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{{short description|2008 Tamil film directed by K. S. Ravikumar}}
{{short description|2008 film directed by K. S. Ravikumar}}
{{for multi|the ten [[Avatar]]s of [[Vishnu]]|Dashavatara||Dashavatar (disambiguation)}}
{{for-multi|the ten Avatars of Vishnu|Dashavatara||Dashavatar (disambiguation)}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
Line 8: Line 8:
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director      = [[K. S. Ravikumar]]
| director      = [[K. S. Ravikumar]]
| producer      = [[Viswanathan Ravichandran|V. Ravichandran]]
| producer      = [[V. Ravichandran (film producer)|V. Ravichandran]]
| writer        = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| writer        = [[Kamal Haasan]]
| starring      = Kamal Haasan<br />[[Asin]]
| starring      = [[Kamal Haasan]]<br/>[[Asin]]<br/>[[Nagesh]]<br/>[[Jaya Prada]]<br/> [[Mallika Sherawat]]<br/>[[K. R. Vijaya]]
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br />[[Himesh Reshammiya]]<br />'''Score:'''<br /> [[Devi Sri Prasad]]
| music          = '''Songs:'''<br/>[[Himesh Reshammiya]]<br/>'''Score:'''<br/> [[Devi Sri Prasad]]
| cinematography = [[Ravi Varman]]
| cinematography = [[Ravi Varman]]
| editing        = [[Ashmith Kunder]]
| editing        = K. Thanigachalam<br/>[[Ashmith Kunder]]
| studio        = [[Viswanathan Ravichandran|Aascar Film Pvt. Ltd]]
| studio        = [[V. Ravichandran (film producer)|Aascar Film Pvt. Ltd]]
| distributor    = Aascar Film Pvt. Ltd
| distributor    = [[Sony Pictures Networks|Sony Pictures India]]
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|2008|6|13}}
| released      = {{Film date|df=yes|2008|6|13}}
| runtime        = 185 minutes
| runtime        = 185 minutes
| country        = India
| country        = India
| language      = Tamil
| language      = Tamil
| budget        = {{INR}}60 [[crore]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/tamil/news/2007/kamal-hassan-dasavatharam-asin-151007.html|title=Dasavatharam, a 60 crore budget film!|date=15 October 2007|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref>
| budget        =
| gross          = {{Estimation}} {{INR|90 crore}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https:}}</ref>
| gross          = {{INR}}200 crore<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/baahubali-to-thuppakki-tamil-cinemas-100-cr-films-1204181|title=Baahubali to Thuppakki: Tamil Cinema's 100 Cr Films|website=NDTV.com|access-date=15 June 2022|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615132934/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/baahubali-to-thuppakki-tamil-cinemas-100-cr-films-1204181|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''''Dasavathaaram''''' is a 2008 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[science fiction action film]] directed by [[K. S. Ravikumar]]. It stars [[Kamal Haasan]], who also wrote the screenplay and story of the film, in ten distinct roles. [[Asin]] appears in two roles and [[Mallika Sherawat]] plays a subsidiary role. The film, which had been under production for nearly three years, was produced and primarily distributed by [[Viswanathan Ravichandran|V. Ravichandran]]. Primary filming locations included the United States and across [[Tamil Nadu]] in India. The soundtrack to the film was composed by [[Himesh Reshammiya]] and the background score was by [[Devi Sri Prasad]].
'''''Dasavathaaram''''' ({{Translation|The 10 [[Avatar]]s}}) is a 2008 Indian [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language [[Epic film|epic]] [[science fiction action film]] directed by [[K. S. Ravikumar]], written by [[Kamal Haasan]] and produced by [[V. Ravichandran (film producer)|V. Ravichandran]] under [[V. Ravichandran (film producer)|Aascar Film Pvt. Ltd]]. It stars Kamal Haasan in 10 distinct roles with [[Asin]] (in her penultimate Tamil film appearance and played in a dual roles), alongside an [[ensemble cast]] of [[Jaya Prada]], [[Mallika Sherawat]], [[K. R. Vijaya]], [[Rekha Harris]], [[Nagesh]], [[P. Vasu]], [[Raghuram]], [[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]] and [[M. S. Bhaskar]]. In the film, a [[biotechnology]] scientist named Govind is forced to steal a vial containing a deadly [[bioweapon]] from his corrupt boss, who intended to sell it to a [[Axis of evil|terrorist nation]], and keep it contained. During that, Govind is hunted by an [[United States|American]] mercenary named Christian Fletcher and a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] police officer named Balram Naidu and a set of dark events. Several other people also get involved in Govind's journey and all their stories connect after the striking of [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami]], thus bringing philosophical views into the picture. The film incorporates numerous themes and philosophies, such as [[Theism]], [[Vaishnavism]], [[existence of God]], [[determinism]], [[casteism]], [[chaos theory]] and [[butterfly effect]].


The plot of the film revolves around bringing together the lives of several individuals beginning with the 12th century and ending with the 21st century; the main person being a research scientist who develops a bio-weapon and makes sure that it is not acquired by a [[Axis of evil|terrorist nation]]. 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 distributed by V. Ravichandran. Primary filming locations included the [[United States]] and across [[Tamil Nadu]] in India. The songs were composed by [[Himesh Reshammiya]], while the background score was composed by [[Devi Sri Prasad]]. The cinematography and editing were handled by [[Ravi Varman]] and K. Thanigachalam respectively.


After delays in post-production, the film was released on 13 June 2008 in around 1300 prints worldwide,<ref name="numbers" /> with praise directed at Haasan's performance, the cinematography, and the editing, while criticism was directed at the prosthetics, writing and the addition of unnecessary characters portrayed by Haasan. The film grossed over {{INR}}90 crores worldwide and become the highest grossing South Indian film upon release, thereby beating the collections of ''[[Sivaji: The Boss]]'', until surpassed by ''[[Enthiran]]'' in 2010. The film was also released in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Hindi]], [[Malayalam]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] languages.
After delays in post-production, ''Dasavathaaram'' was released on 13 June 2008 in around 1300 prints worldwide<ref name="numbers" /> and received positive reviews from critics. Though its Hindi version was an average success, the film was a massive success at the box-office. ''Dasavathaaram'' is the first South indian and Tamil movie to surpass {{INR}}200 [[crore]] worldwide box-office gross and was the [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films|highest-grossing Tamil film of all time]], until it was surpassed by ''[[Enthiran]]'' (2010).<ref>{{Cite news| date=2 July 2023| title=This superstar gave Tamil cinema's first Rs 200 crore hit; and it's not Rajinikanth, Thalapathy Vijay, Ajith, or Vikram| work=dnaindia.com| url= https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-tamil-cinema-first-200-crore-grosser-dasavathaaram-kamal-haasan-not-rajinikanth-thalapathy-vijay-ajith-vikram-3050017|access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>


== Plot ==
== Plot ==
Biotechnologist and business tycoon Govindarajan Ramaswamy speaks at the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai)|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] and explains about [[chaos theory]] and the [[butterfly effect]]. He begins by reciting events from the 12th century in [[Chidambaram]], when King [[Kulothunga Chola II]], a [[Shaivism|Shaivite]], persecutes [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavites]] and intends to destroy an idol of [[Vishnu]]. Rangarajan Nambi, a Vaishnavite, protects it and offends the king, who orders Rangarajan to be executed by being pierced, stoned, submerged into the sea with the idol. Nambi's wife Kodhai is shocked by this and she kills herself in front of the king.
A prologue, set in the 12th century, where Rangarajan Nambi, a devout [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavite]], resists King Kulothunga II's efforts to desecrate a Vishnu idol. Nambi is executed by drowning, along with the idol, setting a thematic backdrop for the story.


The scene shifts to 20 December 2004, where a [[nanobiotechnology]] lab in the [[United States]] designs a vector-virus intended as a [[Biological warfare|bio-weapon]] following the [[September 11 attacks]] to defend further terrorist attacks on US soil.
In 2004, Govindarajan Ramaswamy, an Indian scientist in the [[United States|U.S.]], is working on a bio-weapon—a synthetic virus. When a lab monkey dies after ingesting the virus, Govind realizes the threat it poses. After discovering that his superior, Dr. Sethu, plans to sell the virus to terrorists, Govind flees with the vial. During a scuffle, the vial is mistakenly shipped to India. Christian Fletcher, a mercenary ex-[[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] agent hired to retrieve the vial, kills several people in pursuit, including Govind's friend Suresh and his wife Yuka. Govind follows the package to Chidambaram, where it ends up with an elderly woman, Krishnaveni, who unknowingly hides it inside a Vishnu idol. Govind's attempts to retrieve it are complicated by Fletcher's pursuit, the local police, and Krishnaveni's devout granddaughter, Andal, who believes he is trying to steal the idol.


While the team members are watching a news programme, Govindarajan aka Govind notices the footage of his lab [[Capuchin monkey|monkey]] breaking out of his cage and retrieving a sample of the test virus. The monkey takes the vial, thinking it to be the usual chocolate Govind would feed him, and swallows the sample of the virus. Govind and his team try to save him but are too late, and they watch helplessly as he dies. Govind, saddened by the event, quarantines the lab room and fills it with a concentrated salt solution. After understanding 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 boss and senior scientist, Dr. Sethu has a malicious plan in mind - to sell it to a terrorist nation. Understanding 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 coworker Suresh's house for refuge, who secretly betrays him.
Multiple subplots unfold: Fletcher's translator-wife and partner-in-crime, Jasmine, is killed during a skirmish involving a rogue [[elephant]]; Yukha's brother Shingen, a Japanese martial artist arrives to avenge Yuka's death; and Telugu police officer Balram Naidu investigates Govind's activities. Along the way, Govind and Andal encounter various characters, including social activist Vincent Poovaraghan and a Muslim family headed by the towering Khalifulla. The vial is accidentally switched with a medicine cooler belonging to singer Avatar Singh, who is being treated for throat cancer. Eventually, Fletcher takes hostages, demanding the virus in exchange. After a series of chases and confrontations—including one at Avatar's concert—the vial ends up back in the idol.


A helicopter housing a rogue [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] agent Christian Fletcher, arrives in the middle of Govind's and Suresh's house. Fletcher grapples to Suresh's apartment using a crossbow and shoots 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. 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 into the aircraft carrying the virus and changes its location. Govind later learns that the package containing the vial is being sent to Krishnaveni.
Govind attempts to neutralize the virus by immersing it in the ocean after finding out that [[sodium chloride]] weakens it. A fight breaks out at a construction site between Govind and Fletcher, with Shingen intervening. Fletcher swallows the virus but dies as a [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|massive tsunami]] hits the coast. The natural disaster wipes out the threat, killing Fletcher and causing widespread destruction. Govind, Andal, and others survive. Andal believes the tsunami was divine intervention, but Govind maintains a rationalist view, questioning the morality of such devastation as a means of salvation. They then profess their love for each other. Govind is honored for his efforts with an event, attended by world leaders, and a final glimpse of Nambi's idolized remains washed ashore.
 
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 [[Research and Analysis Wing|RAW]] operative, who immediately dislikes Govind. Govind unsuccessfully tries to explain the series of incidents, but Naidu believes him to be a member of a gang. Meanwhile, Fletcher, who has married an Indian assassin named Jasmine, arrives in [[Chennai]]. After marrying and using her as a translator, Fletcher threatens Govind and a police officer Bharath and takes them away in a jeep, after killing two [[National Security Guard|Black Cats]], 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, after getting a cab, along with Jasmine.
 
After Govind attempts to persuade Andal and her grandmother Krishnaveni, 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 go near the idol and looks for a minute to get the idol on hand, while suddenly, an elephant who is a part of the religious festival is inadvertently freed by Fletcher, who shoots the elephant to distract Naidu, and it goes mad with total chaos in the street. In the chaos, the elephant gets hold of Jasmine and throws her. She gets impaled on a blade 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 shoots Jasmine. Andal desperately runs behind Govind for getting back the Perumal 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 mining|sand miners]] are working. The miners try to molest Andal, but Govind defeats them and they sneak out after the interference of Vincent Poovaraghan, a social activist, and drive away 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 an unnaturally 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. Avtar 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 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 Kalifulla'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 Avtar 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 [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|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. During the fight, Govind gets 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 bites it, getting infected and vomiting blood. Govind and Balram Naidu, who is aware of the consequence, stare helplessly at the situation when suddenly, a [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami|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 if it was not washed away by seawater that contains tons and tons of [[Sodium chloride|NaCl]] which is the only solution to stop the consequence of the virus. Poovaraghan is at his rival's house while the tsunami strikes and he dies in a car after saving the children of his rivals who were trapped inside. Govind, Narahazi and Andal gets into a boat on the coast.
 
