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Dasavatharam.

Directed by K. S. Ravikumar

Bio-technologist Govind K Somaiyya sets about on a precarious journey to India to retrieve a vial containing a deadly virus and prevent it from reaching the wrong hands of an ex-CIA agent and deadly assassins.

Kamal Haasan Asin Thottumkal Mallika Sherawat Jaya Prada Napoleon P. Vasu Raghuram Chakri Toleti Shammu M. S. Bhaskar Vaiyapuri Chitti Babu Santhana Bharathi R. Sundarrajan Nagesh K R Vijaya Ramesh Khanna David W. Scott Brian Jennings Rekha

Director Director

K. S. Ravikumar

Producer Producer

V. Ravichandran

Writers Writers

Kamal Haasan Atul Tiwari

Editors Editors

Ashmith Kunder Thanigachalam

Cinematography Cinematography

Ravi Varman

Art Direction Art Direction

M. Prabhaharan

Stunts Stunts

Kanal Kannan Andrew Scott Dixon Grady Allen Bishop

Composers Composers

Himesh Reshammiya Devi Sri Prasad

Songs Songs

Vaali Vairamuthu

Costume Design Costume Design

Gautami Tadimalla

Makeup Makeup

Michael Mosher Ralis Kahn

Aascar Films

Alternative Titles

Dashavtar, Dasavathaaram, Thasavatharam, 神之化身

Action Adventure

Epic heroes Bollywood emotional dramas Show All…

Releases by Date

13 jun 2008, releases by country.

• Theatrical U

188 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Michael James ★★★½

An ambitious dramatic thriller, that has a decent storyline and narrative, blending mythological elements, bio weapon and chaos theory into a road adventure comedy drama. But above all, it really stands out for the passionate and remarkable effort of Kamal Haasan in playing 10 different roles. The way he distinctively differentiates each through his getups, body language, mannerisms and voice variations is a separate feast on its own. Among them, the impeccable comic timing of Balram Naidu and impactful Vincent Poovaraghan impress the most. Though VFX doesn’t stand up with time, the period portions in the initial 20 minutes and the climax tsunami portions get effectively executed. It’s not a flawless movie, but it is one honest and inventive movie that is worth watching.

Review by apurupa217 ★★★ 1

Kamal Haasan : I have a globe trotting sci-fi action thriller based on the butterfly effect with ten main characters, exploring themes of humanity, morality, religion and faith, and spanning from the chola empire to the 2004 tsunami to present day Chennai.  Aascar Ravichandran, reading the script:  oh what an idea sir! You’re the right person to play the hero. Who’s the villain?  Kamal Haasan : Me only, Aascar. Who else?  Aascar Ravichandran : sir but the script says he’s a white man sir Kamal, putting on a blonde wig and blue contact lens : 🙋🏼‍♂️ Aascar Ravichandran : Okay…now we need a Japanese martial artist, a 7ft tall man with a speech impediment, a Telugu guy fluent in Tamil, a dark skinned actor, a 95yr…

Review by Vishnu 'Lekha' ★★★

telugu kamal haasan screams to white kamal hassan, " not for eating" as white kamal hassan bites into the ebola cocktail that scientist kamal hassan made. scientist kamal hassan looses his shit as all his efforts goes to waste and the whole world is about to die, and suddenly japanese kamal hassan(who has mostly been silent throughout) points to the ocean and screams at the top of his lungs" tsunami".

this is one of my favorite moments from this film, my favourite fan service, commercial masala film.

Review by irmavep 2

I didn't like this (though it has moments!) but I do admire how utterly shameless it is, and how weird, and of course Kamal's commitment to doing the absolute fucking most.

