Hrithik opens, Mammootty follows and Kamal poised

Nearly 2 moths into 2008 and Bollywood has scored and scored emphatically to officially register the first big hit of the year, the biggest in the country in the New Year. Jodha Akbar has galloped to a hit status within less than a week of its release. Of course there were doubts about the viability of the theme considering the fate of films like Taj Mahal and Umraao Jaan but Jodha Akbar stood apart with its perfection as a result of which the 40 crore something budget has started looking small. Overseas

turnover has been on par with 2007s biggest grosser, next only to King Khan's Om Shanthi Om.

Meanwhile Kollywood continues its search for 2008's first real hit. All Pongal releases at best managed to save face and investment. The fact that Deepavali and late December releases are still holding fort tells the story. Anjathey is the first film to get widespread positive vibes but how much this will translate into collections is yet to be seen. March holds hope with a few differently flavored movies waiting in the wings while April will definitely see Kollywood take the big honors with Dasavatharam.

Malayalam on the other hand has once again witnessed its old and experienced hands delivering the goods. Mammootty's Roudram has been declared the first big hit of 2008, very similar to that of 2007. Mohanlal for a change has taken the backseat but a heavily loaded line up is all ready to boom.

Telugu has not had it bad, no big banner releases and yet business has managed to sustain itself due to steady flow of small films. The only disappointment being the much expected Okka Magadu featuring Balakrishna crashing badly.

So, that's it- Bollywood scoring first in 2008. It's open for others now.