Dasavataram(1976)
Dasavatharam is a 1976 Indian Tamil-language Hindu mythological film written and directed by K. S. Gopalakrishnan. The ensemble cast includes Ravikumar as Lord Vishnu, Gemini Ganesan as Arjuna, M. R. Radha as Hiranyakashipu, and Sridevi as Sita. The film narrates the ten avatars of Vishnu—Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Balarama, and Kalki—across different epochs of Hindu cosmology. Each avatar confronts a distinct demon or cosmic threat, from the flood of Matsya to the future battle of Kalki. The movie is notable for its ambitious scope in covering all ten incarnations in a single narrative, supported by a soundtrack composed by S. Rajeswara Rao. It was released on 15 January 1976.
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 31 December 1976
- Director
- K. S. Gopalakrishnan
- Language
- Tamil 0
Storyline
Lord Vishnu takes ten different forms to save the universe from evil. From a fish that stops a flood to a future warrior on a white horse, each avatar faces a unique demon. The gods and humans depend on Vishnu's grace to survive. Will he be able to defeat every threat and restore peace?
“Ten avatars, one savior, endless grace”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Dasavataram
Cast reunions in this film: K. V. Mahadevan & M. R. Radha (31 films together), K. V. Mahadevan & Gemini Ganesan (19 films together), K. S. Gopalakrishnan & K. V. Mahadevan (14 films together), K. S. Gopalakrishnan & Gemini Ganesan (12 films together), Gemini Ganesan & M. R. Radha (11 films together), and K. S. Gopalakrishnan & M. R. Radha (3 films together).
Trivia
- This film was a rare mythological project for director K. S. Gopalakrishnan, who was better known for his social dramas.
- It was one of the earliest Tamil films to depict all ten avatars of Vishnu in a single narrative.
- The movie's release coincided with a period of renewed interest in grand mythological storytelling in Tamil cinema.
- Actor Sivakumar played multiple roles, including Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, in the film.
- The film's music was composed by Shankar–Ganesh, a popular duo known for their work in commercial cinema.
- It is not related to the 2008 Kamal Haasan film of the same name, which also deals with multiple roles.
- The production involved elaborate sets and costumes to depict the different mythological eras.