Though subdued compared to a regular Rajinikanth release, fans of the Tamil superstar made a song and dance about their idol’s new release Kaala in Mumbai. Rajini fans gathered early in the morning at two separate cinema halls in the city to welcome the star’s new film with plenty of dance and music.
Celebrations began before the break of dawn with fans dancing and singing and offering prayers outside theatres in Mumbai.
Fans began to line up outside Matunga’s Aurora cinema and the Imax theatre in Wadala from 5 am to catch the very first screening of Kaala.
As per tradition, a milk offering (palabhishekam) to a large cut out of Rajinikanth was made at both the theatres.
Kaala has earned a thumbs up from most film critics. The film is being called Rajinikanth’s most political film till date. He earned the ire of the Karnataka film fraternity for his comments on the Cauvery river water dispute. Rajinikanth has appealed for security at theatres in Karnataka.
While the screening of the film was marred by pro-Kannada activists in most parts of Karnataka, rain refused to be a dampener for ardent Thalaivar fans.
Superstar Rajinikanth’s ‘Kaala,’ which released in theatres worldwide on Thursday witnessed an unusual trend. While fans did show up for the early morning shows, the theatres in Chennai, which The Quint paid a visit to, had a surprisingly underwhelming response compared to the actor-turned-politician’s previous releases.
Rajinikanth is a “mass” hero and so he’s qualified to be the next CM of Tamil Nadu, said Rajini fans at the Kaala screening in Chennai.
A Rajinikanth film is usually a superhit even before it hits the screens. His last film, Kabali, saw booked out theatres way before the release date. But Kaala comes at a time when both the actor, and Tamil Nadu, are battling controversies. Rajinikanth is no longer just a superstar. He has donned the politician’s hat, changing the landscape. We no longer simply look out for his latest, power-packed dialogues, but we’re now also keeping an eye on whether or not he has what it takes to be a leader.
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