5 Top Chartbusters of 2008

The year end is usually the time when movie makers sit back and analyze the success or failure of their films. In Kannada film industry, 118 films were released in 2008 of which only 20 films managed to become hits. The year was marked with extreme violence in films and some mainstream films were released with 'A' certificates for their open display of cruelty and bloodshed. Yet, there were a few films which captured the hearts of audiences for their excellence in story and presentation.

The top five Kannada films of 2008 are:

1. Buddhivantha

Directed by Ramnath Rigvedhi, Buddhivantha, the remake of the Tamil film Nan Avanillai, is Upendra"s only release for the year. The actor-director appeared in five different get ups as Panchamrutha, Josef, Zakhir Hussein, Shyam, and Vijay Mithal. Buddhivantha reaches the end of the year as the biggest grosser in Sandalwood and is on its way to complete 100 days in theatres. The film also featured five heroines: Pooja Gandhi, Suman Ranganath, Nethanya, Saloni and Brinda.

2. Vamshi
Puneeth Rajkumar's second release of the year, Vamshi runs close behind in the second spot. The film had one of the biggest opening collections; the right combination of action and music helped the film in drawing audiences in large numbers. Directed by Prakash and produced under Puneeth's home banner, the plot was the story of a mother and her son who becomes a gangster. Vamshi also introduced lovely Nikitha into Sandalwood.

3. Mussanje Maathu
Directed by Mahesh and produced by Suresh Jain, Mussanje Maathu was a refreshing film both in terms of story and narration. Lead actor Sudeep plays the role of a Radio Jockey who anchors a programme called Mussanje Maathu for depressed people. The film garnered a huge fan following, especially among the youth. This is the only hit of heroine Ramya in 2008.

4. Gaja
Released in the early part of the year, Gaja, directed by K.Madesha and produced by V. Harikrishna, was the first film to be declared a hit in 2008. Darshan"s fighting skills were rightly exploited in the film, helping it to become popular. The film also paved the way for Navya Nair"s grand entrance into Sandalwood.

5. Gaalipata
Directed by Yograj Bhat of Mungaru Male fame, Gaalipata had a huge star cast of three heroes and three heroines. Ganesh led the pack with his wit, style and dialogue delivery. The film tells the story of three youths coming to a village and falling in love. This soft romantic comedy produced by S.P.R. Entertainments won the hearts of audiences in cities and villages alike.