'Billa' rules Tamil box office, dark hero back

By Aparna Nath

Chennai, Jan 9 Tamil blockbuster "Billa", the story of a don ruling the underworld from Malaysia, continues its dream run. Starring Ajith and Nayantara, it is still playing to packed houses.

But the Pongal releases might take a toll on its fortune. Here are the top five Tamil films:

1. "Billa" (Dir. Vishnu Vardhan): The success of "Billa" has elevated Ajith to superstar status. It is said to be the next big hit after "Sivaji - the Boss"!

2. "Polladhavan" (Dir. Vetrimaran): "Polladhavan" has given a fresh lease of life to Dhanush. His sagging career has taken a new direction.

3."Vel" (Dir. Hari): Surya's "Vel" is doing better in the B and C centres for the first time. A well-deserved rural hit for Surya.

4. "Kalloori" (Dir. Balaji Shaktivel): "Kalloori" did not have the same kind of impact his first film "Kaadhal" had. The end has not gone down well with the audience.

5. "Mirugam" (Dir. Samy): The film is about a womaniser getting infected by the HIV virus but Samy chose to give the sensitive story a crude format. It is powerful nonetheless.