A day to D-day. Rajini watches Dasavatharam : Superstar Rajinikanth was all praise for Kamal Haasan after he watching the versatile actor's magnum opus 'Dasavatharam' at a special sneak peek in Chennai on Wednesday for his close friends and a few stars from the industry organized by KamalHassan.
The much-hyped movie featuring Kamal Haasan in ten different roles will hit cinema screens across the globe on Friday. Directed by K S Ravikumar and produced by Ravichandran, 'Dasavatharam' has witnessed advance booking for the next seven days across all theatres with fervor and excitement.
An astonished Rajinikanth, after watching the preview offered whole hearted appreciation on Kamal Haasan for his extra-ordinary work. Overwhelmed by the film, Rajinikanth also discussed every aspect of the roles played by Kamal Haasan.
Equally impressed was Kamal Haasan's mentor K Balachander. The veteran director visited Kamal Haasan and Ravikumar's houses and offered his felicitations.
Veteran artistes Nagesh and Manorama too conferred praises on both Kamal Haasan and Ravikumar.
After all the hard work, it is now time for the accolades to pour in.
The show was held at Four Frames preview theatre in Chennai on Tuesday (June 10) evening.
Stars speak about Dasavatharam : Asin-The heroine of Dasavatharam
I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am so happy that I have been a part of such a great film like Dasavatharam. It was a great honour for me to work with a legend called Kamal Hassan. I have already made arrangements to get tickets at PVR in Mumbai and watch the film with my parents on 13th morning. I also plan to come to Chennai and see it with the audiences.
Santhosh Sivan -
I never go to theatres and watch films. Recently in New York, a lot of my friends asked me if I had chance to see a sneak preview of Dasavatharam? I would like to see the film if there is a premiere.
Why I like to watch it is, for the kind of passion that Mr. Kamal Hassan has to his work and the 10 roles that he has done in the film. I can't figure out what these 10 roles are?
Nayanthara -
I saw the trailer and was spell bound. It shows all the hard work that all the artists and crew have taken in making the magnum opus. Kamal sir looks amazing and it's not a joke playing 10 roles in a film. The film is sure to make Tamil film industry proud. Asin looks nice in the Brahmin get up and I love the song Ulaganayakane song. As of now, I will not be in Chennai on the releasing weekend but will surely see the film where ever I am.
Trisha -
I am a big fan of Kamalji and have seen all his films. Dasavatharam is going to be the biggest film of the year and how can I miss it? I will be on location in Hyderabad for a Telugu film. I don't plan to see it there as I want to watch the Tamil version in Chennai. The trailer looks amazing and the songs are rocking.
Sruthi Hassan -
Like everybody, I am also eagerly waiting to watch Dasavatharam. My gut feeling is that it will truly be an experience and it will be a wholesome entertainer for the entire family. I can't say that my dad worked hard for Dasavatharam as he works in the same manner for all his films. He is committed and gives 100 percent of hard work to all his films. I will be watching the premiere of the film but will also see with the audiences in a theatre on the opening day.
Arya -
Dasavatharam is a big-budget film which will make the Tamil film industry proud. I wish and pray that it becomes a huge hit which will auger well for the film trade. I will watch the film with the public at Devi, in Chennai a theatre which will give you the pulse of the audience. I am curious about what the 10 roles are?
Simran -
Kamal Haasan is the most versatile actor in India. I have enjoyed working with him especially in the comedies we did together. What I like most about Kamal is that he experiments with every single movie and that's what made him what he is today. He is not bound by the confines of Tamil Nadu and is recognised across the globe. I will definitely watch Dasavatharam on the very first day.
Narain -
When it comes to Kamal films I am just another ordinary fan who would like to go watch his films first day first show. My role model and inspiration has been Kamal sir. And to do 10 roles in a single film... my God I can't imagine doing such a thing in my career. On release day I will be shooting for a Malayalam film in Kochi. So it's doubtful if I can make it for the first show, but definitely I will watch the film, after pack up on 13th for sure. Nothing like watching a Kamal film on the big screen with the public.
Vikram & Shriya in Mexico : After waiting for weeks to get their visa, the 40-strong unit of Susi Ganesan's Kanthasamy flew to Mexico from Chennai on Monday night. The Vikram- Shriya film will have a 25 day shoot in New Mexico.
They will be shooting action sequences and two songs featuring the lead artists. The cameraman Ekambaram says the locales in Mexico are ideal for Kollywood type of action adventures.
The film has five peppy songs tuned by Devi Sri Prasad. The producer of the film, Kalaipuli. S.Thanu, who is still in Chennai, coordinating other details says: " We will be the first Kollywood unit to shoot in Mexico. After the Mexico schedule, nearly 90 percent of the shoot of the film will be over. We are planning to release the film for Diwali 2008."
This week Box Office : After IPL, things have not really picked up at the Chennai Box Office. Everybody in the trade is waiting for Dasavatharam to revive the market. Actually if advance booking could be included in CBO, the Kamal Hassan film would have taken the number one position!
