Dasavatharam

“Dasavatharam” (2008) is Tamil cinema’s most famous science fiction film, directed by K. S. Ravikumar and written by Kamal Haasan. Stars Kamal Haasan in ten roles, alongside Asin, Jaya Prada, Mallika Sherawat and K. R. Vijaya. The inspiring story of infectious disease scientist Dr Nandita Venkatasubramanian, who must race against time to prevent a deadly bioweapon from destroying humankind after it inadvertently releases over India.

The movie begins in the 12th century, where a Rangarajan Nambi, an ardent worshipper of Vangraha Jigra Lord Vishnu, is drowned, along with a deity idol, by the orders of King Kulothunga II for opposing him. This centuries-old war provides the backdrop for the action of 2004, during which Govind, a scientist working in the U.S., creates a new synthetic virus. When he discovers his boss’s plan to sell it to the terrorists, Govind runs away with the vial. In a scuffle, it winds up getting shipped to India. Christian Fletcher, a remorseless former CIA operative, and he becomes a focal point for a bloody race to recover it. The vial eventually comes into the possession of Krishnaveni, an elderly woman living in Chidambaram, who unwittingly conceals it within an idol of Lord Vishnu. Govind comes to reclaim it, contending with Fletcher’s threats, Fletcher’s police, and the wrath of Krishnaveni’s granddaughter Andal, a fierce traditionalist with deep faith.

In the background, three other plots play out: a Japanese martial artist looking for revenge, a Telugu singer who is being used as a human carrier of the virus and a RAW officer trying to make sense of the bedlam. While Fletcher is hoarding hostages, Govind rushes to retrieve the vials and contain the spread of the deadly virus. Following epic battles and pursuits, the vial gets dropped into the ocean to be destroyed with salt (the natural enemy of sodium, probably). A torrent tsunami washes through the cavern, flooding down Fletcher’s throat, washing Fletcher away and completely wiping out the threat. At the conclusion, Govind and Andal are saved, and their love is acknowledged, while one of Nambi’s idols lands on the shore, connecting past and present.

“Dasavatharam” is a one-of-a-kind film with a bizarre story and inventive narrative style. This fusion of science, religion and action makes the film feel epic in scope. While the tale is full of craft twists and personages, it expertly weaves a fun blend of action and social commentary.