After the chaos Krishnaveni Paatti arrives later and cries after perceiving deceased Poovaraghan as her long-lost son (who had died 50 years ago). Khalifulla and his family as well as neighbors are safe as Balram took all of them into a far away Masjid for questioning. 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 [[Laryngeal cancer|cancerous growth]] taken away by Fletcher's shot, along with all the others, listening to the speech by Govind followed by the former president [[George W. Bush]] as the credits roll.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
 
[[File:Dasavathaaram ten roles.jpg|thumbnail|right|[[Kamal Haasan]] plays ten different characters in the movie and had to wear excessive [[prosthetic makeup]] to portray all of them except Rangarajan Nambi and Govind.]]
{{colbegin}}
{{Cast listing|
* [[Kamal Haasan]] plays ten roles in the film, listed by order of appearance:-
* [[Kamal Haasan]] in decuple role as:
 
*# Ramaswamy Rangarajan Ramanuja Nambi, a 12th-century [[Vaishnavite]] priest who tries to prevent the destruction of the statue of [[Vishnu]] and got killed by [[Chola]] Emperor [[Kulothunga Chola II|Kulothunga II]]; the ancestor of Govind
# Rangarajan Ramanuja Nambi: A 12th century [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavite]] who tries to prevent the destruction of the statue of his favorite god, [[Lord Vishnu]]. He was killed by King [[Kulothunga Chola II]].
*# Govindarajan "Govind" Ramaswamy, a [[Tamil Americans|Tamil American]] bio-scientist who discovers the [[bioweapon]] and whose sole mission is to protect it.
# Govindarajan "Govind" Ramaswamy: A [[Non-resident Indian and person of Indian origin|NRI]] bio-scientist and businessman in the [[United States|United States of America]] who designs the bioweapon, and the main protagonist.
*# Balram Naidu, a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] high-ranking police officer in India, who initially labels Govind as a terrorist and later pursues Fletcher to retrieve the vial.
# [[George W. Bush]]: The 43rd [[President of the United States]].
*# Avathar Singh, a [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] pop singer, who suffers from advanced-stage throat cancer.
# Christian "Chris"  Fletcher: A rogue ex [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] agent and who chases Govind on the orders of his boss to retrieve the [[vial]] , the main antagonist.
*# Shingen Narahashi, a [[Japanese people|Japanese]] [[martial arts|martial artist]] who wants to take revenge on Fletcher for killing his sister Yuka and protects Govind from Fletcher.
# Shingan Narahazi: A [[martial arts]] expert from [[Japan]] who wants to take revenge on Fletcher for killing his sister. He protects Govind from Fletcher in the end.
*# Christian Fletcher, an [[American people|American]] ex-[[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] agent and mercenary, who wants possession of the [[vial]] for bioterrorism.
# Balram Naidu: The [[Research and Analysis Wing|RAW]] Operative in [[India]]. He initially dislikes Govind on the basis of [[glottophobia]]. Later chases Fletcher to retrieve the vial.  
*# [[George W. Bush]], the 43rd [[President of the United States]].
# Avatar Singh: A singer. He is a [[Sikhism|Sikh]] from the state of [[Punjab]] but was famous rap singer in [[Tamil Nadu]].
*# Krishnaveni, an [[insane]] [[centenarian]] woman in Chidambaram, who is Andal's great-grandmother.
# Krishnaveni Paati: a religious old woman who stays with her granddaughter Andal in [[Chidambaram]].
*# Vincent Poovaraghan a Kanyakumari Tamilan social [[activist]], who is against a politically-backed sand mafia.
# Vincent Poovaraghan (Babruvahan)in Hindi Version) : A social activist who is against a politically backed sand mafia Jaara.
*# Khalifullah Khan Mukhtar, a [[Pakistani people|Pakistani]]-[[Tamil people|Tamil]] tailor with [[gigantism]], who helps Govind and Andal.
# Khalifullah Khan Mukhtar: A 7-feet-tall [[Tamil Muslim]] with [[gigantism]].
* [[Asin]] in dual roles as
 
**Kodhai Radha, Nambi's wife  
* [[Asin]] as Kodhai Radha (Nambi's wife) and Andal
**Andal, Govind's fiancee and Krishnaveni's great granddaughter
* [[Mallika Sherawat]] as Jasmine, Fletcher's wife
* [[Jaya Prada]] as Ranjita Kaur, Avathar Singh's wife
* [[Jaya Prada]] as Ranjita Kaur (Singh's wife)
* [[Mallika Sherawat]] as Jasmine, a skilled assassin who marries Fletcher to become his translator 
* [[Rekha Harris|Rekha]] as Meenakshi, Ragavendra's wife
* [[K. R. Vijaya]] as Begum, Mukhtaar's wife and Khalifullah's mother
* [[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]] as [[Kulothunga Chola II]]
* [[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]] as [[Kulothunga Chola II]]
* [[Raghuram]] as Appa Rao
* [[Raghuram]] as Appa Rao, Naidu's assistant
* [[Nagesh]] as Sheikh Mukhtaar
* [[Nagesh]] as Sheikh Mukhtaar, Khalifullah's father
* [[K. R. Vijaya]] as Begum ,Mukhtaar's wife
* [[Chakri Toleti]] as Sairam, Govind's friend
* [[Chakri Toleti]] as Sairam, Govind's friend
* [[Shammu]] as Assistant Biotechnologist Dinesh
* [[Shammu]] as Assistant Biotechnologist Suresh
* Akash as [[Inspector]] Bharath
* Akash as [[Inspector]] Bharath
* [[Ramesh Kanna]] as Doctor Pradeep
* [[Ramesh Kanna]] as Doctor Pradeep
* Raj Toleti as Dr. Setu
* Raj Toleti as Dr. Setu, Govind's chief doctor
* [[M. S. Bhaskar]] as Broadway Kumar, Fletcher's Indian aide
* [[M. S. Bhaskar]] as Broadway Kumar, Fletcher's assistant in India
* [[P. Vasu]] as J. Ragavendra (Jaa Raa)
* [[P. Vasu]] as J. Ragavendra
* [[Rekha (South Indian actress)|Rekha]] as Meenakshi Ragavendra
* [[Santhana Bharathi]] as Sundaram, Ragavendra's brother-in-law
* [[Santhana Bharathi]] as Sundaram, Ragavendra's brother-in-law
* [[R. Sundarrajan (director)|R. Sundarrajan]] as [[Member of Legislative Assembly|MLA]] Jeevan
* [[R. Sundarrajan]] as [[Member of the Legislative Assembly|MLA]] Jeevan
* [[Kabilan (lyricist)|Kabilan]] as Kabilan, Vincent Poovaraghan's supporter
* [[Chitti Babu (Tamil actor)|Chitti Babu]] as Ekambaram, Balram's aide
* [[Chitti Babu (Tamil actor)|Chitti Babu]] as Ekambaram, Balram's aide
* [[Vaiyapuri]] as Prabhu, courier man
* [[Vaiyapuri]] as Prabhu, courier man
* [[Scissor Manohar]]
* Kesava Chandra as Young Lord Krishna in the song "Mukundha Mukundha" (uncredited)
{{colend}}
* [[J. Jayalalithaa]] (archive footage)
* [[K. S. Ravikumar]] special appearance in the song "Ulaga Nayagane"
* [[Ravi Varman|Ravivarman]] special appearance in the song "Ulaga Nayagane"
}}


== Production ==
== Production ==


=== Pre-production ===
=== Pre-production ===
[[Kamal Haasan]] came up with an original storyline and approached a number of directors, including [[Gautham Menon]] to direct it, when [[K. S. Ravikumar]] accepted the offer. It began soon after the announcement of ''[[Sivaji: The Boss]]'' starring [[Rajinikanth]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Kamath, Sudhish|date=6 January 2007|title=The next big things|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai, India|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2007/01/06/stories/2007010600170100.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=6 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618180012/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2007/01/06/stories/2007010600170100.htm|archive-date=18 June 2007}}</ref> K. S. Ravikumar and Kamal Haasan came together for the fourth time following their three previous successful ventures, ''[[Avvai Shanmughi]]'', ''[[Thenali]]'' and ''[[Panchatanthiram]]''.
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]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Kamath, Sudhish|date=6 January 2007|title=The next big things|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai, India|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2007/01/06/stories/2007010600170100.htm|url-status=dead|access-date=6 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618180012/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2007/01/06/stories/2007010600170100.htm|archive-date=18 June 2007}}</ref> Ravikumar and Kamal Haasan came together for the fourth time following their three previous successful ventures, ''[[Avvai Shanmughi]]'', ''[[Thenali]]'' and ''[[Panchatanthiram]]''.


=== Development ===
=== Development ===
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[[V. Ravichandran (film producer)|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.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160306050409/https://www.hcilondon.in/indiadigest/Issue-86/page7.pdf Pyramid Saimira funds Dasavatharam]</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/dasavatharam-preview.html |title=Dasavatharam&nbsp;– Movie Preview |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720183043/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/dasavatharam-preview.html |archive-date=20 July 2011 }}</ref> [[Viswanathan 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.<ref>[http://hcilondon.in/indiadigest/Issue-86/page7.pdf Pyramid Saimira funds Dasavatharam]</ref>
 
Following nearly a year of pre-production, deciding the cast and the locations, the film began its first schedule on 11 September 2006.<ref>{{cite web|year=2007 |title=Uthandi to Uthandi! |publisher=[[Sify]] |access-date=11 October 2007 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14541374 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012114037/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14541374 |archive-date=12 October 2007 }}</ref>


[[Ashmith Kunder]] was signed up to edit the film, despite early indications that [[A. Sreekar Prasad]] would have landed the offer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-02/27-06-06-kamal.html |title=Dasavatharam&nbsp;– so far!! |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211193003/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-02/27-06-06-kamal.html |archive-date=11 February 2012 }}</ref> [[Kamal Hassan]] also wrote the script for the film following negotiations with [[Sujatha (writer)|Sujatha]], who died before the release of the film, and [[Crazy Mohan]]. [[Jeeva (director)|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.<ref name="Varman">{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/ravi-varman/index.html |title=Introduction |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605210922/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/Interviews/interview-5/ravi-varman/index.html |archive-date= 5 June 2012 }}</ref>
Following nearly a year of pre-production, deciding the cast and the locations, the film began its first schedule on 11 September 2006.<ref name="sify"/>