Review by Naveen ★★★★

First 20 minutes is cinema. Rest is bonus

Review by Vasanthan 1

Azhagiya singer na theriyuma Azhagiya singer na Madonna Naasama pochu Illa namma singer talented thaan aana konjam glamour kammi

😂😂😂😂 GOLD. Still slaps. Haasan literally took that famous joke that he can play all characters in a movie way too personally. One of the famous discourses of our time that Kamal ll one day break Sivaji's record of playing maximum number of characters in a single movie (Navarathri) considering he is the spiritual son, the new acting legend of our soil and glad atleast this happened considering some of his other dreams like Marudhanayagam went unrequited n our gen was around to witness n celebrate it. Have so many fond memories from back then of watching it multiple times in…

Review by Kastu Durden ★★★★

Dhasavatharam :- Dhasavatharam handles the fictionalized story of preventing the hazardous consequences caused by bio-weapon and indicates how the devotional icon, God plays a role in each way to make this succeed indirectly, a merge of science and religion before the real Tsunami incident happened in December 2004 in a decent and low-key approach but keep the engagement in this film by highly entertaining action and comic moments with 10 different roles portrayed by our well-known finest artist, Kamal Hassan. The first thing that makes me admire this film is the decision of creating 10 characters and amazing performance from each character done by Kamal sir even under the makeup. Rangaraja Nambi, Balram Naidu, Poovaraaga, Kalifulla and the Main protagonist…

Review by Insoll ★★★★

Kamal Haasan Unhinged.

Review by Sharath Srivatsan ★★★★

Call me biased couldn’t give less of a fuck

Ulaghamengilum Unnai minjida yaaru Unnai pettrathil Perumai kolluthu naadu… ULAGANAYAGANE

Review by aarabikuga ★★½

GEORGE BUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this guy acted as george bush GODDD someone take my life

Review by Pruthveshwar ★★★ 2

This could have been a masterpiece. If only. Sigh!

Review by Deepak Chazhoor ★★★★★

Pure guilty pleasure.

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Dasavatharam

Critics reviews, audience reviews, cast & crew.

