Kamal Haasan and K.S. Ravi Kumar spoke to the media a while ago as Dasavathaaram (Dasavatharam) has become popular beyond expectations. The thespian was his usual self, delivering pithy one-liners while interacting with the journos.
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About the unusual idea of playing 10 characters, he said, “From the time of Mahabharat, the concept of Bahurupi has existed. Bharatnatyam dancers portray several characters in one recital and my ultimate thespian, Sivaji Ganesan, enacted nine different characters in Navarathri. So what we have achieved is nothing new; it is the treatment that is different.”
On the connection between Rangarajan (priest character) and the rest of the characters, he theorised, “What is the link between Gandhi and I or Ashoka the Emperor and I? Yes. There is a link. We are all connected to each other in mysterious ways.”
Kamal also observed that the simplest character to enact was Govind but physically strenuous as he was always running and doing dangerous stunts. Asked that if he had to point out a mistake in the film, what it would be, he laughed. “The magician will never show you his props. Nor will I!”
The Balram Naidu character needed some thought as Kamal had to observe Tamil people talk Telugu and how Telugu people talk Tamil. It was like living in the skin of the characters until the movie was complete.
On the significance of Punyakoti’s character, he said, “Mankind hasn’t learned from its mistakes. History always repeats the same mistakes again and again. We have tried to present this thought clearly in the movie. No incident is isolated, political issues in Gulf will affect global oil prices and India has to hike the price of petrol. It’s like that everywhere.”
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On the criticism the film has faced, Kamal said, “There are always two sides to a coin. But the collections are quite encouraging; every one is entitled to his opinion. This is the biggest opening in my career ever. I am grateful to the audiences and media for their support.”
According to Kamal, the best compliment he has received so far was from his guru K. Balachander. Rajinikanth too, expressed his desire to see the film again, informed Kamal.
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