=== Casting ===
=== 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 film]]s, however due to the long inactivity of the film, Balan opted out citing date clashes with her [[Bollywood]] project.<ref>{{cite web|year=2006 |title=Why did Vidya Balan opt out of Kamal's Dasavatharam? |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=15 July 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-06-02/15-07-06-kamal.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060716145349/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-06-02/15-07-06-kamal.html |archive-date=16 July 2006 }}</ref> 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: Mumtaj,<ref name="meena">{{cite web|year=2006 |title=Ravikumar nagged by heroines for Dasavatharam |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=11 May 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/may-06-02/11-05-06-ravikumar.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060520034216/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/may-06-02/11-05-06-ravikumar.html |archive-date=20 May 2006 }}</ref> [[Kiran Rathod]],<ref name="meena"/> [[Meena (actress)|Meena]],<ref name="meena"/> [[Nadhiya]],<ref>{{cite web|year=2006 |title=Nadiya in Dasavatharam? |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=9 June 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-06-01/09-07-06-kamal.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060715032719/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-06-01/09-07-06-kamal.html |archive-date=15 July 2006 }}</ref> [[Kamalinee Mukerji]],<ref name="meera jasmine">{{cite web|year=2006 |title=Meera Jasmine in Dasavatharam? |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=25 May 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/may-06-04/25-05-06-meera-jasmine.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060527193446/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/may-06-04/25-05-06-meera-jasmine.html |archive-date=27 May 2006 }}</ref> Nithya Das,<ref name="meera jasmine"/> [[Meera Jasmine]],<ref name="meera jasmine"/> and [[Vasundhara Das]].<ref name="meera jasmine"/> Moreover, actresses Balan, [[Trisha Krishnan]]<ref>{{cite web|year=2006 |title=Trisha unwillingly accepts Dasavatharam? |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=5 May 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/may-06-01/05-05-06-trisha.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060506155756/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/may-06-01/05-05-06-trisha.html |archive-date= 6 May 2006 }}</ref> and [[Nayantara]] opted out due to date clashes.<ref>{{cite web|year=2005 |title=Nayantara will play opposite Kamal in Dasavatharam |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=9 November 2005 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/features/News/News37/9-11-05e/tamil-movies-news-nayantara.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051124002402/http://www.behindwoods.com/features/News/News37/9-11-05e/tamil-movies-news-nayantara.html |archive-date=24 November 2005 }}</ref> Furthermore, [[Shriya Saran]] was forced to opt out of the project by the producers of her other film ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji: The Boss]]'', a film built up as the rival to ''Dasavathaaram'' at the box-office.<ref>{{cite web|year=2006 |title=A meatier role for Shreya in Dasavatharam |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=19 July 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-06-03/19-07-06-shreya.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721022001/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-06-03/19-07-06-shreya.html |archive-date=21 July 2006 }}</ref>
Over the course, of the production more supporting actors were added to the film, the first being [[Napoleon (actor)|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.<ref>{{cite news|title=The latest on 'Dasavatharam' |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=4 October 2007 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/04/stories/2007100450700200.htm |location=Chennai, India |date=4 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012181718/http://hindu.com/2007/10/04/stories/2007100450700200.htm |archive-date=12 October 2007 }}</ref> Actors, [[Jayaram]] and [[Vadivelu]] opted out of the film during the production of the project, citing date problems.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/29jayaram.htm|title='I love watching Kamal Haasan'|access-date=29 November 2020|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209232406/https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/29jayaram.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Finally, the major female lead role was given to [[Asin Thottumkal]], who was later assigned two distinct roles in the project.<ref>{{cite web|year=2006 |title=It's double role for Asin in Dasavatharam |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=23 July 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-06-03/23-07-06-asin.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103220157/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-06-03/23-07-06-asin.html |archive-date= 3 January 2007 }}</ref>
The second lead female role in the film went to [[Mallika Sherawat]], for whom ''Dasavathaaram'' was her first [[Tamil language]] film.<ref>{{cite web|year=2007 |title=Dasavatharam shifts location for Mallika Sherawat |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=1 March 2007 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/mar-07-01/01-03-07-malika-sherawat.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303064404/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/mar-07-01/01-03-07-malika-sherawat.html |archive-date= 3 March 2007 }}</ref> Over the course, of the production more supporting actors were added to the film, the first being [[Napoleon (actor)|Napoleon]], who was signed up to portray a king in the film. Other veteran actors, [[Jayaprada]], [[Nagesh]], [[P. Vasu]], K. R. Vijaya and [[M. S. Baskar]] as well as a bevy of American supporting actors were roped into essay other small roles in the film.<ref>{{cite news|title=The latest on 'Dasavatharam' |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=4 October 2007 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/04/stories/2007100450700200.htm |location=Chennai, India |date=4 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012181718/http://hindu.com/2007/10/04/stories/2007100450700200.htm |archive-date=12 October 2007 }}</ref> Actors, [[Jayaram]] and [[Vadivelu]] opted out of the film during the production of the project, citing date problems.<ref>{{cite web|year=2007 |title=Vadivelu refuses Dasavatharam |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=3 February 2007 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/feb-07-01/03-02-07-dasavatharam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205044603/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/feb-07-01/03-02-07-dasavatharam.html |archive-date= 5 February 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/jun/29jayaram.htm|title = 'I love watching Kamal Haasan'}}</ref>


=== Filming ===
=== Filming ===
[[File:Dashaavtaram film set vishnu idol.jpg|thumb|Picture of the film set depicting the [[Vishnu]] image used in the film]]
[[File:Dashaavtaram film set vishnu idol.jpg|thumb|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 [[Indian cobra|serpent]] [[Shesha]], attended by Vishnu's consorts [[Lakshmi|Sridevi]] and [[Bhūmi|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.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Kamal Hassan on Dasavatharam |publisher=Sify |access-date=9 May 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14669905&cid=2363 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512094429/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14669905&cid=2363 |archive-date=12 May 2008 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059140400.htm |title=Kamal in 'Dasavatharam' impresses Karunanidhi |date=20 April 2008 |access-date=24 April 2012 |author=Srinivasan, Meera |location=Chennai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030032824/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059140400.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=30 October 2013 }}</ref> The technology of motion control was employed for the cinematography in the film.<ref name="Varman"/> 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]] 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/aug-06-04/23-08-06-dasavatharam.html |title=Dasavatharam with Madisar Mamis in Uthandi, ECR |publisher=Behindwoods |date=23 August 2006 |access-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227183953/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/aug-06-04/23-08-06-dasavatharam.html |archive-date=27 December 2013 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|year=2006 |title=Sameer Chanda out, Prabhakar in |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=18 September 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/sep-06-03/18-09-06-dasavatharam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124171445/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/sep-06-03/18-09-06-dasavatharam.html |archive-date=24 January 2007 }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Kamal Hassan on Dasavatharam |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=9 May 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14669905&cid=2363 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512094429/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14669905&cid=2363 |archive-date=12 May 2008 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059140400.htm |title=Kamal in 'Dasavatharam' impresses Karunanidhi |date=20 April 2008 |access-date=24 April 2012 |author=Srinivasan, Meera |location=Chennai |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030032824/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059140400.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=30 October 2013 }}</ref>


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 (film)|Sivaji]]''.<ref>{{cite web|year=2006 |title=Workers strike in Dasavatharam unit |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=20 November 2006 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/nov-06-04/20-11-06-dasavatharam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070119184108/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/nov-06-04/20-11-06-dasavatharam.html |archive-date=19 January 2007 }}</ref>
Major portions of the films were shot extensively in overseas locations which included the US, [[Tokyo]], [[Malaysia]] and [[Thailand]].<ref name="shoot">{{cite web |title=Jackie Chan: Actor, Singer, Bollywood Star? |work=Asia Pacific Arts [[UCLA]] |date=2 May 2008 |access-date=25 February 2014 |url=http://www.asiaarts.ucla.edu/080502/article.asp?parentID=91659 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304015350/http://www.asiaarts.ucla.edu/080502/article.asp?parentID=91659 |archive-date=4 March 2014 }}</ref> The film's final shoot occurred on 8 October 2007 at Uthandi, a coastal village.<ref name="sify">{{cite web|year=2007 |title=Uthandi to Uthandi! |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=11 October 2007 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14541374 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012114037/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14541374 |archive-date=12 October 2007 }}</ref>
 
Major portions of the films were shot extensively in overseas locations which included the US, [[Tokyo]], [[Malaysia]] and [[Thailand]].<ref name="shoot">{{cite web |title=Jackie Chan: Actor, Singer, Bollywood Star? |work=Asia Pacific Arts [[UCLA]] |date=2 May 2008 |access-date=25 February 2014 |url=http://www.asiaarts.ucla.edu/080502/article.asp?parentID=91659 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304015350/http://www.asiaarts.ucla.edu/080502/article.asp?parentID=91659 |archive-date=4 March 2014 }}</ref> A role of a foreigner, played by Haasan, was shot for in casinos in and around [[Las Vegas Strip|Las Vegas]] and [[Orlando, Florida|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.<ref name="usproblems">{{cite web|year=2007 |title=Dasavatharam&nbsp;– Exclusive trivia |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=18 May 2007 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-07-03/18-07-07-dasavatharam.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070812091159/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/july-07-03/18-07-07-dasavatharam.html |archive-date=12 August 2007 }}</ref>
 
A Replica of the [[White House]] was erected at the Taramani Film City in India, with Haasan's makeup for the role lasting six whole hours to obtain the desired outcome.<ref name="usproblems"/> For the climax, another scene was shot dramatically above the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with the permission of the chief minister, [[M. Karunanidhi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/june-07-01/01-06-07-kamal.html |title=Kamal's request&nbsp;– CM agrees for the chopper |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=24 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108133705/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news/june-07-01/01-06-07-kamal.html |archive-date= 8 November 2009 }}</ref> A tsunami effect was created in [[Mahabalipuram]] and shot at a {{convert|50000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} area of land in which a {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}} wall was created near Muttukadu. Six machines, which generated {{convert|20|ft|m|adj=on}} high waves, were imported from the US, for a total cost of {{INRConvert|35|m}}.<ref name="usproblems"/> The film's final shoot occurred on 8 October 2007 at Uthandi, a coastal village.<ref name="sify">{{cite web|year=2007 |title=Uthandi to Uthandi! |publisher=Sify |access-date=11 October 2007 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14541374 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012114037/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14541374 |archive-date=12 October 2007 }}</ref>


== Soundtrack ==
== Soundtrack ==
Line 129: Line 111:
| alt          =  
| alt          =  
| released    = 25 April 2008
| released    = 25 April 2008
| recorded    = 2008
| recorded    = 2007–2008
| venue        =  
| venue        =  
| studio      =  
| studio      =  
Line 135: Line 117:
| length      = 31:58
| length      = 31:58
| label        = [[Sony Music India]]
| label        = [[Sony Music India]]
| language    = [[Tamil (language)|Tamil]]
| language    = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| producer    = [[Venu Ravichandran]]
| producer    = [[V. Ravichandran (film producer)|V. Ravichandran]]
| prev_title  = [[My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves (film)|My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves]]
| prev_title  = [[My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves (film)|My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves]]
| prev_year    = 2008
| prev_year    = 2008
Line 144: Line 126:
}}
}}


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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/i-didn-t-have-time-for-dasavatharam-saysar-rahman/story-CgZS51czQ5PiUVZc11HGTI.html|title=I didn't have time for Dasavatharam, saysAR Rahman|date=29 April 2008|access-date=16 July 2018}}</ref> Kamal, who quickly wanted the tunes, roped in [[Himesh Reshammiya]], for whom ''Dasavathaaram'' became his Tamil film debut.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-dont-think-remix-is-a-bad-word-ar-rahman/66365-8.html |title=Rahman, Man who delivers music from the heart |publisher=IBN Live |date=31 May 2008 |author=[[Rajeev Masand]] |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409163942/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-dont-think-remix-is-a-bad-word-ar-rahman/66365-8.html |archive-date= 9 April 2009 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/may/26devi.htm |title=I want to make Kamal Sir sing |publisher=Rediff |date=27 May 2008 |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309083553/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/may/26devi.htm |archive-date= 9 March 2013 }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/i-didn-t-have-time-for-dasavatharam-saysar-rahman/story-CgZS51czQ5PiUVZc11HGTI.html|title=I didn't have time for Dasavatharam, saysAR Rahman|work=Hindustan Times |date=29 April 2008|access-date=16 July 2018|archive-date=16 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716224059/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/i-didn-t-have-time-for-dasavatharam-saysar-rahman/story-CgZS51czQ5PiUVZc11HGTI.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Kamal, who quickly wanted the tunes, roped in [[Himesh Reshammiya]], for whom ''Dasavathaaram'' became his Tamil film debut and only Tamil film to date.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-dont-think-remix-is-a-bad-word-ar-rahman/66365-8.html |title=Rahman, Man who delivers music from the heart |publisher=IBN Live |date=31 May 2008 |author=[[Rajeev Masand]] |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409163942/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-dont-think-remix-is-a-bad-word-ar-rahman/66365-8.html |archive-date= 9 April 2009 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/may/26devi.htm |title=I want to make Kamal Sir sing |publisher=Rediff |date=27 May 2008 |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309083553/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/may/26devi.htm |archive-date= 9 March 2013 }}</ref>


The soundtrack was released on 25 April 2008 at the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]] in [[Chennai]], which became the largest audio launch for a south Indian film.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-04-21/news-interviews/27783296_1_jackie-chan-nehru-indoor-stadium-oscar-ravichandran|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615095645/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-04-21/news-interviews/27783296_1_jackie-chan-nehru-indoor-stadium-oscar-ravichandran|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2013|title=When stars descend on namma Chennai|date=21 April 2008|author=Sreedhar Pillai|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=19 April 2012}}</ref> 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]], [[Mammooty]], [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] and [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]] attended the launch. Then [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]], [[M. Karunanidhi]] attended the event. The event hosted by [[Shobana]], was attended by all the artistes of the film apart from producer [[Venu Ravichandran]], who avoids to attend public events.<ref name="jackiechan">{{cite web|author=Warrier, Shobha |year=2008 |title=Kamal, Jackie bring the house down |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=25 April 2008 |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28sld1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501202645/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28sld1.htm |archive-date= 1 May 2008 }}</ref> The soundtrack album was acquired by [[Sony Music India|Sony BMG]], purchasing their first Tamil film, for a record of {{INRConvert|20|m}}.<ref name="numbers">{{cite news
The soundtrack was released on 25 April 2008 at the [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Chennai)|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 (actor)|Vijay]] and [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]] attended the launch.<ref>{{cite news |author=Sreedhar Pillai |date=21 April 2008 |title=When stars descend on namma Chennai |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-04-21/news-interviews/27783296_1_jackie-chan-nehru-indoor-stadium-oscar-ravichandran |url-status=dead |access-date=19 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615095645/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-04-21/news-interviews/27783296_1_jackie-chan-nehru-indoor-stadium-oscar-ravichandran |archive-date=15 June 2013}}</ref> 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.<ref name="jackiechan">{{cite web |author=Warrier, Shobha |year=2008 |title=Kamal, Jackie bring the house down |url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28sld1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501202645/http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28sld1.htm |archive-date=1 May 2008 |access-date=25 April 2008 |publisher=[[Rediff]]}}</ref> The event hosted by [[Shobana]], was attended by all the artistes of the film apart from producer [[V. Ravichandran (film producer)|V. Ravichandran]], who avoids attending public events.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}} The soundtrack album was acquired by [[Sony Music India|Sony BMG]], purchasing their first Tamil film, for a record of {{INRConvert|20|m}}.<ref name="numbers">{{cite news
  |author=Gopalan, Krishna  
  |author=Gopalan, Krishna  
  |title=Dasavatharam: India's most ambitious film to date  
  |title=Dasavatharam: India's most ambitious film to date  
Line 158: Line 140:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


