The Top Kannada Actors of 2012

Darshan's run of success continued in 2012 after Saarathi which released last year in 2011 and Chingari which was released in early 2012

Darshan's performance as the freedom fighter in the historical biopic Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna was hailed as a milestone in his career.

The costumes he wears and the fight sequences in the movie have won him a great fan following.

The year 2012 was one of mixed fortunes for the actor.

Puneeth hosted the hugely popular television game show Kannadada Kotiyadhipati.

His lone release this year, Anna Bond, disappointed his fans. Although the movie was not a flop it just did not connect with audiences.

The actor-director started 2012 with a disaster. Aarakshaka, directed by P Vasu, turned out to be a dud at the box-office.

Audiences could not understand the complicated storyline and screenplay that director P Vasu wrote for the film.

Upendra's role in the much-hyped 3D filmKatari Veera Sura Sundaraangi, failed to meet audiences' expectations. The tide turned in his favour later in the year with Godfather where he played the effeminate danseuse to perfection.

His most recent film Kalpana was riveting. Upendra has completed work on Topiwala, a comedy.

The past year was lucky for Yogish. His performance as an actor was noticed in the film Siddlingu. He got an opportunity to work opposite Ramya in the film.

His performances in Alemaari and Kalaaya Tasmai Namaha were also appreciated. He sang a song for the latter taking his cue from Tamil actor Dhanush.

Yogish is among the busiest actors in Kannada cinema. He has acted with Puneeth in Yaare Koogadali, buoyed by the combination's earlier success with Hudugaru.

He has Bangari, Ambara, and Jinke Mari lined up for release. He has begun work on Prachanda.

The year 2012 will perhaps go down in the history of the actor's career with not a single Kannada film release featuring him in the lead.

His last film, Vishnuvardhana, was released at the end of 2011 and was a box office success.

Sudeep's performance in the Telugu-Tamil bilingual Eega and Naan Ee respectively won him a lot of recognition.

Rajamouli's Eega, that was dubbed into Hindi as Makkhi also won him a lot of appreciation.

Sudeep is currently busy working in Shashank's film Bachchan and has also featured in a guest role for a Telugu film.

Varadanayaka, the Kannada film that has been in the making for two years, is ready for release.

Sudeep plays the role of a cop in the film, which also stars Chiranjeevi Sarja.