Tamil cinema is in safe hands

Movies are certainly a great entertainment and movie stars are more popular than any other artists, may be only next to cricketers in India. When it comes to South India esp Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, movie stars attain a demi-god status. M.G.Ramachandran and N.T.Rama Rao are perfect examples. Their cinemas touch the very essence of problems facing by poor from the rich. They portrayed themselves as the savior of poor from the rich which certainly helped them in launching themselves into successful political career. In fact, NTR’s Telugu Desam Party is the only regional party to be second largest party in Parliament. Such was his popularity in his home state. MGR enjoyed an equally cult status in his home state of Tamil Nadu. Politics apart, when it comes to cinema, MGR was a star of masses. Most of his revolve around him being savior of poor. He was certainly a bankable star and the producer of sure of making profit from a MGR movie. During his time, his competitor was ‘Sivaji’ Ganesan. He was considered as one of the best method actors of all time in India. The great Marlon Brando himself has said about the talent of Sivaji Ganesan.  He has acted in several genres including historical, mythological, romance, action and comedy. It is said that there no role that Sivaji cannot perform.  “Veerapandiya Kattaboman”, “Thiruvilayadal” , “Thillana Mohanabal”, “Vietnam Veedu” are some of his finest movies of his time. The 60’s and 70’s of tamil cinema was ruled by these two legendry actors. Apart from these two, there was ‘Gemini’ Ganesan who was an equally brilliant actor. Most of his films are romantic and hence his title ‘Kathal Manan’. However, when it comes to competition it was between MGR and Sivaji. By the end of 70’s saw decline of MGR and Sivaji. This period also saw the rise of one of the greatest actors of all time, Kamal Hassan and India’s greatest superstar, Rajini Kanth.

The 80’s and 90’s saw the emergence of these two actors. Their movies followed the path of MGR and SIvaji. Kamal, being a method actor is seen as the successor of Sivaji. Rajini’s movies are always centered upon how he overcomes difficulties and win over the villain. The decade was ruled by these two actors with one went on to win 3 national awards for best acting and many international awards. He has given some of the greatest tamil movies like Thevar Magan, Nayanga, Michael Madana Kamarajan, Moondram Pirai. The other emerged as the king of box office in this period with almost all his movies crossing 100 days and creating records in box office. Annamalai, Baatsha, Muthu to name a few. During this period tamil industry saw some good actors like Karthik, Mohan, Sathyaraj. But it was these two who ruled the roost. There was always comparison between these two as who is the best. By the end of 90’s these two actors have slowed down in the number of movies they make but continuing to give hits. This decade also saw the rise of two young stars, Joseph Vijay and Ajith Kumar.

Even though both of them made their debut in 90’s it was in the end of 90’s and 2000’s saw the rise of these two actors.  Both Vijay and Ajith started in a promising note with films like Kathaluku Mariyathai, Aasai, Kushi, Vaalee. Their popularity soared, however they never reached the heights of their predecessors. This period saw a change in the trend of tamil cinema with many actors evolving during this period, most notably Surya Sivakumar and Vikram. These two are supposed to be the best actors of tamil cinema at present with sterling performances in movies like Sethu, Pithamagan, Kaakha Kaakha, Varanam Aayiram etc. This period also saw the rise of actors like ‘Jeyam’ Ravi, Silambarasan, Vishal, Bharath, Madhavan and others who all have given some good movies to the audiences.

The most important thing to note is, the current generation of tamil cinema is not dependent on Ajith and Vijay unlike 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. The industry has got variety of actors who can fit in to any role. The directors rely more on story than actors and a string of low budget movies with new faces have released and have done well at the box office. Movies like Subramaniapuram, Chennai-28 doesn’t boasts big stars but relied on the story and screenplay. The audience have evolved and looking in to the story than star cast which is definitely a good sign for tamil cinema.The presence of directors like Aameer, Bala, Gautham and others means tamil cinema is certainly in safe hands.

Cricket World Cup 2011 - A Preview

With only 2 months to go for the cricket’s biggest sporting spectacle, we look into the strengths, weakness and chances of winning the world cup of each team.  I know its too early to look into it but I feel nothing much ll be changed in another 1 month.

