The Top Kannada Actors of 2011

The year 2011 is drawing to a close and it's time to recall the best performances by Kannada actors.

We present you our band of boys.

Yogish

Film: Hudugaru

From his debut in a significant role in Duniya to playing the lead in Hudugaru, Yogi has come a long way. The actor carried this film on his shoulders.

It was neither dance nor fights that took him through, but sheer performance. From body language to dialogue delivery, Yogi got it all right.

His performance has placed him in a different league and it remains to be seen if his upcoming film, Sidlingu, will catapult him to greater heights.

Film: Jogayya

Jogayya generated a lot of hype but despite, or because, of that it was the biggest let down. The only promise it kept was the performance of the lead actor. The film was Shivarajkumar's 100th outing.

It was also the sequel to the blockbuster Jogi. While the story came nowhere close to that of Jogi, Shivanna's acting was undiminished. As Madesha he retained the energy, innocence and aura of Jogi.

The film also saw him experiment with different looks and costumes.

Film: Lifeu Ishtene

It was almost like a Diganth film festival this year. But despite having a slew of releases, it was only one film, Lifeu Ishtene, that was worth watching. It took yet another Yograj Bhat production to get Diganth to outdo his previous performances.

In Lifeu Ishtene, Diganth plays a youth who falls easily in and out of love. If the song Yarig helona nam problamu... had done half the job for the film, it was Diganth's acting and the screenplay that did the rest.

The actor was convincing both as a playboy and a man who had learnt to take charge of his life. Watch out for his next, Parijatha.

Film: Sanju weds Geetha

Sanju Weds Geetha was a cocktail of performances and soothing music. Kitty was paired opposite Ramya for the first time and he ensured that the on-screen chemistry was evident in every frame. It was almost like the lead pair challenged each other with their acting.

Kitty sailed through the film through his understated acting. If he took refuge in comedy and charm in the first half, he showed his ability at playing a committed lover in the second half.

As Sanju, he took us on an emotional roller-coaster ride which will always be remembered.

Film: Jhonny Mera Naam Prethi Mera Kaam

He can do more than just flex his muscles, Vijay proved as Jhonny. The film was no show stopper, but it did bring out the comic side of Vijay, who is known for his action roles.

The film also established him as a good dancer. 

 What's more, he even managed to pull off the chalk-and-cheese pairing with Ramya.