K.S. Ravikumar

Kamal Hassan

Rangaraja Nambi

Mallika Sherawat

Kulothunga Chola II

Ranjitha Kaur

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

Dasavatharam

• After realizing the danger of a bio-weapon, a scientist wants to protect it from being misused. The vial accidentally reaches India, and he must race against time to prevent a potential disaster.
• U.S.-based Bio-technologist, Govind K. Somaiyya, narrates from a stadium a tale of religious conflict in India - even before the appearance of Jesus and Allah. This conflict was between worshipers of Bhagwan Shri Shiv and Bhagwan Shri Vishnu - with devotees of the latter being put to death. Now in post-9/11 era President George W. Bush invests heavily in biological research but things get out of control when a vial containing a deadly chemical is inadvertently dispatched via courier to Tamil Nadu, India. In order to retrieve it, Govind must face heavy odds, including a deadly CIA Agent, Chris Fletcher; a killer named Jasmine; RAW Officer Pranab Kundu, as well as a martial-arts artist from Tokyo. — rAjOo ([email protected])
• In the South Indian town of Chidambaram during the 12th century, the cruel emperor Kulothunga Chola the 2nd is a worshiper of the deity Shiva and persecutes followers of the deity Vishnu. His men prepare to destroy a large idol of Vishnu but are stopped by his childhood friend, the priest Rangarajan Nambi. He offers to spare Nambi for his interference if he adheres to Shiva's command, but Nambi refuses and is ordered to be executed. After hooking, chaining, stoning, and flogging him Chola restrains him to the idol and drowns him in the middle of the ocean. Centuries later, in December 2004 we are introduced to bio-scientist Govindarajan Ramaswamy(alias Govind) whose team is preparing a powerful viral bioweapon under sponsership of the American government by President Bush himself. However, the lab's monkey Hanu mistakes the prototype virus container for chocolate and eats it when he breaks out of his cage. Govind and his colleagues watch helplessly as he suffers a seizure and the virus spreads in the lab. Govind seals the room and the fail safe floods the room with a salt solution to sterilize the virus. A heartbroken Govind refuses to cell the virus at a governmental council to prevent any misusage and destruction, much disappointment from his boss Dr. Sethu. Sethu tries to convince him otherwise but Govind still refuses, leading him to becoming suspicious. Govind calls his colleague Suresh and asks to stay over at his place with him and his wife Yuki, who happens to be a martial arts student under her brother Shingan Narahazi. Govind stays behind after closing hours and catches Sethu making a deal with a buyer named Mr. Q from a terrorist organization. Govind steals the virus vial and makes a run for it, pursued by security guards as well as Q and Sethu. He escapes and makes it to Suresh's apartment to inform him of Sethu's betrayal. When states that the virus has to be in stable temperature and puts it in the fridge. While Govind talks to Yuki, Suresh is called by Sethu and told to distract him till his man can retrieve the vial. Govind hears to conversation and is disgusted that his own friend would betray him as well for money. Before they can argue a helicopter flies to the apartment windows and is broken into by mercenary and former CIA agent Christian Fletcher. Govind takes the vial and escapes from the bathroom window ledge while Fletcher kills Suresh. Yuki fights him but Fletcher cuts her throat. He tosses a grenade to destroy the apartment and pursues Govind. Govind meets up with his friend Sairam(alias Ram) and despite his confusion in the event, he helps Govind escape. He stops by at a post office to deliver packages to India, but he accidentally switches one of his packages with Govind's vial. Govind steals Ram's car and heads to the airport, leaving Ram behind angry. Fletcher confronts Ram and takes him hostage. Govind tries to inform the airport staff but he's forced to depart when Fletcher catches up. He falls off a ledge into a freight container and knocks himself out. He's stowed away in the cargo plane and transported to India. Fletcher murders Ram and is introduced to an assassin named Jasmine, a friend of Q. He recruits Jasmine, who kills Sethu under Fletcher's orders and marries him. President Bush is informed of Fletcher's activities and believes Govind is working with him. He sends word to Manmohan Singh about the virus. Balram Naidu, a member of the Research and Analysis Wing interrogates Govind, who was caught in the plane and arrested. He gives Govind a hard time and completely refuses to listen to anything he has to say. Naidu leaves when his right hand man Appa Rao informs him of two FBI agents visiting to look for Fletcher. Police inspector Bharat informs the guards in Govind's room that a visitor for Naidu, who turns out to be Fletcher. Fletcher, accompanied by Jasmine kill the guards and disarm Bharat. Govind tells them about the mixed up delivery so Fletcher and Jasmine escort Bharat and Govind out of the airport at gunpoint, where the famous singer Avatar Singh arrives. Avatar suffers from throat cancer and begins to throw up blood and the group escapes when police are distracted. When the group makes it to the highway, they contact Q who sends an escort named Kumar. Bharat attempts to attack Fletcher, causing an acccident. Bharat is injured and Govind makes it clear that he won't tell them where the vial is unless they give Bharat help. They come across a lorry driver who takes Bharat to the hospital. Bharat cuffs Jasmine to the truck as they leave, giving Govind time to escape when Fletcher sets her free. Govind escapes and heads to Chidambaram, where the vial has been delivered to an elderly lady Krishnaveni. Her granddaughter Andal invites Govind in as Krishnaveni grieves the loss of her long deceased son Aravudan, whom she believes is still alive. Govind is unsuccessful in convincing Krishnaveni into giving up the vial. Krishnaveni walks outside to the temple parade and puts the vial inside a small opening of the golden Vishnu idol. Fletcher, Jasmine, and Kumar arrive(after killing Naidu's lookout Ekambharam) simultaneously with Naidu and Appa Rao, who have traced Fletcher after he stole a delivery list and destroy the department it came from. Naidu demands Govind to surrender himself, before anything can be done Fletcher shoots at a temple elephant that goes on a rampage. Govind grabs the idol and fights Jasmine, with a heavily spiritual believer in god like Andal trying to take it for herself when Govind shows it disrespect. Jasmine is grabbed by the elephant and impaled in a roof structure. Fletcher mercy shoots her and chases Govind and Andal who have escaped using a fruit cart. Govind and a terrified Andal escape by train and land near the ruins of Chola's kingdom where Nambi's wife commited suicide after her husband's execution. Govind and Andal continue fighting over the idol but they agree to work together after they encounter Jaara and a gang of illegal sand miners attempt to assault them. When Andal plees for help they're interrupted by activist Vincent Poovarangan who argues about the sacred ruins and their history. Govind and Andal escape in one of Jaara's lorries and have another arguement about where to take the idol, leading to another accident with a Muslim family traveling in a van. Kumar and Fletcher intercept Jaara and learn of Govind's whereabouts. Govind and Andal meet Khalafula, the eldest son of the family who has gigantism. They have a run in with Fletcher and Kumar but the family spares them but Govind fails to catch Naidu's attention. His mother faints from the accident so they make way to a hospital where Govind offers to donate blood. He also finds a cooler to store the idol in. Govind and Andal keep their task a secret from Khalafula. Avatar is a patient and is informed that he can cure his cancer with surgery but never be able to sing again. He decides not to have the surgery and live his last moments with his passion. When Avatar leaves, Govind switches the idol for the medicine Avatar is provided. Andal has not been properly acquainted with Fletcher and meets him, but she and Khalafula are taken hostage. Govind brings Avatar's cooler to Khalafula's family's house but it turns out to be a trap as Govind drew Naidu to him. Narahazi accompanies Naidu on the mission beliving Govind killed his sister. Fletcher and Kumar escort Govind, Andal, and Khalafula's brother Salim out at gunpoint so Khalafula distracts the police. When Naidu discovers this he accuses Khalafula of being a terrorist simply for his Islamic background. Khalafula explains their family's contribution to their village as their father funded construction of a huge mosque. Naidu is convinced that the entire village needs to be questioned and has them all move to the mosque for interrogation. Govind, Andal, and Salim are taken to Avatar's concert where he sings one last time upon realizing his medicine was swapped, thinking it's a sign from god. Govind trades him the medicine but Fletcher attacks them. He shoots Avatar and his wife pushes him out the window. Fletcher chases Govind and Andal but the two escape and Avatar is sent to a hospital. The next day, Bush is told by Dr. Singh about neutrilizing the virus with NaCl. Govind and Andal make way to the coast after acquiring the virus from the idol. Narahazi arrives and helps Govind fight Fletcher. Fletcher is defeated but he consumes the virus, which begins to spread. At that moment a tsunami rises from the sea and destroys the town as well as the virus. Pooverangan, who is in conflict with Jaara and the miners sacrafices himself to save their children and dies. In the aftermath of the tsunami, Avatar recovers in the hospital and has his cancer cured by the bullet wound, and that he can sing once again. Andal believes it's an act of god to save humanity from the virus while Govind is unconvinced. He still believes an overseeing god would be nice to believe in and falls for Andal. Years later they are married and tell the story in front of a crowd pondering the existence of the almighty guiding our day to day lives. The main characters party in the aftermath of the tale.

