The aftermath of the Dasavatharam review

I must say that I wrote this review of Dasavatharam just after coming back from the movie, so I put spilt all my pent up emotions.

Now, after a few comments and a couple of other reviews, I will say this: Kamal has tried real hard to make a completely different film, with subtle sub-plots woven together by a much debated theory; but, in this quest, he was sadly let down by makeup, graphics and over-ambitious dialogues. Not to mention American accents, which will least convince my friends and I given our geographical location.

In my review I questioned the reasoning for the initial 12th century scenes, only to learn later that the sinking of the idol was to play a role in the tsunami(notwithstanding the fact that the earthquake took place far far away, a correlation to the butterfly effect). Even then, the tempo and tone set in the initial scenes were lost as the film progressed.

Next are the scenes and events that each character causes in helping the main Kamal to escape and keep the vial from getting into evil hands. These I would say are more of chance, which we come across in every other movie, rather than any theory specifically.

How could the film have been better? I can bring forth Michael Madan Kamarajan, which involved 4 mirrored roles, a rip-roaring comedy track and excellent direction, given the task of simultaneously showcasing 4 images in the days before computer graphics. Kamal himself has done, and is undoubtedly the mainstay of the film.

Comparing Dasa and this film, I feel pained to think not how Kamal has screwed the film, but how grand Dasa could have been. Had all the chips fallen into place, including a tighter screenplay, the film would have been much, much better.

This film will play out well to the common man; not so much to the others who can call out the flaws.

Given the talent Kamal has shown, in his fabulous adaptability, I only demand this of him: another Dasavatharam with a better crew, with probably the planning of a la Shankar.