'Yodha' brings respite to Kannanda film industry

Bangalore, June 30 (IANS) Southern star Darshan's first release of the year "Yodha" has received the biggest opening in recent times and trade analysts say the film could change the tide of Kannada film industry, which was going through a bad phase with downward revenues week after week.

Darshan is on cloud nine as the film has repeated the success story of his last year's release "Gaja".

"'Yodha' is my first release of the year and it is also my first film with producer Rockline Venkatesh who has been my friend for many years. I'm happy the film is doing very well. Rockline Venkatesh spoke to me and said that he was really thrilled with the opening collections of the film. 'Yodha' has a good blend of family sentiments, action and patriotic elements," Darshan told IANS.

Directed by Om Prakash Rao, the film's huge initial collection has met the expectations of people and reminds the days of "Gaja", "Indra" and other hit films of Darshan.

"Rao is known for making commercial flicks. All my three previous films with him have done well and 'Yodha' will be another film that will join the list of successful films. I was working with Rao after a long time and our team has always proved successful with films like 'Kalasipalya', 'Ayya' and 'Mandya'," said the actor who is now shooting for his forthcoming film "Abhay", which is being directed by Mahesh Babu.

Veteran film distributor Naveen Manu Gangadhar says Darshan's charisma and Rao's talent has turned "Yodha" into a good action film that has created waves at the ticket window.

He also feels Nikitha's glamorous looks have added the desired flavour to the film.

"If the music was slightly better, then 'Yodha' would have surely made it to the list of Darshan's top grosser," said Gangadhar.

Rao says he was confident about the film's good openings.

"Darshan's fans are very happy. I have also received many congratulatory messages from many people from the industry," said Rao.

Nikitha hopes a big boost to her career from the success of "Yodha".

"I am hearing many positive things about the collections of the film. I hope it will also turn out to be a hit like 'Vamshi', in which I had teamed up with 'Appu' (Puneet Raj Kumar)," she said.

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