It has been a great opening for Anniyan, the much-expected release of the week.

The first day crowds were extremely thrilled with the film. Vikram's triple whammy, so to speak, was indeed stunning and coupled with this was Shankar's razzmatazz.

Anniyan is surely on its way to be a big hit.

Naturally, Shankar is relieved and relaxed.

"I am happy that my hard work has been recognized", Shankar says with obvious pride and relish. 'The entire credit should go to the cast and crew who worked tirelessly for the movie for over a year," he adds.

The movie which speaks on the need for social responsibility among individuals seems to have had a positive effect on the audience, he says and adds, 'the movie is based on the Garuda Purana, a Vaishavite epic, which speaks of life after death and punishment for wrong doings.

"I worked tirelessly day and night and intense research was done with the help of a professor in department of Vaishnavism in Madras University," Shankar points out.

Of course, 'Sujatha' Rengarajan, the dialogue writer, must have been of great help, as he is a known authority in Tamil and Vaishnavaite epics.

Reports from various parts of Tamilnadu and adjoining States indicate that Anniyan will do it big.