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What does it take to make a film that's at par with Hollywood Cinema? Answers may wary from person to person, but after watching 'Dashvatharam', any Indian can be proud of its desi filmmakers. A crew's round-the-clock efforts for almost two years have resulted in a film that is said to be the costliest film ever made in India. And, 'Dashvatharam' is a visual treat to watch. The film has had its fair share of controversies starting from Vidya Balan opting out of it because of dates problem, the Shriya Sharan walking out due to the producer of her 'Sivaji' and then sacking of its original art director and stun master.

There have been many changes in the cast and crew of 'Dashvatharam' from beginning till the end, but all this settled down with the time. Now, what the people remember it as a technically brilliant film that has been shot in three countries and tells a story that travels from 12th Century to 2008 (21st century) and the matinee icon Kamal Haasan playing record 10 characters in the film. This is a world record as no actor has ever dared to do so. Other actors who did various roles in a single film so far have been Sanjeev Kumar doing nine roles in 'Naya Din Nayi Raat' and Sivaji Ganesan doing the same in film 'Navaratri'.

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For those who love nostalgia, I would like to tell them that 'Dashvatharam' was started as a rival against Rajnikanth's 'Sivaji'. Hindu organizations have been protesting against it from the day when its story got leaked out of the production house and was allegedly showed a rivalry between the Vaishanavs (worshippers of Lord Vishnu) and Shivas (Lord Shiva's worshippers). This has been very common in the medieval India. These organizations also objected to Mallika Sherawat's dress during the film's music release. The makers also had to suffer the allegation of stealing someone's story. But, 'Dashvatharam' managed to cross all the hurdles and director K. S. Ravi Kumar presents his dear friend Kamal Haasan in an altogether different packaging from what he has done in his earlier three films, namely, 'Avvai Shanmughi' (Later made in Hindi as 'Chachi 420'), 'Thenali' and 'Panchathantiram'.

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I watched 'Dashvatharam' in a Mumbai theatre and am amused to see the long line of viewers in heavy rain to buy its tickets. I am also told that Mayajaal, a massive multiplex in Chennai, is screening 45 shows a day and all the shows are full for the next 15 days. Such euphoria is only seen in regional cinema these days, the mainstream Hindi Cinema is witnessing a downfall; even all the Bachchans cast together in a movie are no guarantee for success. And, shows of 'Summer 2007' releasing today are being cancelled for want of viewers.

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'Dashvatharam' is targeted at youth as well as grown up alike. People behind the its making must have done extensive marketing research to reach this kind of a plot. The film starts in 12th century when the Chowla dynasty ruled the major part of India. King Kulo Thunga Chowla (Napoleon) is angry with a Brahmin priest Rangraja Nambi (Kamal Haasan). He announces death punishment for Nambi and the latter is thrown out in the ocean with the statue of Lord Vishnu. But, Nambi resurfaces in modern day civilization, and there are nine more characters that join in the story all played by Kamal Haasan, though!

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Apart from playing Rangaraja Nambi, Kamal plays Govind Somaya, Avtaar Singh, Balaram Naidu, Christian Fletcher, Shingen Narahashi, President George W. Bush, Vincent Babru Vahan, Krishnaveni Paati and Kalifulla Khan. All linked to one after another with a very interesting story line. Even Asin does a double role: she plays Kothai and Andal, and before I forget there is Mallika Sherawat too playing Jasmine and Jaya Prada playing Ranjita Singh. The film's cast is as huge as its crew and faces keep on changing on screen with the characters of Kamal Haasan. But, the most eye-catching parts of the film are when you see Kamal Haasan playing George Bush.

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'Dashvatharam' emerges winner because of the comic book treatment of the story. Kamal mesmerizes you not only with his larger than life persona, but he tickles you as well. Once you are totally in the awe of his one character, suddenly he takes you to an altogether different platform. The film is a one-man show of Kamal Haasan's acting finesse, and everything else just fills in the frame. People in Hindi speaking belt of the country may have declared Amitabh Bachchan as the star of the millennium, but if one sees the quality of the films that Kamal Haasan has delivered in his career, Big B's film will have a tough fight in the comparison.

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Actors like Anil Kapoor have openly adored this actor from South and if Rajnikanth rules the overseas audience of southern people all over the world, Kamal Haasan can find a fan even in small centers like Meerut and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh (completely north Indian). Technically, the film is superb, the make up and special effects teams have proved that Indian movies can attain the highest status , if they are made aesthetically and with passion. The only weak point in the film is its music. Himesh Reshamiya fails totally in his maiden test outside Bollywood. Originally, A.R.Rehman was supposed to give the music and he did major groundwork, but he had to quit the film on the same ground that saw the exit of Shriya Saran. Himesh Reshamiya was called in at the last moment and this may be the reason for his jaded music. People in the Hindi belt have eagerly waited for this film to release in Hindi, and I am confident that this film would certainly succeed unlike Kamal Haasan's last few films in the Hindi market. On the whole, 'Dashvatharam' is a perfect entertainer for this weekend. Do watch it. /span>