Kamal Haasan’s ‘Dasavatharam’draws effusive early reactions

CHENNAI: While Kamal Haasan fans wait for the release of Dasavatharam, billed as his magnum opus, many celebrities from the tinsel world have already had a chance to watch the film. Kollywood’s crème, including superstar Rajinikanth, as well as others, were invited to special screenings here on Tuesday and Wednesday.

And when the film concluded, they were effusive in their praise of Kamal, and director K.S. Ravikumar.

“Extraordinary,” Rajinikanth is reported to have exclaimed on Tuesday. The superstar was apparently overwhelmed by the film and Kamal’s performance. Scenes built around the tsunami particularly came in for praise. Impressed by Kamal’s different avatars, Rajinikanth discussed the details with him during the intermission.

Yesteryear comedienne Manorama, who was moved to tears watching the film, called Kamal the “real ulaga nayagan [universal hero].” Stars Satyaraj, Sarath Kumar, Radhika, Suriya, Prabhu, ‘Jayam’ Ravi and Bharat, and directors Dharani and Vishnuvardhan, were at the screenings.

K. Balachander, who introduced Kamal to the film world, was reported to have been astonished by Dasavatharam. The veteran director, who spent a sleepless night on Tuesday after watching the film, visited Ravikumar and Kamal at their homes on Wednesday and presented them shawls.

Veteran actor Nagesh, who was at a preview, lauded Kamal for his performance.

Dasavatharam, set to be released on Friday, features Kamal Haasan in 10 roles. The film is a mix of action, humour and romance, and has some impressive special effects by Hollywood-fame Brian Jennings.