Australia 291/7 (Sutherland 105, McGrath 34, Penfold 4-42, Carson 2-65) defeated New Zealand 122/5 (Kerr 38, James 27, Garth 2-17) by 65 runs (via DLS)*

Australia secured a commanding 65-run victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected second ODI at the Basin Reserve, with Annabel Sutherland once again taking center stage with an unbeaten 105. The rain-hit match, which saw Australia post 291 for 7, was halted after 31 overs with New Zealand on 122 for 5, ensuring Australia’s 14th consecutive win over their trans-Tasman rivals.

The contest began with anticipation surrounding Alyssa Healy’s return to the international fold after a lengthy injury layoff. Healy, playing as a specialist batter, contributed a steady 34 off 32 balls, providing solid support at the top of the order. However, it was Sutherland’s explosive innings that truly dominated the day.

Sutherland, who had recently made an impressive 110 against India in Perth, showed her prowess in tough batting conditions. She became the first player to hit back-to-back ODI centuries from the No.5 position, guiding Australia to a challenging total. With the ball swinging in the seaming conditions, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled to contain her. Sutherland launched two sixes in the final overs and reached her century off just 78 balls, sealing her third ODI ton with a boundary.

After a rain delay disrupted play, New Zealand found themselves needing to chase a steep target, and the early loss of key wickets left them in a difficult position. Debutant Bella James was aggressive early on, pulling Megan Schutt for a six, but her knock ended at 27 when she was caught off Kim Garth. Suzie Bates, who had presented James with her debut cap, was dismissed cheaply, leaving New Zealand at 60 for 3.

Captain Sophie Devine’s departure after edging Ellyse Perry further put New Zealand on the back foot, and although Jess Kerr and Frankie MacDonald showed resilience, the required run rate was steadily climbing. New Zealand’s hopes were dashed as the heavens opened up, signaling the end of the match with them still well short of the target.

The rain-shortened match reflected not just Australia’s superiority with the bat, but also the challenges New Zealand faced in the field. Notably, debutant James had a tough outing, dropping three catches, including one when Sutherland was on 26. Despite a spirited 4-46 from Molly Penfold, New Zealand’s fielding lapses proved costly.

For Australia, the win was a continuation of their dominant form after their 3-0 whitewash against India. New Zealand’s defeat has complicated their path to directly qualifying for the 2025 Women’s World Cup, with the team sitting precariously in sixth position on the Women’s Championship standings.

The match marked a significant milestone for Healy, who made her return after a lengthy injury layoff. Although her knock was brief, it was a welcome sight for Australia’s leadership. She has been working hard in the nets to regain form, and her boundary off Rosemary Mair’s second ball was a signal of her readiness for the challenges ahead.

The ODI series will now shift focus to the third and final match, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory as the Women’s Championship points race continues.

Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic voice takes center stage in Mufasa: The Lion King, elevating this animated prequel to new heights. The film, which explores the origins of the beloved Lion King character, is a prequel to 2009’s The Lion King, and delivers a heartwarming tale of family, friendship, betrayal, and love. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the movie is a stunning visual feast, boasting groundbreaking animation and intricate details that bring the animal kingdom to life.

Khan’s voice performance as Mufasa, the orphaned lion cub with a destiny to rule, infuses the character with the star’s trademark romantic charisma and wisdom. Even in animated form, Khan’s aura shines through, adding a layer of emotional depth that resonates with audiences. His delivery of the Hindi dialogues—filled with humor, drama, and moments of introspection—grounds the film in a cultural touchstone that appeals to Indian audiences. The film offers a unique Hindi dubbing experience, which enhances the story with a local flavor, making it all the more relatable.

The film’s plot follows Mufasa’s journey as he seeks a place to call home, despite being separated from his family. Along the way, he meets new companions, including Taka, the rebellious son of the king, who becomes both a friend and a rival. Themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal run deep as Mufasa navigates the challenges of his world, including the power-hungry King Kiros. The narrative, told by the wise Rafiki, draws on themes of finding one’s place in the world, with a sense of hope and unity guiding the characters.

