Dasavatharam and I....

I finally got to watch the much hyped magnum opus Dasavatharam. Needless to say, this is one pic that will leave an impression in everyone's mind. You may like it or hate it but you simply can't ignore it. It is an interesting and a well conceived plot, which only an actor who is forever inventing and reinventing himself like Kamal can envisage. Technically the movie is brilliant.The myriad images that take shape on the 70 mm screen make you wonder in awe about the genius that crafted it for us. The breathtaking scenes of the 12th century, the bone chilling consequences of a bio war, the action sequences involving Christian Fletcher and my personal favourite the grand old lady all strike a chord with the audience. Kamal's performances are very well defined. It is very evident that there has been considerable homework done be it for the Amercian President or for the pop singer. He portrays each character with great finesse and aplomb.The opening song which captures the agony and ignominy of losing one's God and thus the very identity that defined one's existence is one of the best scenes in the 3 hour movie. In an effort to showcase the master piece in all its glory, the editing seems to have taken a slight beating.

The plot is woven around the universal argument that is as old as man itself. The movie contrary to some initial opinions gives some strong messages. Messages that each and every one of us can identify with at one level or the other. This brings us to the point of writing this blog. For I am no movie columnist. I watched the movie as just another movie buff who was curious to know as to how the team had approached the concept of God. The reason simply being that Kamal is a self professed non believer in God. And, this is primarily where the movie scores. There are no absolutes that were proclaimed in the course of the narration. In fact, the balance very nearly tilted in favour of the verity of a super natural force that controlled life. Many of us tend to explain phenomenon - natural or otherwise in our own ways. It is simply what we believe to be true. It is all in the mind. I strongly believe that God is personal. Our expression of belief/ disbelief is unique too. The movie will thus appeal to theists, atheists and agnostics alike. However, one experiences discomfiture in sequences that make references to certain religious groups or practices. But, thankfully overt antagonism was minimal.

Once we sort out our feelings for this aspect of the movie, another reality that stares us in the face is the threat humans have created for themselves. Our lives are no more under our control. Neither are they controlled by super natural forces. They have fallen into the hands of some very powerful men who are a law unto themselves and have taken on the 'Godly' role of deciding what is right for the world at large. It is money and politics that define who lives and in what style.

I wonder how we are ever going to find an answer to this one. As a human race. Not as believers or non believers. For now the question is about Survival!!!