Actor-director Vijay Kumar's latest film, City Lights, starring Vinay Rajkumar alongside Vijay's daughter Monisha, has turned out to be a big box office hit as it enters its third week in theatres. With three successful films in a row, Vijay has now earned the title of "Hat-trick Director." Right from day one, audiences and reviewers took well to the story, backed by Monisha’s steady debut performance and Vinay Rajkumar’s ability to pull off both a grounded character and mass appeal.

To mark the win, the makers held a success meet to look back at the journey and thank the audience. An emotional Monisha thanked moviegoers for welcoming her warmly and spoke straight to her father. She pointed out that Vijay never gave her easy praise or false compliments, but even while riding high in his own career, he took the time to write a dedicated story and direct her first film with real care.

Vijay Kumar also spoke to the crowd, sharing his thanks with Kannada filmgoers and the Dr Rajkumar family (Doddamane). Looking back at his early days, he said audiences stood by him whole-heartedly during Duniya, and seeing that same love go to his daughter meant the world to him. He admitted that directing Vinay Rajkumar came with serious pressure, but he was grateful to see fans of every top star back the release. He shared special thanks for Shivarajkumar, Geetha, and the whole family for backing the film all the way through.

To thank viewers, the cast and crew are setting out on a statewide theatre tour starting September 30, heading to single screens and multiplexes across Karnataka.