Visually, the film is a marvel. The animation is incredibly realistic, capturing the power and grace of the animals with breathtaking detail. However, the polished look of the film sometimes feels too neat, missing the chaotic vibrancy of the wilderness. Despite this, the technical prowess and dynamic animation make Mufasa: The Lion King an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film is filled with emotional highs, especially as Mufasa begins to understand his place in the world. His journey is not just about survival, but about finding a sense of belonging and purpose. The connection between him and the other characters, particularly the romantic tension with the lioness Sarabi, adds an extra layer of drama.

The Hindi dub of the film brings its own flavor, blending street-style Bollywood lingo with the majestic world of the Lion King. While some of the dialogue may feel out of place, it succeeds in giving the film a unique touch that will resonate with Indian audiences, especially Shah Rukh Khan’s fans. His delivery of iconic lines like “Main Hoon Na” infuses the film with a distinctly Bollywood magic that is bound to win over fans.

In conclusion, Mufasa: The Lion King is a remarkable prequel that balances spectacular animation with a timeless story. With Shah Rukh Khan’s voice bringing life to the title character, it becomes an experience that Bollywood fans will not want to miss. The film is an improbable yet perfect union of Disney’s grandeur and Khan’s on-screen magic, making it a must-watch for fans of both.

Upendra’s latest directorial venture, UI, released in theatres on December 20, 2024, after a two-year production process. The film marks his return to direction after a nine-year hiatus, his last directorial being the 2015 Kannada hit Uppi 2. Known for his unique narrative style, Upendra’s films have always been a blend of the unconventional and the thought-provoking. Does UI live up to the expectations set by his previous work? Let’s dive into the details.

The story of UI unfolds in an imaginary, dystopian world, bringing together individuals of various castes, creeds, and nationalities. In this one cohesive setting, Upendra addresses universal societal problems, reflecting on the condition of humanity. The film’s narrative is intricate and layered, making it challenging to explain without diving into spoilers. The deeper questions regarding the movie’s message are left to the viewers to interpret—what exactly is Upendra trying to convey with this thought-provoking journey?

As anticipated from Upendra’s directorial work, UI offers a narrative that leaves the audience pondering long after the credits roll. Using metaphors as a tool, the film explores socio-political issues while encouraging self-introspection. While the storytelling and performances may feel a bit old-school, the socio-political commentary and satirical tone add intrigue, keeping the audience engaged throughout. Overall, UI stands as a testament to Upendra’s distinctive style, fitting into his “director’s genre.”

Here is the first look teaser of UI:

The technical aspects of the film play a significant role in elevating its storytelling. The set designs are visually stunning, capturing the diversity of the imagined world. The VFX is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the overall cinematic experience. Although some songs may not fully resonate, their lyrics complement the storytelling effectively. One song, in particular—“Cheap Song”—teased in the pre-release promotions—stands out as a memorable addition. The background score, composed by B Ajaneesh Loknath, adds depth and emotion to the film.

Upendra’s performance is the film’s focal point, with him leading the charge and carrying much of the narrative on his shoulders. Reeshma Nanaiah, though having limited screen time, delivers a solid performance. Supporting actors like Ravishankar, Sadhu Kokila, and Achyuth Kumar also fit seamlessly into their roles, though the film places more emphasis on the characters’ symbolic meaning rather than the individual performances.

The metaphorical elements in UI are the strongest aspect of the film. While it is less convoluted than some of Upendra’s previous works such as A and Uppi 2, this simplicity works in its favor. The film communicates its complex messages effectively without overburdening the audience. Upendra has also taken to X, engaging with fans about the movie, eagerly awaiting their interpretations and analysis of the film’s deeper meanings.

With its visual grandeur, UI is undoubtedly a cinematic experience that should be seen on the big screen. However, the film’s rich, message-driven narrative may prompt viewers to return multiple times to truly understand its layers. Produced by G Manohar and KP Shreekanth under the banner of Lahari Films, the film benefits from exceptional VFX work by Naveen Manohar. The music by B Ajaneesh Loknath further elevates the film’s immersive experience.