It may just be mid July but Tamil cinema has already seen much talent for the year that talks for best actor category in various award ceremonies for the year is already non-stop among folks in the film industry, critics and fans.

IG takes a look...

Bala's 'Avan Ivan', a multi-starrer that has Vishal, Arya, GM Kumar, Janani Iyer and Madhu Shalini in the lead roles has a strong contender for this category. Vishal awed one and all with his performance as Walter Vanangamudi in this film, and he is also the first actor worldwide to sport a squint for a full length feature film. And considering it's a Bala offering, the long schedules and production period and the 'n' number of retakes need not be explained upon. His stunts were all done without a double as well; Vishal is truly 'Avan Ivan's show stealer.

Our second contender is Chiyaan Vikram for his performance in 'Deiva Thirumagal' that hit the screens just a few days back but has become a rage among critics and fans. Doing an original is entirely different from working on a film that is inspired from a hit, for people tend to criticize and compare everything to the original. 'Deiva Thirumagal' is based on 'I Am Sam' and Vikram is receiving much appreciation from those who have witnessed the original as well. Vikram essays the role of an adult with the mental maturity of a five year old, and his struggle to reunite with his daughter is beautifully portrayed. He spent months together with the mentally challenged trying to understand them, and we must say, he has done a brilliant job for he has gotten into the skin of the character he plays, Krishna.

IG wishes luck to both the stars and hopes they receive many accolades for their well-deserving performances... Don't forget to post in your feedback!