''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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sunderam|first=Malathy|date=26 April 2008|url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-music-reviews/review-1/dasavatharam-music-review.html|title=Dasavatharam music review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007002102/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-music-reviews/review-1/dasavatharam-music-review.html|access-date= 7 October 2014|work=Behindwoods|archive-date=7 October 2014}}</ref> ''Indiaglitz'' summarised, "''Dasavatharam'' music is here to rock.".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/musicreview/8148.html|title=Dasavatharam - Himesh at his best|date=26 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903141627/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/musicreview/8148.html|work=IndiaGlitz|archive-date=3 September 2014}}</ref> ''[[Rediff.com|Rediff]]'', however, gave 2 out of 5 stars and concluded that the album was "a mediocre listening experience."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28ssdas.htm|title=Dasavatharam music is mediocre|work=Rediff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606112512/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28ssdas.htm |date=28 April 2008|archive-date=6 June 2009}}</ref>
''[[Rediff.com|Rediff]]'', however, gave 2 out of 5 stars and concluded that the album was "a mediocre listening experience."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28ssdas.htm|title=Dasavatharam music is mediocre|work=Rediff|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606112512/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28ssdas.htm |date=28 April 2008|archive-date=6 June 2009}}</ref>


{{Track listing
{{Track listing
Line 171: Line 153:
| length1 = 5:34
| length1 = 5:34


| title2  = Kallai Mattum
| title3  = Kallaimattum Kandal
| note3  =
| extra3  = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] & Chorus
| lyrics3 = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaalee]]
| length3 = 5:28
 
| title2  = Oh...Ho...Sanam
| note2  =  
| note2  =  
| extra2 = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] & Chorus
| extra2  = [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| lyrics2 = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| lyrics2 = Vairamuthu
| length2 = 5:28
| length2 = 5:31
 
| title3  = Oh...Ho...Sanam
| note3  =
| extra3 = [[Kamal Haasan]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| lyrics3 = Vairamuthu
| length3 = 5:31


| title4  = Mukundha Mukundha
| title4  = Mukundha Mukundha
| note4  =  
| note4  =  
| extra4  = [[Sadhana Sargam]], Kamal Haasan  
| extra4  = [[Sadhana Sargam]], Kamal Haasan  
| lyrics4 = [[Vaali (poet)|Vaali]]
| lyrics4 = Vaalee
| length4 = 6:32
| length4 = 6:32


Line 203: Line 185:


{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline     = Hindi Track list
| headline     = Hindi Track list
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| extra_column = Singer(s)
| total_length =
| total_length =  
 
| all_lyrics    = [[Sameer (lyricist)|Sameer]]
| title1  = Koi Tumsa
| title2        = Koi Tumsa
| note1  =  
| note2        =  
| extra1  = Vinit Singh
| extra2        = Vinit Singh
| lyrics1 = [[Sameer Anjaan (lyricist)|Sameer Anjaan]]
| lyrics1       =  
| length1 = 5:34
| length2      = 5:34
 
| title1        = Om Namo Narayan
| title2  = Om Namo Narayan
| note1        =  
| note2  =  
| extra1        = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] & Chorus
| extra2  = [[Hariharan (singer)|Hariharan]] & Chorus
| lyrics2       =  
| lyrics2 = Sameer Anjaan
| length1      = 5:28
| length2 = 5:28
| title3       = Oh Sanam Ho Sanam
 
| note3         =  
| title3 = Oh Sanam Ho Sanam
| extra3       = [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| note3   =  
| lyrics3       =  
| extra3 = [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| length3       = 5:31
| lyrics3 = Sameer Anjaan
| title4       = Mukundha Mukundha
| length3 = 5:31
| note4         =  
 
| extra4       = [[Sadhana Sargam]], [[Kamal Haasan]]
| title4 = Mukundha Mukundha
| lyrics4       =  
| note4   =  
| length4       = 6:32
| extra4 = [[Sadhana Sargam]], [[Kamal Haasan]]  
| title5       = Hey Black Ho Ya White
| lyrics4 = Sameer Anjaan
| note5         =  
| length4 = 6:32
| extra5       = [[Pop Shalini|Shalini Singh]]
 
| lyrics5       =  
| title5 = Hey Black Ho Ya White
| length5       = 5:06
| note5   =  
| title6       = Oh Sanam Ho Sanam {{small|(Re-Mix)}}
| extra5 = [[Pop Shalini|Shalini Singh]]
| note6         =  
| lyrics5 = Sameer Anjaan
| extra6       = [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| length5 = 5:06
| lyrics6       =  
 
| length6       = 3:47
| title6 = Oh Sanam Ho Sanam {{small|(Re-Mix)}}
| note6   =  
| extra6 = [[Shaan (singer)|Shaan]], [[Mahalakshmi Iyer]]
| lyrics6 = Sameer Anjaan
| length6 = 3:47
}}
}}


== Release ==
== Release ==
The film was delayed for multiple times when scheduled for a release in 2007 and also in [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]] 2008, due to extensive post-production works and in February 2008, Venu Ravichandran announced that Dasavaatharam will be released worldwide on 10 April 2008 in the eve of [[Tamil New Year]] weekend.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-02-12|title=Kamal's Dasavatharam set for April release|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/kamal-s-dasavatharam-set-for-april-release/story-EFfAHLH5KGjqO1ProZ9AlL.html|access-date=2021-06-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> But due to the success of inaugural [[2008 Indian Premier League|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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-04-30|title='IPL success worries Tamil showbiz'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ipl-success-worries-tamil-showbiz/story-oBadYdDtqVTooJa0CV8Q5L.html|access-date=2021-06-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-05-30|title='Dasavatharam' release postponed - Bollywood News|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/dasavatharam-release-postponed-hindi-news-38907|access-date=2021-06-27|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref> In late May 2008, the makers announced the release date as 13 June 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-06-13|title=Kamal starrer 'Dasavatharam' released|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kamal-starrer-dasavatharam-released-1170867|access-date=2021-06-27|website=DNA India|language=en}}</ref>
=== Theatrical ===
The film was delayed for multiple times when scheduled for a release in 2007 and also in [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]] 2008, due to extensive post-production works and in February 2008, V. Ravichandran announced that Dasavaatharam will be released worldwide 08 in the eve of [[Tamil New Year]] weekend.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-02-12|title=Kamal's Dasavatharam set for April release|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/kamal-s-dasavatharam-set-for-april-release/story-EFfAHLH5KGjqO1ProZ9AlL.html|access-date=2021-06-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627175718/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/kamal-s-dasavatharam-set-for-april-release/story-EFfAHLH5KGjqO1ProZ9AlL.html|url-status=live}}</ref> But due to the success of inaugural [[2008 Indian Premier League|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.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-04-30|title='IPL success worries Tamil showbiz'|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ipl-success-worries-tamil-showbiz/story-oBadYdDtqVTooJa0CV8Q5L.html|access-date=2021-06-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627174825/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/ipl-success-worries-tamil-showbiz/story-oBadYdDtqVTooJa0CV8Q5L.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In late May 2008, the makers announced the release date as 13 June 2008 along with Telugu dubbed version,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-06-13|title=Kamal starrer 'Dasavatharam' released|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kamal-starrer-dasavatharam-released-1170867|access-date=2021-06-27|website=DNA India|language=en|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627175718/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kamal-starrer-dasavatharam-released-1170867|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the Hindi dubbed version was postponed to 27 June 2008. The film was shown subsequently to the [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]], M. Karunanidhi, by the request of the producer on 8 June 2008.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=4 days D- Day- CM watches the film |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=8 June 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14690244&cid=2363 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612015704/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14690244&cid=2363 |archive-date=12 June 2008 }}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Surya: "Kamal has made me loose sleep for a month" |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=11 June 2008 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-08-02/dasavatharam-11-06-08.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080904102027/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-08-02/dasavatharam-11-06-08.html |archive-date= 4 September 2008 }}</ref> The film earned a total pre-release revenue of {{INR}} 500&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moviecrow.com/News/874/billa-2-press-release-distribution-rights |title=Billa 2 Press Release Distribution Rights |access-date=12 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013074729/http://www.moviecrow.com/News/874/billa-2-press-release-distribution-rights |archive-date=13 October 2016 }}</ref> from selling all its rights. [[Sony|Sony India]] distributed the film in [[North India]], whilst [[Ayngaran International]] sold the film to cinema halls in the United Kingdom, Singapore and the [[Persian Gulf|Gulf]].<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Ayngaran buys Dasavatharam! |publisher=Sify |access-date=27 May 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14681946 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527192241/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14681946 |archive-date=27 May 2008 }}</ref> Canadian rights for the film were bought by [[Walt Disney]], becoming the first distributional venture of an Indian film by the production house.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/4-days-for-d-day-cm-watches-the-film-news-tamil-kkftykdaegg.html |title=4 days for D- Day- CM watches the film |publisher=Sify |author=Moviebuzz |date=8 June 2008 |access-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506090610/http://www.sify.com/movies/4-days-for-d-day-cm-watches-the-film-news-tamil-kkftykdaegg.html |archive-date= 6 May 2012 }}</ref> Narmadha Travels acquired the rights from Aascar Films to distribute the film in the United States of America.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title='Dasavatharam' prints land in USA&nbsp;– Will take off in cinemas tomorrow |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=12 June 2008 |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39274.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613040949/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/39274.html |archive-date=13 June 2008 }}</ref> The satellite rights of the film were sold to [[Kalaignar TV]] for {{INR}} 45&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3173741,flstry-1.cms |title=Kalaignar TV buys Dasavatharam rights for 4.5 crore |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=28 June 2008 |access-date=27 October 2011 |first1=Krishna |last1=Gopalan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617111628/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3173741%2Cflstry-1.cms |archive-date=17 June 2011 }}</ref>
===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 [[Persian Gulf|Gulf]].<ref name="Ayngaran buys Dasavatharam!">{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Ayngaran buys Dasavatharam! |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=27 May 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14681946 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527192241/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14681946 |archive-date=27 May 2008 }}</ref> Canadian rights for the film were bought by [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures]] through their [[Buena Vista International]] label, becoming the first distributional venture of an Indian film by the production house.<ref name="Moviebuzz">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/4-days-for-d-day-cm-watches-the-film-news-tamil-kkftykdaegg.html |title=4 days for D- Day- CM watches the film |website=[[Sify]] |author=Moviebuzz |date=8 June 2008 |access-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506090610/http://www.sify.com/movies/4-days-for-d-day-cm-watches-the-film-news-tamil-kkftykdaegg.html |archive-date= 6 May 2012 }}</ref>
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]]<ref name="numbers"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-24/news-interviews/27896225_1_diwali-releases-star-studded-box-office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615080409/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-24/news-interviews/27896225_1_diwali-releases-star-studded-box-office|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2013|first1=Sreedhar|last1=Pillai|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Diwali dampeners|date=24 October 2008}}</ref> including 45 prints in Nizam region. The film opened in 25 screens in Hyderabad. The Malayalam version had 85 prints in [[Kerala]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mayyam.com/talk/archives/Tamil_Films/t11695_Nadipu_Kadavul_Kamal_Haasar_s_Dasavatharam_Part_9.html|title=Dasavatharam opens in 25 screens in Hyderabad|date=30 June 2008|work=Mayyam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192222/http://mayyam.com/talk/archives/Tamil_Films/t11695_Nadipu_Kadavul_Kamal_Haasar_s_Dasavatharam_Part_9.html |archive-date=2 January 2014}}</ref>


