It is difficult to slot the year 2004 as far as Tollywood goes. Was it good? In a way, yes. Was it bad? In a way, bad. In the event, it is very difficult to make an analysis of the year that is slowly being consigned to the dustbins of history.

In terms of hits, the two real blockbusters were Arya (released in the middle of the year) and Varsham (released at the start of the year). There were obviously a few others which made good money.

Venky, Malliswari, Arjun, & G Brindavan Colony and Mass (in the process of becoming a hit) all did not let the producer down.

Among the films that did not leave the produce the poorer were Sye, Yagnam, Nenunnanu, Pedababu, Gowri and of course Shankar Dada MBBS.

The films that spectacularly bit the dust were Andhrawala, Sri Anjaneyam, Nani, Gharshana, Gudumba Shankar, Aptudu, Vijayendra Varma and Anji.

And towards the end, Anand emerged as the biggest surprise package of the year.

The producers feel that the year could have been better.

Two big hits and five small hits are small returns for an industry that makes movies by the hundred a year.

But as one producer said, "I take solace from the fact, it could have been worse considering the prevailing situation here".