It’s been 8 months. Sandalwood has had a great 2016 until now. Here is the list of Top 10 movies. The analysis is done on the basis of critical as well as commercial success. We have taken the consideration of how the films have helped to take the industry forward.

Top 10 Movies

10. Killing Veerappan – Maverick director Ram Gopal Varma made his Sandalwood debut with this project. He cast Shivarajkumar, son of matinee idol Rajkumar, who was kidnapped by Veerappan, in lead role. The film was the first release of 2016 and was a commercial success. The film could have done better. However, the release date is said to have played spoilsport with “Masterpiece” and four Telugu releases affecting the film badly.9. Last Bus – The psychological thriller-horror film written, co-produced and directed by S. D. Arvind was a sleeper hit. The film was also dubbed in French, becoming the first ever Kannada film to be dubbed in French.8. Kiragoorina Gayyaligalu – The film which was based on popular Kannada novel written by renowned Kannada writer Poornachandra Tejaswi was an instant hit among audience. Directed by Suman Kittur, the film was about a group of rural women. The film faced certain problems from censor board due to its adult dialogues. However, after protest from the film industry, everything was sorted out.

7. Karava – The mystery film which had all the elements of a trade mark Abbas Mustan film was a big commercial success. Made by a bunch of newcomer starring lesser known actors of Sandalwood, the film was a big hit at the box office and proved that Kannada audiences will always support good Kannada films irrespective of stars in it.

6. Zoom – The Kannada film starring Ganesh and Radhika Pandit was a surprise hit at the box office. The film was very important for lead actor Ganesh as his last two films could not sustain for even two weeks, raising questions on his stardom. However, this film brought him back on track. A simple comedy entertainer which was well promoted by the makers helped the film. It also did decent business abroad. This film has helped Ganesh’s next film “Mungaaru Male- 2”.5. U Turn – The crowd funded film was a critical as well as commercial success. Directed by Pawan Kumar, the film dealt with road safety issue. Even though the film was criticized for its climax, audience liked the film.4. Shivalinga – The Shivarajkumar starrer was a big hit at the box office. The film also did well critically. P Vasu directed the film. Released in February, the thriller was well received by audience and was one of the biggest box office successes of Shivarajkumar. The film did very well in multiplexes, where Shivanna’s films rarely do good business.

3. Kotigobba 2 – The action entertainer opened to record breaking collections at the box office. Even after three weeks, the film has sustained well and is becoming the first star film in Kannada to gross more in multiplexes than single screens. The film is set for rest of India release on lead actor’s Sudeep’s birthday, September 2.2. Godhi Banna Sadharna Maikattu – The Anant Nag and Rakshit Shetty starrer film was an instant hit. Anant Nag’s performance was highly appreciated. The film did great business in Karnataka. However, the icing on the cake was the film’s performance outside Karnataka and overseas. The film was a huge hit in USA and became the second highest grossing film in Kannada there. The film has opened up market for Kannada films abroad. A good distribution network will help Kannada films gain in overseas.

1. Thithi – The satirical comedy which has swept almost all the awards is undoubtedly the top film of the year. Starring villagers, the film which had a feel of documentary was a big hit among audience. The film won many international awards. It also won the State Award and Best Kannada film in National Award. Popular Bollywood celebrities like Aamir Khan and Anurag Kashyap praised the film, which helped the film in getting national audience. All in all, the film made Sandalwood proud worldwide and proved that content is king.This is the list of Top 10 Kannada movies of 2016 until August 2016. We will be doing another analysis in the year end.