4 Kannada films in theatres this week

September first week will be a film fest for Kannada movie buffs. For, four films, including the much-awaited movie of the year, Pancharangi, directed by Yogaraj Bhat, are being released on September 3.

Interestingly, all the 4 movies belong to different genre. While Pancharangi deals with different aspects of life, Onti Mane is a ghost movie. The third film Naarada Vijaya is a comedy film and Kari Chirathe is a movie for the masses.

Among the 4 movies, the Kannada film industry is pinning hopes on Pancharangi for a blockbuster. For, it is made by Yogaraj Bhat, whose last three movies were mega hits. Bhat is known for making one movie per year. Pancharangi is his maiden home production featuring his favorite actor Diganth. Bhat's movies are watched by one and all. His narration style and taste for music have made him one of the hugely successful Kannada film directors.

Model-turned-actress Nidhi Subbaiah is looking forward to her biggest break through Pancharangi. Songs from the movie have become chart-busters, further enhancing the curiosity among Bhat's followers.

Kari Chirathe featuring Duniya Vijay and Sharmila Mandre is another big movie that will hit the theatres on September 3. It is directed by another successful film-maker K Maadesh, who too has many hits to his credit. His last three films -- Raam (Puneet Rajkumar), Preethse Preethse (Yogi) and Gaja (Darshan) were hits. Sandalwood is hoping that Maadesh will be successful in his first venture with Duniya Vijay. The movie's audio tracks have become popular. Another actress Yagna Shetty will be vying for screen space with Sharmila in Kari Chirathe.

Onti Mane, a low-budget movie, is directed by Y N Vittal Kumar and has Srinath, Vinod Alva, Doddanna and Shobhraj in the star cast. Naarada Vijaya, which has Surya and Shashikumar in the lead, is about the travails of a middle-class family. The movie promises to be a laugh riot with leading comedians of Kannada films -- Bank Janardhan, Mohan Juneja, M N Lakshmi Devi and Biraadar -- appearing in prominent roles.

Of the four, Pancharangi and Kari Chirathe are clear winners. But will Kari Chirathe stand up to Pancharangi? We need to wait and watch.