Chennai, Oct 15 (IANS) After the stupendous success of "Jayam" last year, expectations were high from Ravi's next film. "M. Kumaran, son of Mahalakshmy" does not disappoint though it is not expected to do as well as "Jayam".

The top five Tamil films are:

1. "M. Kumaran, son of Mahalakshmy" (directed by 'Jayam' Raja): This is definitely not a surprise hit. The success of "M. Kumaran..." is mainly because of the novel and modern way it portrays a relationship between a mother and son. There is no melodrama. Casting is the other major success of the film, whether it is Ravi the hero, or Nadiya as his glamorous mother, or Asin as the heroine. It is a coup of sorts to have a young and slim Nadiya act as mother to 20-something Ravi.

2. "Giri" (directed by Sundar C):  Arjun's film targeted at the frontbenchers is indeed a surprise hit. It is a major turnaround for Sundar C who has taken care of the story, dialogue and direction. With its abundance of action, romance and comedy, "Giri" has satisfied Arjun fans immensely. The film has got an 'A' certificate.

3. "Chellamay" (directed by Gandhi Krishna): The film starring Reema Sen, newcomer Vishal and "Boys" fame Bharath is still going strong. It has shades of the Shah Rukh Khan film "Darr". In "Chellamay", the obsessive lover is a young boy enacted extremely well by Bharath.

4. "Arasaktchi" (directed by N. Maharajan): It seems it doesn't matter whether "Arasaktchi" is a rehash of so many films we have seen in the last two decades. It also seems it is good time for action hero Arjun with two of his films "Giri" and "Arasaktchi" in the top five. 

5. "Vasoolraja M.B.B.S." (directed by Saran): People are still thronging to see the film even after several weeks. Needless to say the Kamal Haasan starrer is the biggest hit of 2004.