Dasavatharam : Kamal's 10 roles details

Postproduction and CG (computer graphics) work on Kamal Haasan's magnum opus Dasavatharam, which is directed by K.S. Ravikumar is taking place at a brisk pace in a closely guarded environment at a studio in Chennai under the able guidance of Hollywood experts.According to the inside sources,Kamal's ten roles include that of an ordinary man, a traditional 12th century Vaishnavite called Rangaraja Nambi, a scientist, a 90-year old Brahmin lady who happens to be a dwarf, an eight foot tall giant, U.S president George Bush, a sardarji (who is paired with Jayaprada), a dark skinned man from Thirunelveli, a Chinese martial arts expert and a white man who is a villain.For the first time, Asin plays a dual role in this film. In one avatar, she plays an Iyengar lady draped in a traditional saree opposite Kamal's Nambi character.Towards the end of the film, she appears as a modern girl paired opposite Kamal's character of the ordinary man.Insiders, who got a glimpse of the opening song sequences, sung by Hariharan and set to music by Himesh Reshammiya could not stop raving about Kamal's dedication and the huge amount hard work that went into the film. The thematic song was picturised near the Ennore port and Utthandi on ECR in Chennai. An awe-inspiring set resembling a Vishnu temple was erected on the beach at the cost of Rs 3.5 crore.According to the scene, in the 12th century, king Kulothunga Cholan of Cholamandalam (played by Napoleon) orders his men to throw into the sea, a deity of Lord Ranganathar and Rangaraja Nambi who is an ardent devotee of Vishnu, holds on to the idol.Preparing for a shot, which appears before Kamal's immersion into the sea, the actor was reportedly hanging from a rooftop for around 15 days from 9 am to 6 pm."We felt speechless seeing the actor's energy levels and involvement," commented a unit hand present on location.About 8,000 junior artistes dressed in costumes belonging to the period were used for this song, which was shot over 45 days.Though producer Oscar Ravi was tightlipped about the entire proceedings, he said, "After the movie is released, Kamal Haasan's name will be etched in the history of world cinema for the next 100 years."