However this week's number one at the CBO is the Bachchan family's Sarkar Raj [Hindi Movie], which opened impressively to 85% opening in 4 screens and the Jayam Ravi- Genelia starrer Santosh Subramaniyam has emerged as the clear winner in the number one slot this week at CBO. It is going steady at average 75 percent collections in eight Chennai screens. At number two is the Kuruvi, which just manages to hang on; while Vijayakanth's Arasangam is holding on in the third position. Yaaradi Nee Mohini, which has fallen in the forth position better than Arai En 305il Kadavul which is at number five continues to hold on to the CBO very badly in the dwelling condition
"I enjoyed working in Dasavatharam": Asin : Asin is a household name in Tamil Nadu. She is a perfectionist in whatever she does whether it's for a movie, still camera or an interview. If Kamal Hassan does 10 avatars in Dasavatharam, it is Asin's 10th film in Tamil. In this chat, the queen of hearts speaks about Dasavatharam. Excerpts Your experience of working in Dasavatharam?
Dasavatharam shoot will remain close to me forever. I have shot maximum number of days for this film. But never felt that even once as I enjoyed every bit of it. I used to look forward to my shoots as the entire team was like one big family. Kamal sir was jovial always cracking jokes and making things easy for all of us. Ravikumar sir was cool and there is a lot to learn from him.
We hear that you have done some stunts and risky scenes in the film. Please comment?
Oh yes.. I enjoyed doing all the risky stunts for the first time. In fact I used to get hurt every day. I had to carry a heavy bronze idol of the deity and run throughout the film. It was so heavy and by the end of the day, I used to get bruises all over my body. I learned new techniques of stunts from the Hollywood stunt masters and we all worked hard to get all those action scenes correct including the Tsunami shots. But all that was great fun.
What is your role in Dasavatharam?
I play two characters- Kothai in the 12th century and Andal the present day girl. Both are traditional-looking characters completely different from what I have done so far. There is plenty of comedy. Andal is a weird, funny, cocky girl which is absolutely not me. If you look at any of my previous films, all the characters that I portrayed had a little bit of me in it but this one is different.
You have dubbed in your own voice?
Yes, It was not easy as the Iyer language and slang's were difficult. But Kamal sir was so patient and helped me with my lines and saw to it that I get it correctly.
Do you have any love scenes with Kamal Hassan?
(Laughs) No we are fighting throughout the film; we can't stand each other and are like chalk and cheese. But like they say, opposites attract and we fall in love but all that is subtly conveyed There are no duets or running around trees.
But you have a solo song which is sort of a bhajan?
I love that song, Mukunda Mukunda... that has a nice feel about it. I learned the song by heart, learned the lyrics, meaning and relevance to the story. In fact while I was humming the song; Ravikumar heard it and suggested that I sing the song in the album. But I was not ready for it and I’m glad that Sadhana Sargam's voice suits me to a T.
Did you feel insecure at any point when the glam queen Mallika Sherawat was a part of the film?
No. Actually I was given a complete script narration before and there was no question of me getting insecure. I have no combination scene with Mallika and had in fact met her first time at the audio launch in Chennai.
You look good in the stills. A typical Brahmin girl..?
The full credit goes to Gowthami who did my costumes and styling.
How do you plan to watch the film?
I would have loved to watch it at Sathyam or Inox in Chennai, but I'm in Mumbai on June 13, the opening day. I have already booked my tickets at PVR in Juhu, and will see it first day first show along with my parents. But I will definitely watch the film when I am in Chennai, a week later.
Countdown: Rave reviews for Dasavatharam : The nail biting wait for the release of Dasavatharam will be over soon. It will then be the people's verdict that will decide the fate of the film.
The buzz after the special screening Kamal Hassan held for his friends and the industry people was predictable the usual hype one associates with a big film. After all, who will say anything but excellent, outstanding or fantastic? Criticism does not come into play at such a venue.
The only man who had the guts to say something different was actor Napoleon. He plays the role of Emperor Kulothunga Chozhan, the villain of the film, who appears in the first 20 minutes.
However, Napoleon was left out of the special screening meant for the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, though he was a former MLA and still very much part of the ruling DMK. But Karunanidhi raved about his performance.
Napoleon was responsible for getting the film's team special permission to shoot in areas where no shooting has ever taken place. But, inexplicably, Kamal overlooked him for the screening.
Nayan shoots with Vijay : Nayanthara has completed work on Kuselan and she has joined the shoot of Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Villu in Pollachi, where they shot some scenes for the film.
Later the unit has gone back to Palani which is the main location for the film. Prabhu Deva, the director is a fast worker, and the movie which has camera by Ravi Varman, is canning shots at a hectic pace.
Ravi is happy that there is a lot of vibrancy in the way Prabhu visualizes his shots. Vijay and Nayanthara make a lovely pair and after the 10-day shoot in Palani the unit will be flying off to an exotic location abroad.
