permission of the chief minister, M. Karunanidhi.[29] A tsunami effect was created in Mahabalipuram and shot at a 50,000-square-foot (4,600 m2) area of land in which a 100-foot (30 m) wall was created near Muttukadu. Six machines, which generated 20-foot (6.1 m) high waves, were imported from the US, for a total cost of ₹35 million (US$420,000).[28] The film's final shoot occurred on 8 October 2007 at Uthandi, a coastal village.[30]

Music

Dasavathaaram
Soundtrack album by
Himesh Reshammiya
Released25 April 2008
Recorded2007-2008
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length31:58
LanguageTamil
LabelSony Music India
ProducerV. Ravichandran
Himesh Reshammiya chronology
My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves
(2008) 		Dasavathaaram
(2008) 		Karzzzz
(2008)

The film was originally announced with A. R. Rahman as the music director of the film. However he opted out of the project owing to schedule clashes.[31] Kamal, who quickly wanted the tunes, roped in Himesh Reshammiya, for whom Dasavathaaram became his Tamil film debut and only Tamil film to date.[32] The background score was composed by Devi Sri Prasad. As the film demanded a "stylish and western" quality of music, two reels of music were initially composed and tested. A two-and-a-half-minute theme song was later composed for the promos. The background music in the second half consisted of extensive usage of violins and chorus and the entire score for the film was recorded over a period of one month, in Chennai.[33]

The soundtrack was released on 25 April 2008 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai, which became the largest audio launch for a south Indian film. Prominent film personalities across the world attended the event, with Jackie Chan, in his first such appearance, being Hollywood's ambassador for the function. Other prominent regional Indian artistes such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mammootty, Vijay and Madhavan attended the launch.[34] The then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, attended the event. The event saw overcrowding and the Chennai Police employed lathi charge on the streets to regain control.[35] The event hosted by Shobana, was attended by all the artistes of the film apart from producer V. Ravichandran, who avoids to attend public events.[citation needed] The soundtrack album was acquired by Sony BMG, purchasing their first Tamil film, for a record of ₹20 million (US$240,000).[3]

Behindwoods wrote, "In spite of donning many roles Kamal Hassan has used only six songs for the movie. So the story could be expected to be a tightly edited one and should not drag. Though there are no duets here, the songs themselves could become hits if the storyline packs a punch. One must add that the songs have a decidedly 'Hindi flavour'." and rated the album 3 out of 5.[36] Indiaglitz summarised, "Dasavatharam music is here to rock.".[37] Rediff, however, gave 2 out of 5 stars and concluded that the album was "a mediocre listening experience."[38]

Tamil Track list
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Ulaga Nayagan"VairamuthuVinit Singh5:34
2."Kallaimattum Kandal"VaaliHariharan & Chorus5:28
3."Oh...Ho...Sanam"VairamuthuKamal Haasan, Mahalakshmi Iyer5:31
4."Mukundha Mukundha"VaaliSadhana Sargam, Kamal Haasan6:32
5."Kaa...Karuppanukkum"VairamuthuShalini Singh5:06
6."Oh...Ho...Sanam (Re-Mix)"VairamuthuHimesh Reshammiya, Mahalakshmi Iyer3:47
Total length:31:58
Hindi Track list
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Koi Tumsa"Sameer AnjaanVinit Singh5:34
2."Om Namo Narayan"Sameer AnjaanHariharan & Chorus5:28
3."Oh Sanam Ho Sanam"Sameer AnjaanShaan, Mahalakshmi Iyer5:31
4."Mukundha Mukundha"Sameer AnjaanSadhana Sargam, Kamal Haasan6:32
5."Hey Black Ho Ya White"Sameer AnjaanShalini Singh5:06
6."Oh Sanam Ho Sanam (Re-Mix)"Sameer AnjaanShaan, Mahalakshmi Iyer3:47

Release

Theatrical

The film was delayed for multiple times when scheduled for a release in 2007 and also in Pongal 2008, due to extensive post-production works and in February 2008, V. Ravichandran announced that Dasavaatharam will be released worldwide on 10 April 2008 in the eve of Tamil New Year weekend.[39] But due to the success of inaugural Indian Premier League season, the release of the film along with Suriya's Vaaranam Aayiram, scheduled for May 2008 release, was put on hold till 1 June 2008, the date when the tournament is concluded.[40][41] In late May 2008, the makers announced the release date as 13 June 2008.[42]

The film was shown subsequently to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, by the request of the producer on 8 June 2008.[43]

Pre-release record

Two days prior to the release, the film was shown to film personalities of Indian cinema at Four Films Cinema in Chennai, with the film receiving praise.[44] The film earned a total pre-release revenue of ₹ 500 million[45] from selling all its rights.

