The Show Must Go On

Now Showing: Cricket Hungama
Starring: Sourav Ganguly, Greg Chappell, Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, Ranbir Singh Mahendra
Guest Appearances: VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Freddie Flintoff
Item Number: Harbhajan Singh, Raj Singh Dungarpur

This is a riveting thrill a minute drama that will leave you stunned at the end. It has an explosive beginning with the protagonist’s very survival under threat. Ganguly as the lead character is ably supported by new comer Chappell, who has pulled no punches in an eye opening performance that almost puts to shade the work of the established star. Ganguly's five year run at the top, seems to have lulled him into complacency with specific pointers to his lack of fitness, but in the end he reveals his hidden strength by working the room, and connecting fantastically well with his co-stars.

One has to marvel at veteran thespian Dalmiya's performance, especially his scenes with the other heavy weight contender Sharad Pawar. It is reminiscent of Mohammad Ali’s rope trick in his Rumble in the Jungle with George Foreman. Silent in the beginning, absorbing all that Pawar can throw at him, before essaying another one of his masterpieces. Mahendra plays the part of the supporting actor very well with platitudes like "Cricket must go forward."

Raj Singh is wasted in an unnecessary item number, but Harbhajan definitely adds some spice to the proceedings. Laxman and Flintoff should have skipped the whole thing, but Tendulkar has a brief cameo that leaves Ganguly nodding his assent. The ending was stunning yet disappointing, but you can see that it is for purely commercial reasons. For those who are unhappy with the ending, there is a silver lining, the casting directors will no longer be appointed on a zonal basis, and this should prevent regional bias in the auditions for Team India.

The Show Must Go On, and no doubt, there will be a sequel.