Vijay is all praise for Prabhu Deva, for his speed and professionalism. On the other hand, Prabhu says Vijay is simply electrifying and is so involved with the proceedings. Mutual admiration club?
Sundar opts for a realistic take : Director turned actor Sundar C wants perfect shots for his film 'Thee'. And that's the reason he went to the length of walking semi-nude on the busiest street of the city. People at Chennai's arterial roads was filled with interest and curiosity seeing a star on the street. The crew of the film was canning the shot with hidden cameras. People were not aware that a shooting was taking place and was stunned by what they saw.
The film has Rohini and Namitha playing the female lead. Sundar C plays a cop in the movie. Kitcha directs the movie. Music is by Srikant Deva. Deva is also to play an important role in the movie. The film is produced by Sri Movie makers.
1 Day more for D-Day- Hindi version postponed! : The Hindi version of Dasavatharam is not releasing simultaneously with the Tamil and Telugu version on June 13!
It looks like there will be a two-week postponement in release date of the Hindi version to June 27. The main reason is that producer Aaskar Ravichandran is not able to close the deal, as the price is not right.
As per earlier plans the Hindi version was to be purchased by Sony, who had the audio rights. They were willing to take world theatricals and all other rights including television.
However there was a clause that said they will show the film on television after 100 days of its theatrical release. This clause is hurting to the producer as he had already sold the Tamil and Telugu television rights for a huge amount with the agreement that it will be shown only after a year.
Meanwhile the craze for the film down south continues, with an all time high advance booking in all Chennai theatres. In Kerala it is releasing in 75 screens, while in Andhra in 250 screens.
Vikram's double delight : Vikram will do a dual role for his next film to be directed by K S Ravikumar. According to reports, the story revolves around twins and Vikram will be performing both the characters.
While Sneha is the pair of one of the roles to be played by the actor, Nayantara would play the other heroine, it is said.
Produced by Mohan Natarajan for Sri Rajakaliamman Medias, this is the first time Vikram is to act in a dual role. Shooting is expected to begin in a couple of months. Probably after the much needed rest director K. S. Ravikumar would need after 'Dasavatharam'.
Interestingly Rajakaliamman's last venture 'Vel' featuring Suriya also had a dual role.
Tabu bags 'Jaggubhai' : Director K S Ravikumar's 'Jaggubhai' has a new actress onboard. With Sneha opting out of the film, Tabu has replaced her. Tabu has excelled as a Bollywood actress but has also delivered several Tamil hits like 'Kandukondaen Kandukondaen', 'Siraichalai' and 'Snehithiye'.
The film Shriya as the other heroine. Ravikumar had wanted superstar Rajinikanth to play the lead. But that couldn't happen and the film has now gone to Sarath Kumar. Sneha was approached for the film but after she backed out Tabu stepped in.
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Superstar Rajinikanth was all praise for Kamal Haasan after he watching the versatile actor's magnum opus 'Dasavatharam' at a special sneak peek in Chennai on Wednesday for his close friends and a few stars from the industry organized by KamalHassan. 
Asin-The heroine of Dasavatharam 
Santhosh Sivan - 
Nayanthara - 
Trisha - 
Sruthi Hassan - 
Arya - 
Simran - 
Narain - 
After waiting for weeks to get their visa, the 40-strong unit of Susi Ganesan's Kanthasamy flew to Mexico from Chennai on Monday night. The Vikram- Shriya film will have a 25 day shoot in New Mexico.
After IPL, things have not really picked up at the Chennai Box Office. Everybody in the trade is waiting for Dasavatharam to revive the market. Actually if advance booking could be included in CBO, the Kamal Hassan film would have taken the number one position!
Pluses
Minuses
Asin is a household name in Tamil Nadu. She is a perfectionist in whatever she does whether it's for a movie, still camera or an interview. If Kamal Hassan does 10 avatars in Dasavatharam, it is Asin's 10th film in Tamil. In this chat, the queen of hearts speaks about Dasavatharam.
You have dubbed in your own voice? 
The nail biting wait for the release of Dasavatharam will be over soon. It will then be the people's verdict that will decide the fate of the film.
Nayanthara has completed work on Kuselan and she has joined the shoot of Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Villu in Pollachi, where they shot some scenes for the film. 
Director turned actor Sundar C wants perfect shots for his film 'Thee'. And that's the reason he went to the length of walking semi-nude on the busiest street of the city. People at Chennai's arterial roads was filled with interest and curiosity seeing a star on the street. The crew of the film was canning the shot with hidden cameras. People were not aware that a shooting was taking place and was stunned by what they saw. 
The Hindi version of Dasavatharam is not releasing simultaneously with the Tamil and Telugu version on June 13! 
Vikram will do a dual role for his next film to be directed by K S Ravikumar. According to reports, the story revolves around twins and Vikram will be performing both the characters. 
Director K S Ravikumar's 'Jaggubhai' has a new actress onboard. With Sneha opting out of the film, Tabu has replaced her.
