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(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
Ratings
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.
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.
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
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
| Award | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Filmfare Awards South | Best Actor | Kamal Haasan won for his multiple roles |
| Vijay Awards | Best Makeup | For 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
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
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
❓ 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.