India:

Certainly one of the favorites to win the cup. They are currently on top of their form with everyone making healthy contributions to the team. The team management will certainly be happy with the way things are proceeding. A series whitewash by a second string Indian team against New Zealand (when I write, its 4-0 with one to go) will certainly boosts their confidence. A tough tour of South Africa will certainly help in appraise the strength and weakness of each player and would help them sort out before the world cup starts. One major cause of worry is the No.7 batsman. Even though Yousuf Pathan have almost cemented his place for the No.7, it ll be interesting to see what is in the mind of Dhoni. The strength of this team is their batting with everyone is in top form. The major weakness in this Indian team is runs they leak in the death overs and the power plays. If at all they can contain the powerplays, there is no reason why India cannot win this cup. Moreover playing in home conditions will certainly improve their chances of winning the cup. This team is certainly an improved unit than the one played in 1996 which was a one man army and that man is still playing and is in form of his life. The chances of winning the world cup is 30%

Sri Lanka:

Second of the three host countries in the tournament. The last time the cup was played in the sub continent they were the champions. Under the astute leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, they romped home turning the phase of Srilankan cricket. 15 years later they are led by a similar astute captain, Kumar Sangakara. Bouyed by their success in Australia, their first series win down under, this team is certainly be one of the favourites to win the cup. Their main strength is their batting led by the classy Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakara. These two will be key if at all they have any chance of repeating 1996. Their bowling is equally strong with Nuwan Kulasekara leading the attack. He is one of the most consistent bowlers around. Since they ll be playing all their matches in their home, it is an added advantage for the lions. The chances of they winning the cup is 25%.

South Africa:

If at all they have to win the world cup, they have to hold their nerves. Famously called as “Chokers”, they ll certainly be keen in removing the tag. There is no reason why they cannot win the cup given the bowling attack they posses. Steyn and Morkel are supposed to be the best of the current bowling attack in the world. Hashim Amla and AB Devillers are in form of their life and you have ever reliable Jacques Kallis and all these players are led by a brilliant and astute Graeme Smith who plays a major role with the start he gives.  Even though they have the best new ball bowlers, there is no one to back up. They have Tsotobe, Parnell in the line up but not as lethal as Steyn and Morkel. Another big drawback is the absence of spinners in the team. Johan Botha is only spinner they have but he will be ineffective when he plays in sub continent. The chances of winning the world cup is 15%.

Australia:

The performance at ashes, defeat in the hands on Sri Lankans and defending champions all add to the pressure. They are certainly not formidable as they were 4 years ago, but one cannot write away the Aussies for their ability to fight till the end. Their bowling looks strong with Bollinger, Harris, McKay, and Johnson. Their batting is equally strong with the likes of Watson, Ponting, Clarke and crisis man Hussey. The thing about the Aussies is the ability to rise to the occasion and nothing becomes demanding than a world cup. They would certainly want to play at home in 2015 as defending champions but recent form suggests they have difficult task ahead. The chances of winning the world cup is 10%.

England:

Certainly on cloud nine after their performance in the first two test of the Ashes. They are at present playing brilliant cricket. They won their first ICC trophy when they lifted the ICC Twenty20 world cup in West Indies. Buoyed by their success they ld like to repeat their feat in the 50 over format too. If at all they need to go through the quarter finals, the big man Kevin Pietersen should be continue his good form all through the tournament. Their bowling looks good with James Anderson and Graeme Swaan leading the attack. The crisis man Paul Collingwood should find purple patch before the world cup starts as he is one of the key member of the English team. Off all the players, Andrew Strauss should fire from all cylinders and lead from the front if at all they have any chance of making it to the semi finals. If they transform their test form into one dayers, no doubt they are a key contender to lift the trophy. The chances of winning the world cup is 8%.

New Zealand:

Certainly not the kind of preparation they would have liked to have. A 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh and another whitewash against the Indians. They have lost their last 9 ODI’s they have played. If at all they are to win the world cup, a miracle should happen and only 2 players can cause the miracle in their team, Daniel Vettori and Ros Taylor. Much will be depended on these two players if at all they have any chance of making it to the semi finals. Brendon McCullum will be a key player but his inconsistency should be a worrying factor for the Kiwis. Their bowling is good with the likes of Tuffey and Mills but I think it will be difficult for them to carry the burden on their shoulders. The chances of winning the cup is 5%.

Pakistan:

The most unpredictable team in cricketing history. If they play to their true potential, they are certainly world beaters but the infighting, spot fixing scandal, absence of Amir and Asif are going to be a serious blow in their preparation to the world cup. In the absence of the Amir and Asif, Umar Gul and Shoiab Akthar should lead the attack. But apart from these two, I don’t see any bowler giving good support to. Batting on paper looks strong with the likes of Younis Khan, Yousuf, Afridi, Umar Akmal but it all depends on the mood of the dressing room given the controversies surrounding the team. It is sad that the country which produced one of the greatest fast bowlers and all rounder is struggling with so many problems. Their chances of winning the cup is 3%.

