'Aaptha Mithra', a big money spinner

Bangalore, Jan 1 (IANS): Kannada film "Aaptha Mithra", still drawing in the crowds, has turned out to be the biggest money spinner of the year.

1. "Aaptha Mithra": As the film completes 125 days in many theatres, there is expectation that it may cross the silver-jubilee mark in many theatres and run on for 30 to 40 weeks. The film is expected to gross over Rs.100 million ($2.3 million). There has been a dramatic rise in the number of people visiting the theatres after the film completed 100 days. Even in B and C centres, the film is proving to be a great success, belying the expectations of trade analysts.

2. "Joke Falls": This has been a year of great success for Ramesh. First it was "Aaptha Mithra", in which he has a major role. Now it is this remake of Hindi film "Chupke Chupke", running to packed houses. The film was made at a moderate cost by NRI Kannadiga, Atlanta Nagendra, and directed by another NRI Kannadiga, Ashok Patil. It is a laugh riot and the family audience is lapping it up.

3. "Mourya": Producer Rockline Venkatesh's film is racing towards the 100-day mark. Directed by S. Narayan, it has confirmed the super-star status of Puneet Raj Kumar. Meera Jasmine is another attraction of the film. The producer increased the publicity after the fifth week, and this has helped. Though the collections have dropped, they exceeded Rs.10 million in Bangalore city. The film, a remake of Telugu Hit "Amma Naanna Oka Tamil Ammaayi", directed by Puri Jagannath, is certainly among the big hits of the year.

4. "Kalasi Palya": Though the film's appeal is beginning to taper off, it must be counted among the year's hits mainly because of the bumper collections in the initial weeks. Action hero Darshan has been able to get a big push in the commercial circuit because of the film's success. The collections have grossed over Rs.10 million in Bangalore city. Credit is equally being given to heroine Rakshitha and her dare-bare act in the film.

5. "Jyeshta": The film's good opening in the first week was due to the charisma of Vishnuvardhan. But it has not met the expectations of the superstar's fans and collections are dipping in the second week. Since the producers have sold the film and made a small profit, it is to be seen whether the distributors will be able to recover the costs in the coming weeks.