19 Years of Dhanush: The Navarasas of the multifaceted actor
Emotions characterize life, as well as art. 'Acting' is one such language of emotion. The Natyashastra describes nine rasas or Nava Rasas, which are the basis of all human emotions. ‘Rasa’ is said to be in the mind of the ‘rasika’ or the audience who is exposed to the actor's theatrics.
On the occasion of Dhanush's 37th birthday, we walk you through the actor's unique depiction of the nine rasas, over the years. Read on...
Rasa 1: Sringaram Film: Aadukalam Principal emotion: LOVE. Dhanush invokes the king of all rasas in Ayayo from Aadukalam- a soul-stirring melody about an unlikely couple getting to know each other.
Rasa 2: Hasyam Film: Uthamaputhiran Principal emotion: HUMOUR. In arguably one of the greatest comedy tracks of our times, Dhanush brilliantly complements Vivekh to dish out some hilarious moments.
Rasa 3: Raudram Film: Pudhupettai Principal emotion: RAGE. This scene from Pudhupettai, where the badly butchered actor turns back, and lands a fatal blow, is the visual equivalent of the rudratandav
Rasa 4: Karunyam Film: Maryan Principal emotion: SORROW. Dhanush displays a barrage of feelings from helplessness to frustration, when he is taken hostage by terrorists, and made to fight for his life
Rasa 5: Bhibatsam Film: Kaadhal Konden Principal emotion: DISGUST. Dhanush effortlessly invokes this rasa in the scene where he digs into his spoiled food., oblivious of all the judgemental eyes.
Rasa 6: Bhayanakam Film: 3 Principal emotion: FEAR. 3's climax smartly evokes this rasa, as Dhanush brings the horror of suicidal feelings alive, playing the schizophrenic, who wants to end it all.
Rasa 7: Veeram Film: Polladhavan Principal emotion: COURAGE. Dhanush brings this out in all its glory, in the climactic fight-sequence, which pits the totally-ripped actor against a drug-mafia leader.
Rasa 8: Adbhutam Film: Mayakkam Enna Principal emotion: WONDER Dhanush nails the the ‘high’ of a person, who had just experienced in all its grandeur, what it feels like to do what he 'loves' the most
Rasa 9: Shantam FIlm: Thanga Magan Principal Emotion: PEACE As the jilted lover who half-heartedly opts for an arranged marriage, only to find love, and inner peace, he brings the boy-next-door alive.