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Dasavatharam

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Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

rmothiram 922 days ago

Are people watching the same movie as I am. Im a true fan of bollywood and kollywood. This was a dissappointing movie 3 hours of my life wasted.

Vishal V 1385 days ago

Very sad to see the critic rating for this movie.. Just 2.5/5 ....?????? No words to say!

Venkateswaran Subramaniyan 38860 1409 days ago

Excellent movie with minute nuances kindling required memory bytes.... with whatever budget possible, make up only looks amateurish for Fletcher, Vincent, Japanese Master and Kalifullah.... Old woman make up and characterisation alone deserves appreciation from beneath heart..... I can watch it n number of times.....

Matt 1430 days ago

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'Rangasthalam' Review: Charan Steals The Show

Movie: Rangasthalam Rating: 3.25/5 Banner: Mythri Movie Makers Cast: Ram Charan, Samantha Akkineni, Anasuya Bharadwaj, Aadhi Pinisetty, Prakash Raj, Jagapati Babu, Amit Sharma, Pooja Hegde and others Music: Devi Sri Prasad Cinematography: R. Rathnavelu Editing: Navin Nooli Production design: Ramakrishna, Mounika Action stunts: Ram - Laxman  Producers: Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Shankar, Mohan Cherukuri Story, screenplay and Direction: Sukumar Release date: March 30, 2018

One film that has been generating lots of buzz for the last few months is Ram Charan and Sukumar’s “Rangasthalam”.

The film has generated a huge interest among film lovers, and of course Charan’s fans. Amidst high expectations, this rural drama set in the '80s has hit the screens.

Let’s find out if the film lives up to the expectations...

Story: In the 1980’s, in a fictional village called Rangasthalam in Andhra Pradesh, Chitti Babu (Ram Charan) leads a happy life doing agricultural work. He is partly deaf. He falls for the charms of the village belle Ramalakshmi (Samantha).

When his life is going smooth, trouble arises when his well-educated elder brother Kumar Babu (Aadi Pinisetty) contests for the gram panchayat elections against the ruling president (Jagapathi Babu).

Village rumour has it that the president’s men killed many people who tried to contest against him in the past.

