Radha mohan proved his versatility with Payanam. Known for making poignant human dramas with a feather light touch, he switched gears to make a thriller about a hijacked plane. He did a neat job and churned out a film that had audience alternately holding their breath and gasping for breath.

Trade talk: Thanks to the positive reviews it received, Payanam managed to hold its head above water.

Public opinion: All who saw the film had good things to say about it.