Next Gen

Tamil cinema’s phases can be defined by an actor duo who made a mark in each of those phases. First was the MGR-Sivaji era. That was followed by the Rajni-Kamal generation. Then came the Vijay-Ajith phase. Sure there were other successful and important actors in each of those phases but those two actors pretty much defined each phase and mentioning their names makes it immediately clear which period in Tamil cinema we are talking about.

We’re still in the Vijay-Ajith era but I think the next change of guard is happening in Tamil cinema right now. Actors from the Rajni-Kamal generation have already retired or are pretty close to retirement and the next-generation actors like Vijay, Ajith, Vikram and Surya have established themselves firmly and are now in positions where younger actors can look upto them. At the same time, in the past few years, we’ve had a number of new actors try their luck. As they are all atleast a few films old, we can now separate the one-film wonders and the ones who will stick around for a long time.

So here are my predictions for the 5 young actors who have the biggest probability of making a mark in the next generation of Tamil cinema.

5. Jeeva
I guess Jeeva is the best example for how volatile this list is. A couple of years ago, after his first few films, he definitely wouldn’t have been on the list. But Raam proved that he could act and Dishyum proved that he could act naturally. This kind of variety could help him in the long run. And having a powerful father always helps!

4. Bharath
Bharath has the best chance of ending up as the “boy-next-door hero” of his generation. A terrific dancer, he has downplayed his dance skills and instead, concentrated on likeable, down-to-earth, soft characters. He has had a good success ratio so far and if he continues in this route, he could define a niche all for himself.

3. ‘Jayam’ Ravi
If I had made this list right after Jayam, Ravi would have been at the top. He has the goods with his pleasant, decent looks and good dancing and stunt abilities. But he is yet to give a hit without his brother Raja’s help and his voice lets him down in action roles. A couple of more hits and he could solidify his position.

2. Vishal
Tamil cinema has always been kind to action heroes and Vishal seems to have earned that tag already. While he was the weakest among the 3 characters in his first film Chellame, the hype around the film benefited him and its success didn’t hurt either. Sandakkozhi saw him as an action hero and Thimiru, a film where he finally didn’t have to share screen space with other important characters, solidified that tag.

1. Arya
Of late, Tamil cinema seems to be embracing heroes who can carry off both action and romantic roles equally well and off the current young brigade, Arya seems most suited to do that. His good looks and pin-up boy status ensure his suitability for soft, romantic roles and at the same time, his looks are not the “soft, cho-chweet” kind (of say, Arvind Swamy), which means he can carry off action roles convincingly too. If he proves himself as a good actor too in Bala’s Naan Kadavul, there’ll be no stopping him.