Bangalore, Dec 31 (IANS) 'Mungaru Male', with Golden Star Ganesh in the lead, is reportedly the only film to have completed a year in a multiplex theatre in the world. The film, directed by Yograj Bhat, completed a year here Dec 28.

Although released on Dec 29, 2006, the film drew bigger crowds in 2007. It became the biggest blockbuster of the year and made Ganesh and Bhat leading figures of Kannada cinema.

The film also won many awards. It includes the state award for the best film and awards for music direction, photography and lyrics.

'Mungaru Male' broke new ground in the Kannada film industry. It showed how technical and musical brilliance could contribute to a film's success. Music director Mano Murthy also became one of the busiest composers after he hit it off.

His success story continued with two more blockbusters - 'Cheluvina Chiththaara' and 'Milana'.

Another notable success of the year was Soori's directorial debut 'Duniya'. Starring Vijay, the film had a silver jubilee run in many centres. The film was about an innocent man from a village, who comes to Bangalore and becomes a hireling of the underworld.

The film proved to be a trendsetter, prompting filmmakers to essay similar themes. The film's major success brought its hero Vijay on to the centrestage.

'Mathadu Mathadu Mallige', starring Vishnuvardhan and Suhasini Maniratnam and directed by Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, was the first Kannada film to focus on the fight of a farmer facing forcible acquisition of land by a political corporate nexus. The film was based on acquisition of agricultural land for SEZs and major projects in Karnataka, which was becoming an emotive issue.

Another Ganesh-starrer 'Cheluvina Chiththaara', directed by S. Narayan, also proved to be one of the biggest hits of the year. It was a remake of Tamil hit 'Kaadal'. The film's music and 16-year-old actress Amoolya were the major attractions.

Director Prakash's 'Milana' was another notable film because it revolved around a mature theme. Though Puneet Raj Kumar is better known as an action hero, he was seen in a different avatar in the film.

Upendra's performance in 'Anaatharu', a remake of Tamil hit 'Pithamagan', made it a much-discussed film in 2007.