For Kannada Film Industry, popularly known as Sandalwood, the year 2011 was Kabhi Kushi Kabhi Gham. The good news: Around 120 films were released this year. The bad news: Only 10 films succeeded at the box office.
The year began with the release of Nagashakthi, Police No 1 and Boss. Challenging Star Darshan’s film Sarathi was the most successful film in the year 2011. The film is nearing the 100-day mark. Among the heroes, Puneeth Rajkumar retained his position as the most sought after artiste in Kannada film industry despite his film Paramathma failing to make it to the list of successful films. It was the most hyped film of the year and was directed by Yogaraj Bhat.
Films such as Hudugaru, a remake of Tamil film Nadodigal, Olave Mandara, Sanju Weds Geetha, Johny Mera Naam Preethi Mera Kaam and Kirathaka successfully completed 100 days. Vijay-starrer Veerabahu, Sudeep’s film Kempe Gowda and multi-star flick Kalla Malla Sulla completed 50 days of screening. Currently, Sudeep’s movie Vishnuvardhana is doing well at the box office.
Success eluded Golden Star Ganesh this year with his two films Kool and Madhuve Mane failing at the box office. His last movie for this year Shylu too is not doing well at the box office. Other highlights of the year were the failures of producer Shailendra Babu’s attempt to launch his son’s career with Aata; and the much-hyped film I Am Sorry Mathe Banni Preethsona failing to set the cash registers ringing despite re-releasing the movie after adding a song.
A surprise quotient from the Kannada Film Industry was the Tulu film Oriyardori Asal, which completed silver jubilee in Mangalore.
Also, with the success of film Sarathi, despite his month-long stay in prison, Darshan is set to become highest paid artiste. He is allegedly charging a remuneration of `3 crore per film.