Yesterday I saw an interesting discussion on a TV channnel over the topic of cricket commercialisation. One of the key speakers, Mr. Harsha Bhogle, made a valid point when he said that Cricket matches are ‘unscripted’, whereas Bollywood movies or TV serials are ’scripted’, so the element of surprise is always much more in live Cricket matches than in movies. For example, even before the movie ended, you knew that Bhuvan aka Aamir Khan would hit the last ball for a six to win the match for his village and his team. The same cannot be surely said about Sachin Tendulkar when he is batting in his nineties
The movie that tops the chart is “The Cinderella Man”, perhaps not so well acclaimed as it ought to have been. The movie is based in the 1930s during the days of the depression. It shows how a boxer gets back to the boxing ring so as to support his family, despite suffering from many permanent injuries in his hands. The strong performances by the actors in the movie, notably Russell Crowe and Paul Giamatti (who won the Oscar for best supporting actor) is worth mentioning. The way the boxer competes in a series of bouts and finally wins the world heavyweight championship crown is a delight to watch. In the final match he is up against a dangerous opponent who had killed the last 2 boxers he fought in the ring. While people don’t think he would survive the match, he actually does, and not only that he thrashes his opponent in the final round and takes him head-on despite the other’s fearsome reputation of being a knock-outer and a killer. Truly inspiring !

Next in line is our very own “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar”. It doesn’t need any introduction of any kind. A simple movie that reminds you of your school/college days, a treat to watch. The climax scene where Aamir Khan pips Deepak Tijori to win the cycling contest is great, and you actually feel like you are pedalling .
There are plenty more such movies - Lakshya, The Matrix-I, Dor, Gladiator, The Patriot, Chak De India…the list is a fairly long one and I have actually missed a number of names. What makes these movies inspiring is their depiction of a few characters who show courage and determination against all odds - they may not win in the end all the time, but at least they gave it all they had. Of course the background score of all such movies is exceptional, and plays a big role in giving you those goose bumps at the right time .

So Mr. Bhogle, what do you say to these ’scripted’ dramas? ; I totally agree that real life heroes are far more ‘heroic’, and their acts more applaudable, but spare a thought for these ’scripted’ stuffs as well, for tremendous hard work and self-belief goes behind their making, even if they are commerciably viable or not. More than the drama, action and suspense, and the general entertainment quotient, they are showing light to millions of us.