Kannada film industry: The year that was

It was a year of highs and lows for the Kannada film industry; good news came in the form of movies like Olave Mandara, Hudugaru, Sanju Weds Geetha and Jhonny Mera Naam Preethi Mera Kaam reaching the 100-day mark. Kirathaka, Kempegowda and Lifeu Ishtene also did well. Sarathi and year-end releases Vishnuvardhana and Shyloo seem to be treading the success path as well.

Where some films scored others that brought together A-list actors and directors failed to meet the expectations. Prem’s Jogayya was a dampener barring Shivarajkumar’s — this was his  100th film — performance.

Paramathma saw Puneet Rajkumar and Yograj Bhat  come together for the first time, but left the audience dissatisfied. Shashank and Vijay’s Jarasandha Ganesh’s directorial debut, Kool, failed to create the desired effect. The year was good for music directors Harikrishna and Jassie Gift. However, actor Amoolya quit the industry stating that she could not handle the media attention.

Controversies
More than films certain controversies made news. First, actor Darshan was sent to jail for assaulting his wife. His alleged affair with actress Nikitha was blamed for the discord in his marital life. Ramya’s tiff with her Dandam Dashagunam producer also made headlines.

With the new year setting in this is only hoping that it brings with it more hits and less remakes and controversies.