The film was dubbed and released in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] on the same date, with later release dates set for the [[Hindi]], [[Malayalam]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]] and [[Bhojpuri]] versions. The [[Central Board of Film Certification|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&nbsp;minutes.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Dasavatharam&nbsp;– Censor cuts! |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=14 May 2008 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-08-02/dasavatharam-14-05-08.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080705042046/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-08-02/dasavatharam-14-05-08.html |archive-date= 5 July 2008 }}</ref> The film released worldwide with 1,300 prints in all the respective languages. [[Tamil Nadu]] had 275 prints, [[Kerala]] had 85 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]]<ref name="numbers"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-24/news-interviews/27896225_1_diwali-releases-star-studded-box-office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615080409/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-24/news-interviews/27896225_1_diwali-releases-star-studded-box-office|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 June 2013|first1=Sreedhar|last1=Pillai|first2=Oct|last2=24|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=Diwali dampeners|date=24 October 2008}}</ref> including 45 prints in Nizam region. The film opened in 25 screens in Hyderabad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mayyam.com/talk/archives/Tamil_Films/t11695_Nadipu_Kadavul_Kamal_Haasar_s_Dasavatharam_Part_9.html|title=Dasavatharam opens in 25 screens in Hyderabad|date=30 June 2008|work=Mayyam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192222/http://mayyam.com/talk/archives/Tamil_Films/t11695_Nadipu_Kadavul_Kamal_Haasar_s_Dasavatharam_Part_9.html |archive-date=2 January 2014}}</ref>
=== 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.<ref>{{cite news|author=Srinivasan, Meera |title=Kamal in 'Dasavatharam' impresses Karunanidhi |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=20 April 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059140400.htm |location=Chennai, India |date=20 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423213916/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059140400.htm |archive-date=23 April 2008 }}</ref> 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 (actor)|Vijay]], all of whom were full of praise for the film.<ref>{{cite news|author=Shah, Kunal |year=2008 |title=Jackie-Mallika together again |newspaper=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |access-date=26 April 2008 |url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=Entertainment%20-%20Bollywood&sectid=30&contentid=2008042620080426020622346670e78b0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309123417/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=Entertainment%20-%20Bollywood&sectid=30&contentid=2008042620080426020622346670e78b0 |archive-date= 9 March 2013 }}</ref>


=== Controversies ===
===Home media===
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 Venu Ravichandran had "stolen" the script and left him out of the credits, violating the copyright act.<ref>{{cite web|year=2007 |title=TN HC stays release of Kamal Hassan's new film |publisher=OneIndia.com |access-date=20 January 2007 |url=http://news.oneindia.in/2007/01/20/hc-stays-release-of-kamals-new-film-1169303696.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524124727/http://news.oneindia.in/2007/01/20/hc-stays-release-of-kamals-new-film-1169303696.html |archive-date=24 May 2013 }}</ref> On the basis of this complaint, the Chennai police queried the actor and later accepted his explanation with the high court sent notices to Kamal Haasan and the producer of the film, Viswanathan 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 later in 2007. However, in September 2007, the Court dismissed the petition of Senthil Kumar against Kamal Haasan in the case, clearing the legal hurdles for the film.<ref>{{cite web|year=2007 |title=Dasavatharam story haunts Kamal |publisher=OneIndia.com |access-date=21 June 2007 |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2007/kamal-hassan-court-210607.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524131004/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/news/2007/kamal-hassan-court-210607.html |archive-date=24 May 2013 }}</ref>
The satellite rights of Tamil version of the film were sold to [[Kalaignar TV]] for {{INR}}4.5 crore.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3173741,flstry-1.cms |title=Kalaignar TV buys Dasavatharam rights for 4.5 crore |publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com |date=28 June 2008 |access-date=27 October 2011 |first1=Krishna |last1=Gopalan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617111628/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-3173741%2Cflstry-1.cms |archive-date=17 June 2011 }}</ref>


Following the audio launch on 25 April 2008, [[Mallika Sherawat]] received a police complaint against the issue 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/moral-police-targets-mallika-sherawat-news-tamil-kkft9Ucedag.html |title=Moral police targets Mallika Sherawat! |publisher=Sify |date=2 May 2008 |author=Moviebuzz |access-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030024139/http://www.sify.com/movies/moral-police-targets-mallika-sherawat-news-tamil-kkft9Ucedag.html |archive-date=30 October 2012 }}</ref>
=== Legal issues ===
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.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} 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.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}


In May 2008, the film was criticised by the [[Vishwa 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.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Dasavatharam in a religious tangle |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=2 May 2008 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-08-01/dasavatharam-02-05-08.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505050418/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-08-01/dasavatharam-02-05-08.html |archive-date= 5 May 2008 }}</ref> However, following the accusations, Venu Ravichandran announced that the film contains no controversial scenes and added that the film, based around the [[Hindu]] religion, will convert [[atheist]]s to [[theist]]s.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Dasavatharam taken to court! |publisher=Behindwoods |access-date=7 May 2008 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-08-01/dasavatharam-07-05-08.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510095546/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-08-01/dasavatharam-07-05-08.html |archive-date=10 May 2008 }}</ref> The charges were cleared on 29 May 2008 insisting that ''Dasavathaaram'' did not portray Hindu culture in bad light.<ref>{{cite news
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/moral-police-targets-mallika-sherawat-news-tamil-kkft9Ucedag.html |title=Moral police targets Mallika Sherawat! |website=[[Sify]] |date=2 May 2008 |author=Moviebuzz |access-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030024139/http://www.sify.com/movies/moral-police-targets-mallika-sherawat-news-tamil-kkft9Ucedag.html |archive-date=30 October 2012 }}</ref>
 
The charges were cleared on 29 May 2008 insisting that ''Dasavathaaram'' did not portray Hindu culture in bad light.<ref>{{cite news
  |title=Two petitions against 'Dasavatharam' dismissed
  |title=Two petitions against 'Dasavatharam' dismissed
  |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]
  |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]
Line 268: Line 253:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


=== Screenings ===
== Reception ==
The film's trailer was released publicly on 23 April 2008, a day after it was shown to special guests, which included M. Karunanidhi at a screen.<ref>{{cite news|author=Srinivasan, Meera |title=Kamal in 'Dasavatharam' impresses Karunanidhi |newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=20 April 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059140400.htm |location=Chennai, India |date=20 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080423213916/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/20/stories/2008042059140400.htm |archive-date=23 April 2008 }}</ref> 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]], [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], [[Mammooty]] and [[Amitabh Bachchan]], all of whom were full of praise for the film.<ref>{{cite news|author=Shah, Kunal |year=2008 |title=Jackie-Mallika together again |newspaper=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |access-date=26 April 2008 |url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=Entertainment%20-%20Bollywood&sectid=30&contentid=2008042620080426020622346670e78b0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309123417/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=Entertainment%20-%20Bollywood&sectid=30&contentid=2008042620080426020622346670e78b0 |archive-date= 9 March 2013 }}</ref>
=== Box office ===
==== India ====
''Dasavathaaram'' completed a 100-day run on 20 September 2008 in four screens in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 September 2008|title=Kamal Hassan's unique feat!|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14762841&cid=2363|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901185207/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14762841&cid=2363|archive-date=1 September 2015|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref>


The film was shown subsequently to the [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]], M. Karunanidhi by the request of the producer on 8 June 2008.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=4 days D- Day- CM watches the film |publisher=Sify |access-date=8 June 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14690244&cid=2363 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612015704/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=14690244&cid=2363 |archive-date=12 June 2008 }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Box Office&nbsp;— sify.com| website=[[Sify]] |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14702150&cid=13525926|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020003630/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14702150&cid=13525926|archive-date=20 October 2015|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|96|l|year=2008}} from 17 screens in Chennai in the opening weekend.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Box Office&nbsp;— sify.com| website=[[Sify]] |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14696360&cid=13525926|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816120247/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14696360&cid=13525926|archive-date=16 August 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|21|c|year=2008}} all over Tamil Nadu on its first weekend. It grossed {{INRConvert|60|l|year=2008}} outside South India in the three-day weekend.<ref name="weekend">{{cite news|author=Krishna, Sonali|date=17 June 2008|title=The Happening grosses $31.5 mn in US|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment_/The_Happening_grosses_315_mn_in_US/articleshow/3135416.cms|url-status=live|access-date=17 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624053413/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment_/The_Happening_grosses_315_mn_in_US/articleshow/3135416.cms|archive-date=24 June 2008}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|91|l|year=2008}} in a fortnight in Mayajaal multiplex.<ref>{{cite web|title=nakeeranarticlepage2tu8.jpg&nbsp;— Click to see more photos|url=http://imageshack.us/f/144/nakeeranarticlepage2tu8.jpg/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815211649/http://imageshack.us/f/144/nakeeranarticlepage2tu8.jpg/|archive-date=15 August 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> In Sathyam Cinemas multiplex, the film grossed {{INRConvert|90|l|year=2008}} in a fortnight.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nadipu Kadavul Kamal Haasar's Dasavatharam Part 9|url=http://mayyam.com/talk/archives/Tamil_Films/t11695_Nadipu_Kadavul_Kamal_Haasar_s_Dasavatharam_Part_9.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041804/http://mayyam.com/talk/archives/Tamil_Films/t11695_Nadipu_Kadavul_Kamal_Haasar_s_Dasavatharam_Part_9.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> The film stayed at No.1 position in Chennai box office for five consecutive weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Box Office&nbsp;— sify.com| website=[[Sify]] |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14721360&cid=13525926|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816104901/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14721360&cid=13525926|archive-date=16 August 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref>


== Reception ==
The Hindi version ''Dashavtar'', that was released after almost one year opened to a 5–10% response.<ref name="IBOgross">{{cite news|date=18 April 2009|title=Dashavtar Opens to a Poor Response|publisher=Box Office India Trade Network|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=887&nCat=box_office_report|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212191755/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=887&nCat=box_office_report|archive-date=12 December 2013}}</ref> ''Dashavtar'' netted {{INRConvert|1.93|c|year=2008}} in six weeks in North India and was declared as an average success.<ref>{{cite web|title=All India 2009 (Figures in INR Crore)|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=290&catName=MjAwOQ==|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020055631/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=290&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D|archive-date=20 October 2013|website=Box Office India}}</ref> The Malayalam version of the film grossed {{INRConvert|2|c|year=2008}} in Kerala in the first week.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gopalan|first1=Krishna|date=28 June 2008|title=Dasavatharam: India's most ambitious film to date|publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/Dasavatharam-Indias-most-ambitious-film-to-date/articleshow/3173741.cms?curpg=3|url-status=live|access-date=27 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617112111/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/Dasavatharam-Indias-most-ambitious-film-to-date/articleshow/3173741.cms?curpg=3|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref>


=== Critical reception ===
==== Other territories ====
Some critics felt that the plot was confusing and that Kamal Haasan's ten roles were forced, with only three relevant to the plot.{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=305}} [[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."<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Dasavathaaram (Review) |publisher=[[Sify]] |access-date=13 June 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?cid=2429&ctid=5&id=14693882 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615054015/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14693882&ctid=5&cid=2429 |archive-date=15 June 2008 }}</ref> ''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!"<ref>{{cite web|title=Dasavatharam Behindwoods Official Review |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/dasavatharam-movie-review.html |work=Behindwoods |access-date=24 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130813061841/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/dasavatharam-movie-review.html |archive-date=13 August 2013 }}</ref> ''IndiaGlitz'' said, "This is a movie that has highlighted a highly talented and passionate actor in his entire splendor. At the end of the film one tends to ask....has Kamal Haasan been so spectacular that he has overshadowed the script and story this time?"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/8148.html |title=Dasavatharam review. Dasavatharam Tamil movie review, story, rating&nbsp;— IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=12 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924160307/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/8148.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 }}</ref>
''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.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008|title=Overseas Total Box Office (June 13–15, 2008)|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/weekend/?yr=2008&wk=24&p=.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216043449/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/weekend/?yr=2008&wk=24&p=.htm|archive-date=16 December 2008|access-date=15 June 2008|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> In [[Malaysia]], the film opened in second place, having collected $601,000 from 58 screens on the opening weekend<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia Box Office, June 12–15, 2008|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2008&wk=24&p=.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612224542/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2008&wk=24&p=.htm|archive-date=12 June 2013|access-date=27 October 2011|publisher=Boxofficemojo.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|year=2008|title=Dasava's extraordinary collections!|url=http://www.theindiaweb.com/news/127/ARTICLE/1100/2008-06-24.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822031111/http://www.theindiaweb.com/news/127/ARTICLE/1100/2008-06-24.html|archive-date=22 August 2008|access-date=15 June 2008|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref> and $1,720,780 in nine weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia Box Office, August 7–10, 2008|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2008&wk=32&p=.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612202604/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2008&wk=32&p=.htm|archive-date=12 June 2013|access-date=27 October 2011|publisher=Boxofficemojo.com}}</ref>


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."<ref>{{cite web|title=Dasavathaaram |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/dasavathaaram-316 |work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=24 January 2013 |author=T S Sudhir |date=14 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522130616/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/dasavathaaram-316 |archive-date=22 May 2013 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news|title=Dasavatharam&nbsp;– The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Dasavatharam/movie-review/3127454.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=24 January 2013 |author=Nikhat Kazmi |date=13 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512043100/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Dasavatharam/movie-review/3127454.cms |archive-date=12 May 2012 }}</ref> ''[[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."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun142008/movies2008061373381.asp |title=Dasavathaaram |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=2013-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204024955/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun142008/movies2008061373381.asp |archive-date=4 December 2013 }}</ref> ''[[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!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/reviews/2008/dasavatharam-review-130608.html |title=Dasavatharam- Review |date=13 June 2008 |access-date=12 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524122738/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/reviews/2008/dasavatharam-review-130608.html |archive-date=24 May 2013 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/14/stories/2008061454122000.htm |location=Chennai, India |title='Dasavathaaram': in the manner of an epic |date=14 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110155924/http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/14/stories/2008061454122000.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=10 November 2012 }}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite web|author=Vijayasarathy, R G |year=2008 |title=Dasavathaaram is spectacular |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=13 June 2008 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/13dasa.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617213231/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/13dasa.htm |archive-date=17 June 2008 }}</ref>
The film grossed ₹200 crore (US${{To USD|2000|IND|year=2008}} million) worldwide, and is currently [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films|one of the highest-grossing Tamil films]] of all time.


