Skip to main content
TollyBO

Dasavatharam (2008) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo

Last updated: 5 May 2026

Dasavatharam (2008) Review

Dasavatharam (2008) is a Tamil action, adventure, drama film starring Kamal Haasan, Asin Thottumkal, Mallika Sherawat. 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. Our Rating: 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE. Released: 13 Jun 2008. Runtime: 3h 8m.

Dasavatharam
ABOVE AVERAGE

Dasavatharam(2008)

Tamil · Action, Adventure, Drama

3h 8m · 13 Jun 2008

Music: Devi Sri Prasad, Himesh Reshammiya | DOP: Ravi Varman | Writer: Kamal Haasan, Madhiyalagan Subbaiah, Atul Tiwari

ActionAdventure

Ratings

IdlebrainIdlebrain2.5

Our Rating

3

📖 Story

Dasavatharam revolves around a bio-weapon threat that could potentially destroy the world. The story follows a scientist who creates a deadly virus, and the efforts of a government agent to stop its catastrophic release. Kamal Haasan plays multiple roles, each connected to the unfolding events across different timelines and locations, blending action, thriller, and science fiction elements. The narrative weaves together themes of chaos theory, reincarnation, and the interconnectedness of human actions.

🔍 Analysis

Dasavatharam is a technically ambitious film that attempts to blend multiple genres with a complex narrative structure. The screenplay is intricate, with Kamal Haasan portraying ten distinct characters, which showcases his versatility and dedication. The pacing in the first half is engaging, introducing various characters and setting up the stakes effectively, though it can feel slightly overwhelming due to the rapid shifts between storylines.

The second half intensifies the action and thriller elements, tying together the multiple threads into a cohesive climax. However, some viewers found the narrative convoluted, requiring close attention to follow the plot. The songs, composed by Devi Sri Prasad and Himesh Reshammiya, are situational and blend well with the film’s tone, though they do not stand out as chartbusters. The background score complements the suspense and action sequences, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

Cinematography by Ravi Varman is a highlight, capturing diverse locales and moods effectively. The visual effects and makeup, especially for Kamal Haasan’s multiple avatars, are noteworthy and add to the film’s appeal. Despite some narrative complexity, the film is an ambitious entertainer that combines spectacle with a message about human responsibility and chaos.

🎭 Performances

Kamal Haasan: Outstanding and versatile, convincingly portraying ten distinct characters with unique mannerisms and looks.

Asin Thottumkal: Provides a solid supporting role with emotional depth.

Mallika Sherawat: Delivers a glamorous and impactful cameo.

Jaya Prada: Strong presence in a pivotal role.

Napoleon: Effective as a supporting antagonist.

P. Vasu: Memorable in a character role.

💪 Strengths & Weaknesses

✅

Strengths

  • ✓Kamal Haasan’s multi-character performance
  • ✓Ambitious and unique storyline
  • ✓High-quality makeup and visual effects
  • ✓Ravi Varman’s cinematography
  • ✓Engaging background score
❌

Weaknesses

  • ✕Complex and sometimes convoluted screenplay
  • ✕Pacing issues due to multiple storylines
  • ✕Songs are situational but not very memorable

🎬 Direction & Writing

K. S. Ravikumar handles a complex narrative with technical finesse, balancing commercial elements with experimental storytelling. His direction manages to keep the audience engaged despite the film’s ambitious scope and multiple characters, though the screenplay occasionally feels overstuffed.

📰 Critic Reviews

IdlebrainIdlebrain

Check Complete Review

📰 Ratings Sources

SourceRating
IdlebrainIdlebrain
2.5

Our Rating

3/5
★★★★★★★★

💰 Box Office Collection

No collection data available yet.

🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards

No centers data available.

AwardCategoryNotes
Filmfare Awards SouthBest ActorKamal Haasan won for his multiple roles
Vijay AwardsBest MakeupFor the extensive prosthetic work on Kamal Haasan

🏆 Records & Box Office

  • - Dasavatharam performed well at the box office, especially in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets.

😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics

TypeValue
Positive70%
Neutral20%
Negative10%

Critics

Critics praised Kamal Haasan’s performance and the technical aspects like makeup and cinematography. However, some reviews pointed out the film’s complicated narrative and pacing issues. Overall, it was seen as a bold and innovative project in Tamil cinema.

Final Box-Office Result

ABOVE AVERAGE

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When did Dasavatharam release in theatres?▾

Dasavatharam released on 13 June 2008 (2008).

Is Dasavatharam a hit or flop?▾

Dasavatharam is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.

What is the budget of Dasavatharam?▾

Budget of Dasavatharam is approximately ₹60 Crore.

Where to watch Dasavatharam online? OTT release date?▾

Dasavatharam is available on Sun NXT, MX Player from 31 March 2017.

Who directed Dasavatharam?▾

Dasavatharam directed by K. S. Ravikumar. Produced by V. Ravichandran.

Who are the main cast members of Dasavatharam?▾

Dasavatharam stars Kamal Haasan, Asin Thottumkal, Mallika Sherawat, Jaya Prada, Napoleon.

What is the Tollybo rating for Dasavatharam?▾

Tollybo rates Dasavatharam 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.

Who composed the music for Dasavatharam?▾

Music for Dasavatharam composed by Devi Sri Prasad, Himesh Reshammiya.

What is the genre and runtime of Dasavatharam?▾

Dasavatharam — Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Runtime: 188 minutes, Language: Tamil.

Previous MovieNext Movie