'Aaptha Mithra' sets all-time record

Bangalore, Oct 30 (IANS): The charisma of Soundarya and Vishnuvardhan has proved more than a match for the big budgets of producers this fortnight.

1. "Aaptha Mithra": The film has completed nine weeks and created waves in almost all parts of the state in which it has been released. The expected collections from Bangalore city alone are Rs.20 million - an all-time record.

The film is a big draw in the Mysore-Mandya-Hassan-Kodagu distribution area, with crowds increasing in the theatres with each passing day. The sixth week's collections have surpassed the second week's in many centres. In Bangalore city, the collections have already crossed those of all previous hit films of Vishnuvardhan. Soundarya, who met a tragic end after finishing the shooting of the film, is a major attraction.

2. "Kalasi Palya": The film was released Oct 15 after a publicity blitz - the hallmark of the Ramu Enterprises, which has produced the film. It has grossed over Rs.500,000 in the first week in the Bangalore distribution circuit.

This is a record for a Darshan-starring film. The collections have been equally impressive in the second week, with the Dussehra holidays attracting huge audiences to the theatres.

3. "Mourya": The film was affected in the beginning by the pre-festival lull and the first day's collections did not match the charismatic image of hero Puneet Raj Kumar.

But the film picked up after Vijayadashami and has become a big hit with the audience. Younger audiences are flocking to the theatres now. The fight sequences of the film are a major talking point among the viewers.

4. "Onkaara": The film's initial popularity was because of the hype created in the media before its release and also the star appeal of Upendra. The film, however, has not done very well since then. Still, it cannot be dismissed as a flop.

5. "Saahukaara": The film has everything that should have made it a big hit: a big-star cast, a proven film's remake and rich production values. But, according to trade circles, it can only cover its costs. It has not achieved the expected level of success mainly because there are too many big-budget films running now.