Can he remain silent when Kumar Babu threatens to unseat him? The village politics turn murkier forcing Chitti Babu to take up the sword.

Artistes’ Performances: Undoubtedly, this is Ram Charan’s best performance of his career. Playing a deaf character is challenging for any artiste and it is even tougher for a mass star like Charan. He daringly accepted this role and put in his heart into the role of Chitti Babu, shutting the mouths of his detractors. Even when the film turns dull during the second half, he glues us to the screens with his performance. His terrific act is the real highlight of the film.

Samantha as village girl Rama Lakshmi, also does a terrific job. It's surprising to see her switching effortlessly into the role.

Aadi Pinisetty gets a prominent role and he does a good job. In the two important roles, Jagapathi Babu as village’s landlord and Prakash Raj as MLA Dakshina Murthy, have both given their best performances.

Anasuya as Rangamma is a surprise. She shines in this role.

Technical Excellence: Sukumar’s movies always carry high technical and aesthetic values. Though the film is set in 1985 in an interior village, the locales, the sets and the production design is stunning. Entire Godavari village is realistically recreated by art directors Ramakrishna and Mounika.

The ever-dependable Rathnavelu has also captured the rugged rustic beauty and the picturesque Godavari belt in an eye-catching manner.

But music is definitely the film's strength. The song “Yentha sakkagunnave” is excellently filmed. “Rangamma mangamma” has great verve. There are two bit songs too. Devi Sri Prasad has given best output with background score.

Action stunts are okay. Editing needs crispiness especially in the later part of the movie.

Highlights: Ram Charan Performance of all actors Music Production design  Final twist

Drawback: Regular revenge theme Drags Inbetween

Analysis: With the very first scene that shows Ram Charan speeding his bicycle to save Prakash Raj from the road accident, the film takes us to the 1980’s rural area. Without taking much time, Sukumar establishes the story and the characters. We have a hero who has hearing problem. We have a village president who is evil and corrupt. We have a beautiful girl. And a well-educated brother of hero who wants to bring change in the village. The characters and their motives are established in the very beginning. Story is set. Conflict is created.

To hold the interest for two hours, Sukumar uses a back and forth narrative. In fact, the beginning and the climax part of “Rangasthalam” reminds us of recent Nani starrer “MCA”.

The conflict between a good young guy and the ruthless village president is seen in many films in the 1980’s. As the story is too familiar, Sukumar has focused on other elements.

Sukumar has not attempted anything novel in terms of plot, but he succeeds in bringing out best performances and transports us to the rural area of AP during the 1980’s.

Also, he has written the characterization of hero Ram Charan differently which is the main strength. Hero playing a guy with hearing problems is somewhat unusual. This handicap is effectively used in driving the story and screenplay. Every twist and turn in the film is based on this deficiency of the hero. But the politics shown here are too naïve and clichéd.

In earlier movies, Sukumar had indulged in mathematical equations and made audiences use their brains. Here he has chosen a simple story, regular situations, but this time he has indulged in over melodrama.

Jagapathi Babu’s menacing performance (he hardly speaks in the entire movie), Samantha’s fun role as Ramalakshmi, Anasuya’s characterization make a lot of difference to this regular story.

As said earlier, Sukumar puts more focus on creating mood: the village scene, the '80’s period, the dialects of the actors, the customs and the tirunallu… all are pitch perfect and create a fresh feel. Both his actors and technicians have put in their best work for this film.

The art work is exceptionally good. The camera work is beautiful. Though not all songs are catchy, Devi Sri Prasad has given one of the best outputs. Thus, the film works on these aspects and fails in presenting any new point.

Like in his previous movies, Sukumar begins well, but loses grip in the second half. While the first half of the movie has many moments especially the romantic track of Charan and Samantha, the second half is clichéd drama. Moreover, by the end of the movie, one gets 'heavy' feel by the runtime and melodrama.

Overall, “Rangasthalam” is not a regular mass film. Nor is the story different. It is all about performances and best production design. Ram Charan gets to show the world that he is a good actor too, apart from having good dance moves.

Bottom-line: Worth Visiting

• Krishnamma Review: Revenge Drama
• Prathinidhi 2 Review: Illogical Plot, Weak Direction
• Prasanna Vadanam Review: Thriller with Formula Elements

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