West Indies:

Any cricket follower and lover will certainly feel sad with the demise of once the greatest team to play cricket. The country which produced the greats like Richards, Marshal, Hall, Garner, Ambrose, Walsh, Lara is now struggling to even find a decent player. Apart from Gayle and Chanderpaul, I don’t see any one performing consistently. Not many would have thought Sammy to be the captain when he was not even a permanent player in the side.  If at all they are make in to the semi finals or even quarter finals, Gayle, Chanderpaul and Roach should play to their full potential else it ll be another disappointing world cup the West Indies. The chances of winning the world cup is 2%

Bangladesh:

They are a good one day unit and on their day they can create an upset which was evident from 2007 world cup. They are currently on a roll after defeating NZL 4-0 at home. Shakib al Hasan, Abdur Razzak, Tamim Iqbal are some of the key players whom the team look for if at all they need to reach the quarterfinal stage. The chaces of winning the world cup is 2%.

Happenings in cricket and my World Cup Squad

This is a great time for all the cricket lovers as all the top teams are in action and with jus 70 odd days to go for the biggest cricket event The World Cup, fans like me certainly are having a great time. The Ashes started off with blinder from Peter Siddle followed by a brilliant partnership between Cook and Trott. It was a perfect start to the games oldest and bitter rivalry. Then it was Kevin Pietersen’s turn to frustrate the Aussies which followed by a brilliant stuff from Graeme Swaan to win the Adelaide test by an innings. If this was not enough, back home Indians were made to toil by the Kiwis in the first test but Indians proved why they are world no 1 by winning the third test by an innings. I should congratulate the Kiwis for their brilliant fight after a drubbing they got at the hands of Bangladesh. The hero of the series was the Turbanator, though it was his batting that won him the laurels. I would have loved to see him winning the match for his bowling, but a century will always help the team irrespective of who scores. However, the game of cricket witnessed one of the worst series that can happen, the series between Sri Lanka and West Indies. Most of the time, the players enjoyed indoor as rain interrupted all through the series. One positive the cricket lovers can take from the series is the triple century by Chris Gayle at Galle. With this triple ton he joined the elite club of Don Bradman, Brian Lara and Virender Sehwag to score 2 triple centuries. Kemar Roach bowled brilliantly in the given opportunity but the biggest disappointment is the failure of captain Darren Sammy. I think a captain should lead from the front to inspire his team. Another dull series which the game witnessed is the series between Pakistan and South Africa at Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Both the test series were drawn but its good for Pakistan, which is fighting the spot fixing scandal and internal terrorism to get some game to be played. In a week’s time, India is set play South Africa in South Africa, which many considers to be the mother of all battles. Its between the top 2 test nations in the world and India’s poor record in South Africa meant the pressure is high on the Indians. Moreover, people back home in India are expecting 50^th test century from the little master after a disappointing series against New Zealand.  Its action packed season for cricket and I am enjoying it.

With so much stuff happening around the cricketing world, let me take some break and analyze who in the Indian team will be making it to the world cup. It is one of the toughest assignments given the performance of various players. So this is my Indian 15 member squad for the world cup. Of the 15, 10 players are of automatic choice,

1. Sachin Tendulkar
2. Virender Sehwag
3. Gautam Gambhir
4. MS Dhoni
5. Suresh Raina
6. Yuvraj Singh
7. Virat Kohli
8. Zaheer Khan
9. Harbhajan Singh
10. Ashish Nehra

So the question for who are the remaining 5 people who is going to make it to squad arises. Based on my analysis and intuition the following 5 should complete the 15.

1. Shanthakumar Sreeshanth – Has been bowling well off late in the tests and his success against South Africa in South Africa will help him get in to the squad. However it is his economy rate that should be a cause of concern for him. He should bring it down as it ll be the deciding factor between him, Ishant and Munaf. His ability to pick wickets has made me to include in the squad.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin – He is the second spinner in my squad. He makes it to the 15 just because of his sheer performance in the on going one day series against New Zealand.
3. Praveen Kumar – He will complete the fast bowling unit of the Indian squad for the world cup. His main strengths are his ability to swing the ball both ways early in the match which can certainly trouble the batsmen.
4. Yousuf Pathan – He is the answer for India’s No 7 player at least for now after his brutal knock against NZL and his off spinner will be handy in Indian conditions.
5. Parthiv Patel – Two reasons why he should make it to squad are that he is the back up keeper for Dhoni and his current batting form is good which earns him a place ahead of Dinesh Karthik and Wridhman Saha.