Distribution

Sony Pictures India distributed the film in North India, whilst Ayngaran International sold the film to cinema halls in the United Kingdom, Singapore and the Gulf.[46] Canadian rights for the film were bought by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, becoming the first distributional venture of an Indian film by the production house.[47] Narmadha Travels acquired the rights from Aascar Films to distribute the film in the United States of America.[48]

Besides Tamil, the film was also dubbed and released in different languages including Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and Bhojpuri versions with the Hindi version titled Dashavtar. The Indian censor board certified the film on 24 April 2008, giving it a "U" (universal) rating, after 9 cuts were made and letting the film run for 166 minutes.[49] The film released worldwide with 1,300 prints in all the respective languages. Tamil Nadu had 275 prints, and Karnataka had 80, with 190 prints released overseas. The Hindi version Dashavtar had an unusually high 410 prints in North India. The Telugu version had 260 prints in Andhra Pradesh[3][50] including 45 prints in Nizam region. The film opened in 25 screens in Hyderabad. The Malayalam version had 85 prints in Kerala.[51]

Marketing

The film's theatrical trailer was released publicly on 23 April 2008, a day after it was shown to special guests, which included M. Karunanidhi at a screen.[52] The first exclusive screening of the film, prior to release, was held on the morning of the audio launch on 25 April 2008, to visiting guests Jackie Chan, Amitabh Bachchan, Mammootty and Vijay, all of whom were full of praise for the film.[53]

Home media

The satellite rights of Tamil version of the film were sold to Kalaignar TV for ₹ 45 million.[54]

Assistant director Senthil Kumar filed a case against the film at the Madras High Court. He claimed to have created the story of Dasavathaaram, in a script titled, Ardhanari alias Clones, and that Kamal Haasan and V. Ravichandran had "stolen" the script and left him out of the credits, violating the copyright act.[55] On the basis of this complaint, the Chennai police queried the actor and later accepted his explanation with the high court sending notices to Kamal Haasan and the producer V. Ravichandran announcing an interim stay on the release of the film. The film was allowed to continue with its schedules, but the case was delayed till in 2007. However, in September 2007, the Court dismissed the petition of Senthil Kumar in the case, clearing the legal hurdles for the film.[56]

Following the audio launch on 25 April 2008, Mallika Sherawat received a police complaint against the donning of improper attire at a film function. Hindu Makkal Katchi, a splinter group of the Hindu Munnani, lodged a complaint with the police, saying that Sherawat's attire at the function to release audio-CDs of Dasavathaaram, in which Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had been present, had "hurt the sentiments of Hindus". The actress was accused of wearing a mini-skirt and exposing her back in front of the chief minister.[57]

In May 2008, the film was criticised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad, which claimed that the film has portrayed the clash between Shaivism and Vaishnavism which prevailed in the 12th century in the film in an objectionable manner.[58] However, following the accusations, V. Ravichandran announced that the film contains no controversial scenes and added that the film, based around the Hindu religion, will convert atheists to theists.[59] The charges were cleared on 29 May 2008 insisting that Dasavathaaram did not portray Hindu culture in bad light.[60]

Reception

Box office

India

Dasavathaaram completed a 50-day run on 2 August 2008.[61] It completed a 100-day run on 20 September 2008 in four screens in Chennai.[62]

The Chennai Corporation had given the producer special permission to hold five shows daily, which helped the film to garner the extraordinary opening. In the second weekend too, the film registered at least 95% at multiplexes and 80% in single screens.[63] The film grossed ₹96 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.7 crore or US$320,000 in 2023) from 17 screens in Chennai in the opening weekend.[64] The film grossed ₹21 crore (equivalent to ₹59 crore or US$7.0 million in 2023) all over Tamil Nadu on its first weekend. It grossed ₹60 lakh (equivalent to ₹1.7 crore or US$200,000 in 2023) outside South India in the three-day weekend.[65] The film grossed ₹91 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.5 crore or US$300,000 in 2023) in a fortnight in Mayajaal multiplex.[66] In Sathyam Cinemas multiplex, the film grossed ₹90 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.5 crore or US$300,000 in 2023) in a fortnight.[67] The film stayed at No.1 position in Chennai box office for five consecutive weeks.[68] In Chennai, the film grossed ₹6.35 crore (equivalent to ₹18 crore or US$2.1 million in 2023) in three weeks,₹7.53 crore (equivalent to ₹21 crore or US$2.5 million in 2023) in four weeks, ₹8.55 crore (equivalent to ₹24 crore or US$2.9 million in 2023) crore in five weeks, ₹9.44 crore (equivalent to ₹26 crore or US$3.2 million in 2023) in six weeks and around ₹10 crore (equivalent to ₹28 crore or US$3.3 million in 2023) in the lifetime run.[69]

The Hindi version Dashavtar, that was released after almost one year opened to a 5–10% response.[70] Dashavtar netted ₹1.93 crore (equivalent to ₹5.4 crore or US$640,000 in 2023) in six weeks in North India and was declared as an average success.[71] The Malayalam version of the film grossed ₹2 crore (equivalent to ₹5.6 crore or US$670,000 in 2023) in Kerala in the first week.[72] In a fortnight, the Telugu version earned ₹3.5 crore (equivalent to ₹9.8 crore or US$1.2 million in 2023) share in Nizam, ₹1.5 crore (equivalent to ₹4.2 crore or US$500,000 in 2023) in Ceded,₹1 crore (equivalent to ₹2.8 crore or US$330,000 in 2023) in Vizag,₹96 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.7 crore or US$320,000 in 2023) in East and West Godav.[73]

Other territories

Dasavathaaram grossed $4,632,719 and was ranked No.7 in the opening week, becoming the first Tamil film to reach the Top 10 at the International box office.[74] In Malaysia, the film opened in second place, having collected $601,000 from 58 screens on the opening weekend[75][76] and $1,720,780 in nine weeks.[77]

The film grossed ₹200 crore (US$45.97 million) worldwide, and is currently one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time.

