Wednesday, June 18, 2008

KAMAL BESTS HIMSELF


Wow – that was my first reaction after watching probably, one of the best Tamil movies ever made. For once I was speechless, a feeling, that millions would experiences in the next few weeks as Dasavataram continues to be the cynosure for youths, adults and children alike. Seldom has an actor’s tagline fit him like it does for Dr. Kamal. He is definitely, Ulaga Nayagan.


The movie begins with a short but gripping flash back, and Kamal impresses you at once. Rangaraja Nambi leaves a lasting impression in the few minutes of screen space. The song ‘Kallai mattum’ is one of the best melodies ever and the visual effects leave you stunned. Soon the movie torpedoes you to the present, where Kamal as the scientist, Govind, makes his entry and the chase begins right there.


Kamal Hasan as Christian Fletcher leaves you comparing him with Arnold, a feat that deserves unlimited appreciation. The hit man continues on the pursuit, ruthless and determined to get the synthetic bio virus which Govind manages to sneak away from the lab and obviously comes to India. Sharing screen space with the Kollywood Arnold, is the Bollywood bombshell Mallika Sherawat, who blends into a tailor made role for her.


From the time that Govind reaches India, Kamal Hasan as Govind is overshadowed by himself as Balram Naidu, who leaves you in fits of laughter. Mixing Telugu, Tamil, and a bit of what is supposed to be English, Balram takes your breath away. Ulcer patients beware. He could leave you in pain with some unstoppable laughter. Kamal Hasan is in total ease as he portrays the typical Indian police. A laugh riot indeed. You would not forget this guy soon.


The remaining characters are there only for the story to make a move on. Kamal Hasan as the old lady, plays a maniacal woman, who evokes some laughter. The martial art stunts at the climax by the Japanese Avatar of Kamal Hasan is mind blowing. Avatar Singh does not have much importance, but mesmerizes you with superb Foot tapping music. Kamal as Khalifulla Khan evokes sympathy with his innocence and also evokes some laughter. Kamal also comes as a dark colored man to send a message and has succeded. The movie also features Kamal as George Bush and makes you smile, by taking some pot shots at him.


Will Smith, on the release of ‘Iam Legend’, admitted his fears on whether the audience would accept the movie, as it featured only a single actor, himself. But here is a man who takes on almost all the roles in the movie and comes out with flying colors.


Kamal Hasan deserves all the credits and the encores that he gets. He has an uncanny habit of doing something different, be it his path breaking, ‘pesum padam’, which ironically was a silent movie, or his ‘Aburva sagotharagal’, or the laugh riot ‘Avvai Shanmugi’, the ‘Indian’ and so on, he has never hesitated to experiment. And ‘Dasavataram’ is the cherry on top of the cake. Kudos to ‘Ulaga Nayagan’ for being one step ahead of time, all the time.

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