=== Box office ===
=== Critical response ===
==== Domestic ====
''Dasavathaaram'' received positive reviews from critics, with critical acclaim on the performances of Kamal Haasan as the ten characters, script, 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 film's [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]] received mixed response.{{sfn|Dhananjayan|2011|p=305}}
''Dasavathaaram'' completed a 50-day run on 2 August 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dasavatharam celebrates 50-day run|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40450.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213161452/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/40450.html|archive-date=13 December 2014|publisher=Indiaglitz}}</ref> It completed a 100-day run on 20 September 2008 in four screens in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|date=20 September 2008|title=Kamal Hassan's unique feat!|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14762841&cid=2363|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901185207/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14762841&cid=2363|archive-date=1 September 2015|publisher=[[Sify]]}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Box Office&nbsp;— sify.com|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14702150&cid=13525926|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020003630/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14702150&cid=13525926|archive-date=20 October 2015|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|96|l|year=2008}} from 17 screens in Chennai in the opening weekend.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Box Office&nbsp;— sify.com|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14696360&cid=13525926|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816120247/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14696360&cid=13525926|archive-date=16 August 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|21|c|year=2008}} all over Tamil Nadu on its first weekend. It grossed {{INRConvert|60|l|year=2008}} outside South India in the three-day weekend.<ref name="weekend">{{cite news|author=Krishna, Sonali|date=17 June 2008|title=The Happening grosses $31.5 mn in US|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment_/The_Happening_grosses_315_mn_in_US/articleshow/3135416.cms|url-status=live|access-date=17 June 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624053413/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment_/The_Happening_grosses_315_mn_in_US/articleshow/3135416.cms|archive-date=24 June 2008}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|91|l|year=2008}} in a fortnight in Mayajaal multiplex.<ref>{{cite web|title=nakeeranarticlepage2tu8.jpg&nbsp;— Click to see more photos|url=http://imageshack.us/f/144/nakeeranarticlepage2tu8.jpg/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815211649/http://imageshack.us/f/144/nakeeranarticlepage2tu8.jpg/|archive-date=15 August 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> In Sathyam Cinemas multiplex, the film grossed {{INRConvert|90|l|year=2008}} in a fortnight.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nadipu Kadavul Kamal Haasar's Dasavatharam Part 9|url=http://mayyam.com/talk/archives/Tamil_Films/t11695_Nadipu_Kadavul_Kamal_Haasar_s_Dasavatharam_Part_9.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304041804/http://mayyam.com/talk/archives/Tamil_Films/t11695_Nadipu_Kadavul_Kamal_Haasar_s_Dasavatharam_Part_9.html|archive-date=4 March 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> The film stayed at No.1 position in Chennai box office for five consecutive weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai Box Office&nbsp;— sify.com|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14721360&cid=13525926|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816104901/http://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice.php?id=14721360&cid=13525926|archive-date=16 August 2016|access-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> In Chennai, the film grossed {{INRConvert|6.35|c|year=2008}} in three weeks,{{INRConvert|7.53|c|year=2008}} in four weeks, {{INRConvert|8.55|c|year=2008}} crore in five weeks, {{INRConvert|9.44|c|year=2008}} in six weeks and around {{INRConvert|10|c|year=2008}} in the lifetime run.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chennai box office rankings|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-2/top-ten-movies/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-dasavatharam.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912081548/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-slide-shows/movie-2/top-ten-movies/tamil-cinema-topten-movie-dasavatharam.html|archive-date=12 September 2008|access-date=6 November 2012|publisher=Behindwoods}}</ref>
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".<ref>{{cite web|author=Vijayasarathy, R G |year=2008 |title=Dasavathaaram is spectacular |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=13 June 2008 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/13dasa.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617213231/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jun/13dasa.htm |archive-date=17 June 2008 }}</ref> ''[[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."<ref>{{cite web|year=2008 |title=Dasavathaaram (Review) |website=[[Sify]] |access-date=13 June 2008 |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?cid=2429&ctid=5&id=14693882 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080615054015/http://sify.com/movies/tamil/review.php?id=14693882&ctid=5&cid=2429 |archive-date=15 June 2008 }}</ref>


The Hindi version ''Dashavtar'', that was released after almost one year opened to a poor 5–10% response.<ref name="IBOgross">{{cite news|date=18 April 2009|title=Dashavtar Opens to a Poor Response|publisher=Box Office India Trade Network|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=887&nCat=box_office_report|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212191755/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/boxdetail.php?page=shownews&articleid=887&nCat=box_office_report|archive-date=12 December 2013}}</ref> ''Dashavtar'' netted {{INRConvert|1.93|c|year=2008}} in six weeks in North India and was declared a "Flop".<ref>{{cite web|title=All India 2009 (Figures in INR Crore)|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=290&catName=MjAwOQ==|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020055631/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=290&catName=MjAwOQ%3D%3D|archive-date=20 October 2013|website=Box Office India}}</ref> The film grossed {{INRConvert|2|c|year=2008}} in Kerala in the first week.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gopalan|first1=Krishna|date=28 June 2008|title=Dasavatharam: India's most ambitious film to date|publisher=Economictimes.indiatimes.com|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/Dasavatharam-Indias-most-ambitious-film-to-date/articleshow/3173741.cms?curpg=3|url-status=live|access-date=27 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617112111/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/business-of-bollywood/Dasavatharam-Indias-most-ambitious-film-to-date/articleshow/3173741.cms?curpg=3|archive-date=17 June 2011}}</ref> In a fortnight, the Telugu version earned {{INRConvert|3.5|c|year=2008}} share in Nizam, {{INRConvert|1.5|c|year=2008}} in Ceded,{{INRConvert|1|c|year=2008}}  in Vizag,{{INRConvert|96|l|year=2008}}  in East and West Godav.<ref>{{cite web|date=8 July 2008|title=Dasavatharam's incredible box office run&nbsp;– an update|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/july-08-02/dasavatharam-08-07-08.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225929/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/july-08-02/dasavatharam-08-07-08.html|archive-date=23 September 2015|publisher=Behindwoods}}</ref>
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."<ref>{{cite web|title=Dasavathaaram |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/dasavathaaram-316 |work=[[NDTV]] |access-date=24 January 2013 |author=T S Sudhir |date=14 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522130616/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/dasavathaaram-316 |archive-date=22 May 2013 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite news|title=Dasavatharam&nbsp;– The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Dasavatharam/movie-review/3127454.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=24 January 2013 |author=Nikhat Kazmi |date=13 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512043100/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/movie-reviews/Dasavatharam/movie-review/3127454.cms |archive-date=12 May 2012 }}</ref> 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."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun142008/movies2008061373381.asp |title=Dasavathaaram |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=2013-01-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204024955/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Content/Jun142008/movies2008061373381.asp |archive-date=4 December 2013 }}</ref>


==== Overseas ====
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."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/14/stories/2008061454122000.htm |location=Chennai, India |title='Dasavathaaram': in the manner of an epic |date=14 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110155924/http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/14/stories/2008061454122000.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=10 November 2012 }}</ref> ''[[Ananda Vikatan]]'' rated the film 43 out of 100.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/humoursatire/44960--2|title=சினிமா விமர்சனம்: தசாவதாரம்|date=25 June 2008 |access-date=7 August 2022|archive-date=7 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220807200938/https://cinema.vikatan.com/humoursatire/44960--2|url-status=live}}</ref>
''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.<ref>{{cite web|year=2008|title=Overseas Total Box Office (June 13–15, 2008)|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/weekend/?yr=2008&wk=24&p=.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216043449/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/weekend/?yr=2008&wk=24&p=.htm|archive-date=16 December 2008|access-date=15 June 2008|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]}}</ref> In [[Malaysia]], the film opened in second place, having collected $601,000 from 58 screens on the opening weekend<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia Box Office, June 12–15, 2008|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2008&wk=24&p=.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612224542/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2008&wk=24&p=.htm|archive-date=12 June 2013|access-date=27 October 2011|publisher=Boxofficemojo.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|year=2008|title=Dasava's extraordinary collections!|url=http://www.theindiaweb.com/news/127/ARTICLE/1100/2008-06-24.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822031111/http://www.theindiaweb.com/news/127/ARTICLE/1100/2008-06-24.html|archive-date=22 August 2008|access-date=15 June 2008|publisher=[[Sify]]}}</ref> and $1,720,780 in nine weeks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia Box Office, August 7–10, 2008|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2008&wk=32&p=.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130612202604/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/malaysia/?yr=2008&wk=32&p=.htm|archive-date=12 June 2013|access-date=27 October 2011|publisher=Boxofficemojo.com}}</ref>


== Awards ==
=== Accolades ===


{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|- style="background:#ccc; vertical-align:bottom;"
|+{{Sronly|List of awards and nominations}}
! colspan="6" style="background: LightSteelBlue;" | List of awards and nominations
 
|-
|-
!scope="col"| Award
!scope="col"| Award
Line 304: Line 287:
!scope="col"| Result
!scope="col"| Result
!scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
!scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="4"|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]
!scope="row" rowspan="4"|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]]
|rowspan="4"| 28 September 2009
|rowspan="4"| 28 September 2009
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film Award]]
|[[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Film|Best Film Award]]
|[[Viswanathan Ravichandran]]
|[[V. Ravichandran (film producer)|V. Ravichandran]]
|{{won}}
|{{won}}
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4" |<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/rajini-kamal-win-best-actor-awards/article26297.ece |title=Rajini, Kamal win best actor awards |date=29 September 2009 |access-date=12 October 2016 |work=The Hindu|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203082724/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/rajini-kamal-win-best-actor-awards/article26297.ece |archive-date= 3 February 2014 }}</ref>
|style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4" |<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/rajini-kamal-win-best-actor-awards/article26297.ece |title=Rajini, Kamal win best actor awards |date=29 September 2009 |access-date=12 October 2016 |work=The Hindu|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203082724/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/rajini-kamal-win-best-actor-awards/article26297.ece |archive-date= 3 February 2014 }}</ref>
Line 328: Line 310:
| rowspan="15" | [[3rd Vijay Awards|13 June 2009]]
| rowspan="15" | [[3rd Vijay Awards|13 June 2009]]
| [[Vijay Award for Best Comedian|Best Comedian]]
| [[Vijay Award for Best Comedian|Best Comedian]]
| [[Kamal Haasan]]
| rowspan="4" | [[Kamal Haasan]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="15" | <ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.panasianbiz.com/entertainment/bollywood/vijay-awards-2008-winners-list-videos/|title= Vijay Awards Winners List, Photos and Videos|publisher= panasianbiz.com|access-date= 13 November 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120802021708/http://www.panasianbiz.com/entertainment/bollywood/vijay-awards-2008-winners-list-videos/|archive-date= 2 August 2012|url-status= dead}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="15" | <ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.panasianbiz.com/entertainment/bollywood/vijay-awards-2008-winners-list-videos/|title= Vijay Awards Winners List, Photos and Videos|publisher= panasianbiz.com|access-date= 13 November 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120802021708/http://www.panasianbiz.com/entertainment/bollywood/vijay-awards-2008-winners-list-videos/|archive-date= 2 August 2012|url-status= dead}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Vijay Award for Best Villain|Best Villain]]
| [[Vijay Award for Best Villain|Best Villain]]
| [[Kamal Haasan]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| [[Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer|Best Story, Screenplay Writer]]
| [[Vijay Award for Best Story, Screenplay Writer|Best Story, Screenplay Writer]]
| [[Kamal Haasan]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
| [[Vijay Award for Favourite Hero]]
| [[Vijay Award for Favourite Hero]]
| [[Kamal Haasan]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
|-
|-
Line 388: Line 367:
| {{nom}}
| {{nom}}
|-
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|'''V. Shantaram Awards'''
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|V. Shantaram Awards
|rowspan="2"| January 2009
|rowspan="2"| January 2009
| Best Sound Award
| Best Sound Award
| [[H. Sridhar]]
| [[H. Sridhar]]
| {{won}}
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tzp-wins-v-shantaram-award-for-best-film/story-K2EJqidXHMm9qYktYzx0hM.html |title=TZP wins V Shantaram award for Best Film |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=28 January 2009 |access-date=10 December 2019}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tzp-wins-v-shantaram-award-for-best-film/story-K2EJqidXHMm9qYktYzx0hM.html |title=TZP wins V Shantaram award for Best Film |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=28 January 2009 |access-date=10 December 2019 |archive-date=10 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210101658/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tzp-wins-v-shantaram-award-for-best-film/story-K2EJqidXHMm9qYktYzx0hM.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|-
| Best Actor
| Best Actor
Line 400: Line 379:
|}
|}


