"Chellamay", a film with new faces except for Reema Sen, is a surprise hit and the new topper on the Tamil scene.

Like "Autograph" and "Azhagiya Theeye", "Chellamy" has also succeeded on the strength of a strong story and neat narration. As for "Vasoolraja M.B.B.S.", it still rules.

1. "Chellamay" (Directed by Gandhi Krishna): Nobody expected a Tamil film with no superstar to do so well. This film has only one known name, that too of a heroine, Reema Sen. She was not supposed to draw audiences to the theatre.

The hero Vishal is a newcomer. Bharath, the young anti-hero, was one of the boys in "Boys". But "Chellamay's" success shows that a well-directed film with a different story can succeed.

2. "Arasaktchi" (Directed by N. Maharajan): "Arasaktchi" is a rehash of many films of the last two decades. People expected a lot from this Arjun-starrer, which was in the making for a very long time.

Because of expectations, perhaps, the film had a very good opening, but could not sustain its run as the days passed by. This was the first film that Miss Universe Lara Dutta signed, but not her first release!

3. "Vasoolraja M.B.B.S." (Directed by Saran): "Vasoolraja" is one of the biggest hits of 2004. Unless there are some good releases in the coming week, it may even go back to its top position.

4. "Gajendra" (Directed by Suresh Krishna): A lot was expected from this Vijayakanth-starrer, but the film sank without anyone even talking about it.

Its release was so low key that nobody, not even his fans, knew about it. That affected the film's collections badly. It must be a big blow to Vijayakanth who is nursing political ambitions.

5. "Azhagiya Theeye" (Directed by Radhamohan): The success of "Azhagiya Theeye" reaffirms the fact that a good film with a good story will succeed eventually. Hats off to producer Prakash Raj and director Radhamohan.