Kamal Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam launched: Will he be the next NTR?

Odds are clearly stacked against Kamal Haasan. Can he overcome the challenges and deliver his next blockbuster - this one as a politician?

This Business Standard special piece, originally published on November 15, is being republished as actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has finally made his formal plunge into politicsby launching his party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' (People Justice Centre). The party, Haasan claims, will seek to provide governance free of corruption and stop playing games on the basis of religion and castes. Overall, there seem to be several things going against the actor wanting to reinvent himself as a politician. Will he be able to overcome these and make a real impact? Sumant Raman explores for Business Standard.  

The media attention in Tamil Nadu over