== Spin-off ==
== Cancelled spin-off ==
A spin off film ''[[Sabaash Naidu]]'', based on this film's character Balaram Naidu (a RAW operative) was planned but due to some financial issues the film was dropped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sabash-naidu-kamal-haasan-returns-back-to-india-marudhanayam/1/839820.html |title=SEE PIC: Kamal Haasan returns to India, snapped at the airport |work=India Today |access-date=22 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222072618/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sabash-naidu-kamal-haasan-returns-back-to-india-marudhanayam/1/839820.html |archive-date=22 December 2016 }}</ref>
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/sabash-naidu-kamal-haasan-returns-back-to-india-marudhanayam-358806-2016-12-21 |title=SEE PIC: Kamal Haasan returns to India, snapped at the airport |work=India Today |date=21 December 2016 |access-date=22 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222072618/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sabash-naidu-kamal-haasan-returns-back-to-india-marudhanayam/1/839820.html |archive-date=22 December 2016 }}</ref>


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films set in Chennai]]
[[Category:Indian disaster films]]
[[Category:Indian disaster films]]
[[Category:Indian fantasy films]]
[[Category:Indian fantasy action films]]
[[Category:Indian science fiction films]]
[[Category:Indian science fiction action films]]
[[Category:Films about tsunamis]]
[[Category:Films about tsunamis]]
[[Category:Disaster films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Disaster films based on actual events]]
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[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Chennai]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. S. Ravikumar]]
[[Category:Films directed by K. S. Ravikumar]]
[[Category:2000s Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2008 Tamil-language films]]
[[Category:2008 Indian films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Kamal Haasan]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Kamal Haasan]]
[[Category:Films scored by Himesh Reshammiya]]
[[Category:Films scored by Himesh Reshammiya]]
[[Category:Films scored by Devi Sri Prasad]]
[[Category:Films scored by Devi Sri Prasad]]
[[Category:Films about terrorism]]
[[Category:Films about terrorism in India]]
[[Category:Films set in the 12th century]]
[[Category:Films set in the 12th century]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Manmohan Singh]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of Manmohan Singh]]
[[Category:Films involved in plagiarism controversies]]
[[Category:Films involved in plagiarism controversies]]
[[Category:Films about the Research and Analysis Wing]]
[[Category:Films about the Research & Analysis Wing]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Indian martial arts films]]
[[Category:Indian martial arts films]]
[[Category:2008 martial arts films]]
[[Category:2008 martial arts films]]
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[[Category:Films set in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Films set in Tokyo]]
[[Category:Films set in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Films set in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Indian action thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian science fiction thriller films]]
[[Category:Indian action adventure films]]
[[Category:Weapons of mass destruction in fiction]]
[[Category:Weapons of mass destruction in fiction]]
[[Category:Techno-thriller films]]
[[Category:Techno-thriller films]]
[[Category:Films about reincarnation]]
[[Category:Films about infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Films about infectious diseases]]
[[Category:2008 action thriller films]]
[[Category:2008 action thriller films]]
[[Category:Sony Pictures Networks India films]]
[[Category:Films subject to a lawsuit]]
[[Category:Indian intellectual property law]]
[[Category:Biopunk films]]
[[Category:Twins in Indian films]]
[[Category:Tamil-language Indian films]]
[[Category:Religious controversies in film]]
[[Category:Religious controversies in India]]
[[Category:2008 controversies]]
[[Category:Films set in the Chola Empire]]
[[Category:Cultural depictions of George W. Bush]]
[[Category:Films about the Central Intelligence Agency]]
[[Category:Films set in 2004]]
[[Category:Films set in Japan]]
[[Category:Films set in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Hindu mythological films]]
[[Category:Films about mercenaries]]
[[Category:Films shot in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Japan in non-Japanese culture]]

Latest revision as of 20:10, 19 March 2026


Template:For-multi

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

Dasavathaaram (transl. The 10 Avatars) is a 2008 Indian Tamil-language epic science fiction action film directed by K. S. Ravikumar, written by Kamal Haasan and produced by V. Ravichandran under Aascar Film Pvt. Ltd. It stars Kamal Haasan in 10 distinct roles with Asin (in her penultimate Tamil film appearance and played in a dual roles), alongside an ensemble cast of Jaya Prada, Mallika Sherawat, K. R. Vijaya, Rekha Harris, Nagesh, P. Vasu, Raghuram, Napoleon and M. S. Bhaskar. In the film, a biotechnology scientist named Govind is forced to steal a vial containing a deadly bioweapon from his corrupt boss, who intended to sell it to a terrorist nation, and keep it contained. During that, Govind is hunted by an American mercenary named Christian Fletcher and a Telugu police officer named Balram Naidu and a set of dark events. Several other people also get involved in Govind's journey and all their stories connect after the striking of 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, thus bringing philosophical views into the picture. The film incorporates numerous themes and philosophies, such as Theism, Vaishnavism, existence of God, determinism, casteism, chaos theory and butterfly effect.

The film, which had been under production for nearly three years, was distributed by V. Ravichandran. Primary filming locations included the United States and across Tamil Nadu in India. The songs were composed by Himesh Reshammiya, while the background score was composed by Devi Sri Prasad. The cinematography and editing were handled by Ravi Varman and K. Thanigachalam respectively.

After delays in post-production, Dasavathaaram was released on 13 June 2008 in around 1300 prints worldwide[2] and received positive reviews from critics. Though its Hindi version was an average success, the film was a massive success at the box-office. Dasavathaaram is the first South indian and Tamil movie to surpass ₹200 crore worldwide box-office gross and was the highest-grossing Tamil film of all time, until it was surpassed by Enthiran (2010).[3]

Plot[edit | edit source]

A prologue, set in the 12th century, where Rangarajan Nambi, a devout Vaishnavite, resists King Kulothunga II's efforts to desecrate a Vishnu idol. Nambi is executed by drowning, along with the idol, setting a thematic backdrop for the story.

In 2004, Govindarajan Ramaswamy, an Indian scientist in the U.S., is working on a bio-weapon—a synthetic virus. When a lab monkey dies after ingesting the virus, Govind realizes the threat it poses. After discovering that his superior, Dr. Sethu, plans to sell the virus to terrorists, Govind flees with the vial. During a scuffle, the vial is mistakenly shipped to India. Christian Fletcher, a mercenary ex-CIA agent hired to retrieve the vial, kills several people in pursuit, including Govind's friend Suresh and his wife Yuka. Govind follows the package to Chidambaram, where it ends up with an elderly woman, Krishnaveni, who unknowingly hides it inside a Vishnu idol. Govind's attempts to retrieve it are complicated by Fletcher's pursuit, the local police, and Krishnaveni's devout granddaughter, Andal, who believes he is trying to steal the idol.

Multiple subplots unfold: Fletcher's translator-wife and partner-in-crime, Jasmine, is killed during a skirmish involving a rogue elephant; Yukha's brother Shingen, a Japanese martial artist arrives to avenge Yuka's death; and Telugu police officer Balram Naidu investigates Govind's activities. Along the way, Govind and Andal encounter various characters, including social activist Vincent Poovaraghan and a Muslim family headed by the towering Khalifulla. The vial is accidentally switched with a medicine cooler belonging to singer Avatar Singh, who is being treated for throat cancer. Eventually, Fletcher takes hostages, demanding the virus in exchange. After a series of chases and confrontations—including one at Avatar's concert—the vial ends up back in the idol.

Govind attempts to neutralize the virus by immersing it in the ocean after finding out that sodium chloride weakens it. A fight breaks out at a construction site between Govind and Fletcher, with Shingen intervening. Fletcher swallows the virus but dies as a massive tsunami hits the coast. The natural disaster wipes out the threat, killing Fletcher and causing widespread destruction. Govind, Andal, and others survive. Andal believes the tsunami was divine intervention, but Govind maintains a rationalist view, questioning the morality of such devastation as a means of salvation. They then profess their love for each other. Govind is honored for his efforts with an event, attended by world leaders, and a final glimpse of Nambi's idolized remains washed ashore.

Cast[edit | edit source]

Kamal Haasan plays ten different characters in the movie and had to wear excessive prosthetic makeup to portray all of them except Rangarajan Nambi and Govind.
  • Kamal Haasan in decuple role as:
    1. Ramaswamy Rangarajan Ramanuja Nambi, a 12th-century Vaishnavite priest who tries to prevent the destruction of the statue of Vishnu and got killed by Chola Emperor Kulothunga II; the ancestor of Govind
    2. Govindarajan "Govind" Ramaswamy, a Tamil American bio-scientist who discovers the bioweapon and whose sole mission is to protect it.
    3. Balram Naidu, a Telugu high-ranking police officer in India, who initially labels Govind as a terrorist and later pursues Fletcher to retrieve the vial.
    4. Avathar Singh, a Punjabi pop singer, who suffers from advanced-stage throat cancer.
    5. Shingen Narahashi, a Japanese martial artist who wants to take revenge on Fletcher for killing his sister Yuka and protects Govind from Fletcher.
    6. Christian Fletcher, an American ex-CIA agent and mercenary, who wants possession of the vial for bioterrorism.
    7. George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States.
    8. Krishnaveni, an insane centenarian woman in Chidambaram, who is Andal's great-grandmother.
    9. Vincent Poovaraghan a Kanyakumari Tamilan social activist, who is against a politically-backed sand mafia.
    10. Khalifullah Khan Mukhtar, a Pakistani-Tamil tailor with gigantism, who helps Govind and Andal.
  • Asin in dual roles as
    • Kodhai Radha, Nambi's wife
    • Andal, Govind's fiancee and Krishnaveni's great granddaughter
  • Jaya Prada as Ranjita Kaur, Avathar Singh's wife
  • Mallika Sherawat as Jasmine, a skilled assassin who marries Fletcher to become his translator
  • Rekha as Meenakshi, Ragavendra's wife
  • K. R. Vijaya as Begum, Mukhtaar's wife and Khalifullah's mother
  • Napoleon as Kulothunga Chola II
  • Raghuram as Appa Rao, Naidu's assistant
  • Nagesh as Sheikh Mukhtaar, Khalifullah's father
  • Chakri Toleti as Sairam, Govind's friend
  • Shammu as Assistant Biotechnologist Suresh
  • Akash as Inspector Bharath
  • Ramesh Kanna as Doctor Pradeep
  • Raj Toleti as Dr. Setu, Govind's chief doctor
  • M. S. Bhaskar as Broadway Kumar, Fletcher's assistant in India
  • P. Vasu as J. Ragavendra
  • Santhana Bharathi as Sundaram, Ragavendra's brother-in-law
  • R. Sundarrajan as MLA Jeevan
  • Kabilan as Kabilan, Vincent Poovaraghan's supporter
  • Chitti Babu as Ekambaram, Balram's aide
  • Vaiyapuri as Prabhu, courier man
  • Kesava Chandra as Young Lord Krishna in the song "Mukundha Mukundha" (uncredited)
  • J. Jayalalithaa (archive footage)
  • K. S. Ravikumar special appearance in the song "Ulaga Nayagane"
  • Ravivarman special appearance in the song "Ulaga Nayagane"

Production[edit | edit source]

Pre-production[edit | edit source]

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 Kamal Haasan came together for the fourth time following their three previous successful ventures, Avvai Shanmughi, Thenali and Panchatanthiram.

