If you thought the Kannada film industry was doing bad financially, then you ought to think again.

Director Chandru joins the list of directors to be offered Rs 1 crore. This one is  for directing Puneet Rajkumar's next Mayura.

On top eh?

We spoke to the director while he was holidaying in Hyderabad.

"My dream project Taj Mahal has just released. It is doing extremely well all across the state. With just one film released, it seems fate has already opened my doors for me. I have signed a film for producer Kanakpura Srinivasraju. Director Shobhan was supposed to direct the film, but his sudden demise seems to have put me in his place," says Chandru.

Got it right?

So are you the next most 'in-demand' director, we ask? "How would I go around claiming that I am the next most expensive director?  You should ask the producer. As of now, I can only say that your question seems to be more right than wrong," says Chandru.

Krorepathi Kaun?

Director: Yogaraj Bhat
Film: Gaalipata
Star Cast: Ganesh, Diganth, Rajesh
Result: Incidentally, Yogaraj Bhat didn't claim that he was the first director to be paid Rs 1 crore and the movie did very well!

Director: Prem
Film: Preethi Yeke Bhoomi Melide
Star Cast: Prem
Result: With just two movies in his bag, director Prem received Rs 1 crore from producer Ashwini Ramprasad.