Last updated: 5 May 2026


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
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
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.
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Our Rating
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| 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 |
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 70% |
| Neutral | 20% |
| Negative | 10% |
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
Dasavatharam released on 13 June 2008 (2008).
Dasavatharam is declared a ABOVE AVERAGE at the box office.
Budget of Dasavatharam is approximately ₹60 Crore.
Dasavatharam is available on Sun NXT, MX Player from 31 March 2017.
Dasavatharam directed by K. S. Ravikumar. Produced by V. Ravichandran.
Dasavatharam stars Kamal Haasan, Asin Thottumkal, Mallika Sherawat, Jaya Prada, Napoleon.
Tollybo rates Dasavatharam 3/5. Verdict: ABOVE AVERAGE.
Music for Dasavatharam composed by Devi Sri Prasad, Himesh Reshammiya.
Dasavatharam — Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Runtime: 188 minutes, Language: Tamil.