Development[edit | edit source]

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.[5]

Following nearly a year of pre-production, deciding the cast and the locations, the film began its first schedule on 11 September 2006.[6]

Casting[edit | edit source]

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.[7] Actors, Jayaram and Vadivelu opted out of the film during the production of the project, citing date problems.[8]

Filming[edit | edit source]

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.[9] 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.[10]

Major portions of the films were shot extensively in overseas locations which included the US, Tokyo, Malaysia and Thailand.[11] The film's final shoot occurred on 8 October 2007 at Uthandi, a coastal village.[6]

Soundtrack[edit | edit source]

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.[12] Kamal, who quickly wanted the tunes, roped in Himesh Reshammiya, for whom Dasavathaaram became his Tamil film debut and only Tamil film to date.[13] 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.[14]

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.[15] 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.[16] The event hosted by Shobana, was attended by all the artistes of the film apart from producer V. Ravichandran, who avoids attending public events.[citation needed] The soundtrack album was acquired by Sony BMG, purchasing their first Tamil film, for a record of ₹20 million (US$280,000).[2]

Rediff, however, gave 2 out of 5 stars and concluded that the album was "a mediocre listening experience."[17]

Tamil Track list
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Ulaga Nayagan"VairamuthuVinit Singh5:34
2."Oh...Ho...Sanam"VairamuthuKamal Haasan, Mahalakshmi Iyer5:31
3."Kallaimattum Kandal"VaaleeHariharan & Chorus5:28
4."Mukundha Mukundha"VaaleeSadhana 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

All lyrics are written by Sameer.

Hindi Track list
No.TitleSinger(s)Length
1."Om Namo Narayan"Hariharan & Chorus5:28
2."Koi Tumsa"Vinit Singh5:34
3."Oh Sanam Ho Sanam"Shaan, Mahalakshmi Iyer5:31
4."Mukundha Mukundha"Sadhana Sargam, Kamal Haasan6:32
5."Hey Black Ho Ya White"Shalini Singh5:06
6."Oh Sanam Ho Sanam (Re-Mix)"Shaan, Mahalakshmi Iyer3:47

Release[edit | edit source]

Theatrical[edit | edit source]

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 08 in the eve of Tamil New Year weekend.[18] 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.[19] In late May 2008, the makers announced the release date as 13 June 2008 along with Telugu dubbed version,[20] However, the Hindi dubbed version was postponed to 27 June 2008. The film was shown subsequently to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, by the request of the producer on 8 June 2008.[21]

Distribution[edit | edit source]

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.[22] Canadian rights for the film were bought by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through their Buena Vista International label, becoming the first distributional venture of an Indian film by the production house.[23]

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[2][24] including 45 prints in Nizam region. The film opened in 25 screens in Hyderabad. The Malayalam version had 85 prints in Kerala.[25]

Marketing[edit | edit source]

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.[26] 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.[27]

Home media[edit | edit source]

The satellite rights of Tamil version of the film were sold to Kalaignar TV for ₹4.5 crore.[28]

Legal issues[edit | edit source]

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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]

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.[29]

The charges were cleared on 29 May 2008 insisting that Dasavathaaram did not portray Hindu culture in bad light.[30]

Reception[edit | edit source]

Box office[edit | edit source]

India[edit | edit source]

Dasavathaaram completed a 100-day run on 20 September 2008 in four screens in Chennai.[31]

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.[32] The film grossed ₹96 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.2 crore or US$300,000 in 2019) from 17 screens in Chennai in the opening weekend.[33] The film grossed ₹21 crore (equivalent to ₹47 crore or US$6.6 million in 2019) all over Tamil Nadu on its first weekend. It grossed ₹60 lakh (equivalent to ₹1.3 crore or US$190,000 in 2019) outside South India in the three-day weekend.[34] The film grossed ₹91 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.0 crore or US$290,000 in 2019) in a fortnight in Mayajaal multiplex.[35] In Sathyam Cinemas multiplex, the film grossed ₹90 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.0 crore or US$280,000 in 2019) in a fortnight.[36] The film stayed at No.1 position in Chennai box office for five consecutive weeks.[37]

The Hindi version Dashavtar, that was released after almost one year opened to a 5–10% response.[38] Dashavtar netted ₹1.93 crore (equivalent to ₹4.3 crore or US$610,000 in 2019) in six weeks in North India and was declared as an average success.[39] The Malayalam version of the film grossed ₹2 crore (equivalent to ₹4.5 crore or US$630,000 in 2019) in Kerala in the first week.[40]

Other territories[edit | edit source]

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.[41] In Malaysia, the film opened in second place, having collected $601,000 from 58 screens on the opening weekend[42][43] and $1,720,780 in nine weeks.[44]

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[edit | edit source]

Dasavathaaram received positive reviews from critics, with critical acclaim on the performances of Kamal Haasan as the ten characters, script, 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 film's CGI received mixed response.[45]

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".[46] 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."[47]

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."[48] 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."[49] 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."[50]

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."[51] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 43 out of 100.[52]

Accolades[edit | edit source]

List of awards and nominations
Award Date of ceremony[lower-alpha 1] Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 28 September 2009 Best Film Award V. Ravichandran Won [53]
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 [54]
Best Villain Won
Best Story, Screenplay Writer Won
Vijay Award for Favourite Hero Won
Best Costume Designer Gautami Won
Best Art Director Samir Chanda, M. Prabhaharan, Thota Tharani Won
Best Actor Kamal Haasan Nominated
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 [55]
Best Actor Kamal Haasan Nominated

Cancelled spin-off[edit | edit source]

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.[56]

Notes[edit | edit source]

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

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Baahubali to Thuppakki: Tamil Cinema's 100 Cr Films". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Gopalan, Krishna (28 June 2008). "Dasavatharam: India's most ambitious film to date". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 1 July 2008. Retrieved 28 June 2008.
  3. ↑ "This superstar gave Tamil cinema's first Rs 200 crore hit; and it's not Rajinikanth, Thalapathy Vijay, Ajith, or Vikram". dnaindia.com. 2 July 2023. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  4. ↑ Kamath, Sudhish (6 January 2007). "The next big things". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 18 June 2007. Retrieved 6 January 2007.
  5. ↑ Pyramid Saimira funds Dasavatharam
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Uthandi to Uthandi!". Sify. 2007. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 11 October 2007.
  7. ↑ "The latest on 'Dasavatharam'". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 4 October 2007.
  8. ↑ "'I love watching Kamal Haasan'". Archived from the original on 9 December 2020. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  9. ↑ "Kamal Hassan on Dasavatharam". Sify. 2008. Archived from the original on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 9 May 2008.
  10. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (20 April 2008). "Kamal in 'Dasavatharam' impresses Karunanidhi". The Hindu. Chennai. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 24 April 2012.
  11. ↑ "Jackie Chan: Actor, Singer, Bollywood Star?". Asia Pacific Arts UCLA. 2 May 2008. Archived from the original on 4 March 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  12. ↑ "I didn't have time for Dasavatharam, saysAR Rahman". Hindustan Times. 29 April 2008. Archived from the original on 16 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  13. ↑ Rajeev Masand (31 May 2008). "Rahman, Man who delivers music from the heart". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 9 April 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  14. ↑ "I want to make Kamal Sir sing". Rediff. 27 May 2008. Archived from the original on 9 March 2013. Retrieved 25 April 2012.
  15. ↑ Sreedhar Pillai (21 April 2008). "When stars descend on namma Chennai". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  16. ↑ Warrier, Shobha (2008). "Kamal, Jackie bring the house down". Rediff. Archived from the original on 1 May 2008. Retrieved 25 April 2008.
  17. ↑ "Dasavatharam music is mediocre". Rediff. 28 April 2008. Archived from the original on 6 June 2009.
  18. ↑ "Kamal's Dasavatharam set for April release". Hindustan Times. 12 February 2008. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  19. ↑ "'IPL success worries Tamil showbiz'". Hindustan Times. 30 April 2008. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  20. ↑ "Kamal starrer 'Dasavatharam' released". DNA India. 13 June 2008. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
  21. ↑ "4 days D- Day- CM watches the film". Sify. 2008. Archived from the original on 12 June 2008. Retrieved 8 June 2008.
  22. ↑ "Ayngaran buys Dasavatharam!". Sify. 2008. Archived from the original on 27 May 2008. Retrieved 27 May 2008.
  23. ↑ Moviebuzz (8 June 2008). "4 days for D- Day- CM watches the film". Sify. Archived from the original on 6 May 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  24. ↑ Pillai, Sreedhar (24 October 2008). "Diwali dampeners". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013.
  25. ↑ "Dasavatharam opens in 25 screens in Hyderabad". Mayyam. 30 June 2008. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014.
  26. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (20 April 2008). "Kamal in 'Dasavatharam' impresses Karunanidhi". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 23 April 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2008.
  27. ↑ Shah, Kunal (2008). "Jackie-Mallika together again". Mumbai Mirror. Archived from the original on 9 March 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2008.
  28. ↑ Gopalan, Krishna (28 June 2008). "Kalaignar TV buys Dasavatharam rights for 4.5 crore". Economictimes.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  29. ↑ Moviebuzz (2 May 2008). "Moral police targets Mallika Sherawat!". Sify. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2012.
  30. ↑ "Two petitions against 'Dasavatharam' dismissed". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 30 May 2008. Archived from the original on 30 May 2008. Retrieved 30 May 2008.
  31. ↑ "Kamal Hassan's unique feat!". Sify. 20 September 2008. Archived from the original on 1 September 2015.
  32. ↑ "Chennai Box Office — sify.com". Sify. Archived from the original on 20 October 2015. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  33. ↑ "Chennai Box Office — sify.com". Sify. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  34. ↑ Krishna, Sonali (17 June 2008). "The Happening grosses $31.5 mn in US". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 24 June 2008. Retrieved 17 June 2008.
  35. ↑ "nakeeranarticlepage2tu8.jpg — Click to see more photos". Archived from the original on 15 August 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  36. ↑ "Nadipu Kadavul Kamal Haasar's Dasavatharam Part 9". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  37. ↑ "Chennai Box Office — sify.com". Sify. Archived from the original on 16 August 2016. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  38. ↑ "Dashavtar Opens to a Poor Response". Box Office India Trade Network. 18 April 2009. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013.
  39. ↑ "All India 2009 (Figures in INR Crore)". Box Office India. Archived from the original on 20 October 2013.
  40. ↑ Gopalan, Krishna (28 June 2008). "Dasavatharam: India's most ambitious film to date". Economictimes.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 17 June 2011. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  41. ↑ "Overseas Total Box Office (June 13–15, 2008)". Box Office Mojo. 2008. Archived from the original on 16 December 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
  42. ↑ "Malaysia Box Office, June 12–15, 2008". Boxofficemojo.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  43. ↑ "Dasava's extraordinary collections!". Sify. 2008. Archived from the original on 22 August 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2008.
  44. ↑ "Malaysia Box Office, August 7–10, 2008". Boxofficemojo.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  45. ↑ Dhananjayan 2011, p. 305.
  46. ↑ Vijayasarathy, R G (2008). "Dasavathaaram is spectacular". Rediff. Archived from the original on 17 June 2008. Retrieved 13 June 2008.
  47. ↑ "Dasavathaaram (Review)". Sify. 2008. Archived from the original on 15 June 2008. Retrieved 13 June 2008.
  48. ↑ T S Sudhir (14 June 2008). "Dasavathaaram". NDTV. Archived from the original on 22 May 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  49. ↑ Nikhat Kazmi (13 June 2008). "Dasavatharam – The Times of India". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  50. ↑ "Dasavathaaram". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  51. ↑ "'Dasavathaaram': in the manner of an epic". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 14 June 2008. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012.
  52. ↑ "சினிமா விமர்சனம்: தசாவதாரம்". 25 June 2008. Archived from the original on 7 August 2022. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  53. ↑ "Rajini, Kamal win best actor awards". The Hindu. 29 September 2009. Archived from the original on 3 February 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  54. ↑ "Vijay Awards Winners List, Photos and Videos". panasianbiz.com. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
  55. ↑ "TZP wins V Shantaram award for Best Film". Hindustan Times. 28 January 2009. Archived from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  56. ↑ "SEE PIC: Kamal Haasan returns to India, snapped at the airport". India Today. 21 December 2016. Archived from the original on 22 December 2016. Retrieved 22 December 2016.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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