Critical response

Dasavathaaram received positive reviews from critics, with critical acclaim on the performances of Kamal Haasan as the ten characters, story, screenplay, music, narration, and concepts used in the film. Although some critics felt that the plot was little bit confusing and that Kamal Haasan's ten roles were forced, with only four or five relevant to the plot and the films's CGI received mixed response.[78]

On the contrary, Rediff praised the film as "spectacular" and a "superhuman effort", rating it with 4 out of 5 stars. The reviewer concluded that the film will "go down in the history of Indian cinema as a unique experiment in the commercial circuit".[79] Sify called the film "average", stating that it would "fall short of the huge expectation and hype it had generated." The reviewer also criticised the make-up, lamenting that "Kamal's prosthetic makeup, especially as George Bush, Fletcher and Khan, is a bit of a dampener" but claimed that Brian Jennings's special effects, "mainly of the climax Tsunami scene, are a top-class by Indian standards". The reviewer praised cinematographer Ravi Varman, noting: "[He] may take a bow, as his camerawork is glossy and superb", but noted that some of Haasan's characters like Avatar Singh and Khalifullah Khan were "unnecessarily stitched together to make it a perfect 10."[80] Behindwoods rated the film 3.5 out of 5 and said, "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." but concluded, "Watch for Kamal!"[81]

T S Sudhir of NDTV wrote, "Dasavathaaram, unfortunately, remains just a film with its USP of 10 Kamals. This Kamal does not blossom the way he did in Indian or Nayakan, Appu Raja, Mahanadi, Avvai Shanmughi or in Thevar Magan" and further stated, "One of the best in the business falters with the film's story and screenplay."[82] Nikhat Kazmi of The Times of India rated the film 2.5 out of 5 and said, "EXPERIMENTS aren't always successful. Like Dasavatharam, Kamal Haasan's ambitious venture sees him playing ten roles which include a take on George Bush too. Daring, we'd like to insist; only the make-up and the fake appearance borders more on the comic."[83] The Deccan Herald said, "The ten roles are awfully disparate: they are more like pantomime characters. Kamal appears too flabby and jaded. Sorry, Appu Raja (or shall we say Michael, Madana, Kamarajan) it's time you start being your age. From start to finish there is a severe decibel assault aided and abetted by Himesh Reshammiya."[84]

Oneindia said, "After watching Dasavatharam- the so-called magnum opus of the year- an ardent fan of Kamal Hassan will ask why indeed it is called a magnum opus in the first place. Why was all the hype, tension, cases, expectations and unnecessary expenses wasted on this average film. Once again, Kamal fails to attract Tamil audiences with his own script." and gave the verdict, "Not up to expectations!"[85] Malathi Rangarajan of The Hindu said, "The film would have worked even better had the narrative been tauter and more purposive post-interval" but concluded, "All in all, Dasavathaaram shows that Kamal Haasan has once again taken great pains to make his cinematic projects convincing. The effort has paid off."[86] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 43 out of 100.[87]

Accolades

List of awards and nominations
Award Date of ceremony[a] Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 28 September 2009 Best Film Award V. Ravichandran Won [88]
Best Actor Award Kamal Haasan Won
Best Lyricist Award Vaali Won
Best Make-up Artist Award Michael Westmore, Kothandapani Won
Vijay Awards 13 June 2009 Best Comedian Kamal Haasan Won [89]
Best Villain Kamal Haasan Won
Best Story, Screenplay Writer Kamal Haasan Won
Vijay Award for Favourite Hero Kamal Haasan Won
Best Costume Designer Gautami Won
Best Art Director Samir Chanda, M. Prabhaharan, Thota Tharani Won
Best Actor Kamal Haasan Won
Best Actress Asin Nominated
Best Cinematographer Ravi Varman Nominated
Best Lyricist Vaali Nominated
Best Stunt Director Thyagarajan, Kanal Kannan, Joop Katana Nominated
Best Make Up Artistes Michael Westmore Nominated
Vijay Award for Favourite Film Aascar Films Pvt. Ltd. Nominated
Vijay Award for Favourite Director K. S. Ravikumar Nominated
Vijay Award for Favourite Song Himesh Reshammiya - 'Kallai Mattum' from Dasavathaaram Nominated
V. Shantaram Awards January 2009 Best Sound Award H. Sridhar Won [90]
Best Actor Kamal Haasan Nominated

Cancelled spin-off

A spin off film Sabaash Naidu, based on this film's character Balaram Naidu, the police officer, was planned but eventually dropped due to financial issues.[91]

Notes

  1. ^ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

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Bibliography

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