Kamal Haasan's one man show

Conceived and written by Kamal Haasan, Dasavatharam also features him in 10 roles.

If 2007 belonged to South Indian superstar Rajnikant's Sivaji, which made waves internationally, then 2008 is touted to belong to another South Indian superstar, Kamal Haasan, with his highly anticipated Tamil blockbuster Dasavtharam. Haasan is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Dasavatharam turns into a memorable cinematic experience as he becomes the first actor in the world to play 10 different characters in a film.

Plot

Haasan loves dabbling in writing. Every time he has written a script its storyline has been unique. Dasavatharam is no different. The only thing that is known of the film's plot is that it deals with the chaos theory and an event that dates back to the 12th century which sparks a chain reaction on a global level right up to the 21st century. Amidst the chaotic set-pieces, Haasan plays characters, ranging from a young Brahmin to a 98-year-old lady and George Bush!

Core team

K.S. Ravikumar is the film's director and Oscar Ravichandra is the producer of this mega venture. But Hollywood make-up specialist Michael West is the most important crew member. It was his duty to create 10 unique looks for Haasan. "I had to wait for months together to get hold of Michael West, who was tied down with his Hollywood projects. All the effort was worth it once we saw the outcome of the make-up trials," says Haasan.

Stunts and special effects

Haasan also hired the services of Hollywood action choreographer Andy Dixon, whose major films include Miami Vice and Transporter 2, and is famous for executing high-risk action scenes. Haasan also enlisted the services of Sonny Loke Chuan Sun, master of Hai-Kido (Japanese martial arts) for the fast-paced martial arts scenes. Haasan has done most of the stunts on his own. Special effects have been used to augment their impact.

Glamour quotient

South Indian beauty Asin, who acts opposite Aamir Khan in his forthcoming Ghajini, plays the heroine's role opposite Haasan in Dasavatharam. It is rumored that Haasan was so impressed with Asin's performance in Dasavatharam that he is recommending her for other films. But rubbishing talk of his recommendations, Haasan says, "I don't think I have come across anyone like Asin. I feel the film will give her a new status in the industry. But I haven't recommended her to anyone. " Mallika Sherawat provides the oomph factor as an undercover agent. She has a hot item number that is expected to set the screen on fire.

Costliest film

Ace musician Himesh Reshammiya was signed to compose the music. The film is rumoured to cost close to Rs1 billion with the opening scene alone costing a cool Rs30 million. Without confirming the exact budget, Haasan says, "Dasavatharam is the costliest film made in India but the issue is not about being the most expensive film. The budget of the film should justify its subject and overall content."