'Aaptha Mithra' hit of the year

Bangalore, Dec 15 (IANS): "Aaptha Mithra", the biggest Kannada hit film of the year, is still at the top of the box office list, with "Mourya" making it to the second place.

Following are the Top Five Kannada films:

1) "Aaptha Mithra": The film will, in all probability, collect more than Rs.100 million at the box office. It has already set records in Bangalore, Davanagere, Shimoga and Mysore. In Bangalore alone, the film may cross the Rs.20-million mark while in Mysore, it has already set an all-time record by completing 100 days in three theatres. The farewell film of Soundarya has added a feather to the cap of the film's hero, Vishnuvardhan.

2) "Mourya": The film's initial collections were good but fell in the fourth and fifth weeks. But after a publicity blitz, interest in the film has been rekindled and collections have improved dramatically. It is set to complete 100 days in two theatres in Bangalore and collections in the city have crossed the Rs.10-million mark. The film is a big boost for young actor Puneet Raj Kumar whose previous film "Veera Kannadiga" was an average grosser at the box office.

3) "Kalasi Palya": The film is the biggest hit from action hero Darshan and has given him a new status in the industry. Rakshitha, the heroine, has also been in demand since the film's release. Collections are expected to exceed Rs.20 million in the Bangalore and Mysore distribution areas.

4) "Joke Falls": This certainly is the surprise hit of the year. Ramesh Arvind won accolades for his performance in "Aaptha Mithra", but could not claim credit for the film's success. Ramesh, however, is the backbone of "Joke Falls", directed by Ashok Patil, a non-resident Indian from the US. A remake of Hindi hit "Chupke Chupke", the film is running to packed houses.

5) "Nalla": This is a commercial success, but not a big hit. The film had good initial collections, but could not maintain them four weeks after its release. Maybe a publicity drive in later weeks could have ensured better returns, But since the film was sold in all major circuits, neither the producer nor the distributors have shown interest in its promotion.