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Rajinikanth’s Kaala hit theatres worldwide on 7 June, as scheduled, after the Supreme Court, on 6 June, refused to stay its release. However, the usual fan frenzy surrounding a Rajinikanth film which was initially absent, returned with fans going all-out celebrating Thalaivar’s new release.
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Earlier on 6 June, Rajinikanth addressed a press conference, appealing for security at movie theatres in Karnataka.
"Some people are protesting against Kaala in Karnataka. I only talked about the SC order on Cauvery and asked Karnataka to ensure it is implemented. What is wrong in that,” he asked.
Addressing people of Karnataka, he said, "I request you to allow those who want to see the film and give your corporation to release the movie. This is a humble request from me”.
The actor-turned-politician courted controversy when he had said that Karnataka should release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, in response, asked the actor to visit Karnataka and verify for himself whether the poor condition of the farmers in the state as well as the dismal levels of water in the dams allowed Karnataka to release water.
The Supreme Court, on 6 June, refused to stall the release of the film Kaala. A vacation bench, comprising Justices AK Goel and Ashok Bhushan, refused to entertain a plea by KS Rajashekaran, who sought an injunction against release of the movie.
"You want an injunction against the release of the movie. Everybody is waiting for the film to be released," the bench told the counsel appearing for the petitioner, PTI quoted the bench as saying.
Several actors like Vishal and leaders have extended their support to the movie. “Without knowing the content shown in Kaala movie, the way Karnataka is protesting against the movie is unfair,” said Thirumavalavan, President of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.
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. Kaala is expected to be a hard-hitting film with a strong political message. The bar of expectations is high.
Many film critics are betting that this movie could be a game-changer for Rajini, the politician. And judging by the trailer and songs, many call it a Ranjith movie, rather than a Rajinikanth film. (Pa Ranjith is the director of Kaala.)
Read the full story here.
Pro-Kannada groups have been protesting in Bengaluru, calling for a ban on the movie Kaala in Karnataka. Local reports also suggest that Kaala’s distributor’s office was attacked by a few outfits.
Just yesterday, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy stoked controversy by saying that the makers of the movie should avoid releasing it in the state. The statement comes as the Karnataka High Court asked the state to provide security to theatres screening the movie.
The hype and promotion might be meek, but audience and the theatres still have faith. Rajinikanth fans across the world cannot contain their magizhchi (excitement) to watch the superstar in his salt-pepper beard, flipping his glasses and giving his trademark laugh.
Speaking to reporters after meeting leaders of some farmers' associations in Chennai, the founder of Makkal Needhi Maiyam (MNM) Kamal Haasan said there were many people in the neighbouring state waiting for the release of Kaala, which is set to hit screens on 7 June worldwide.
The actor-politician had on 4 June said the film row did not figure during his talks with Kumaraswamy.
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.
The heavy rain that lashed Mumbai early on 7 June could not deter the Rajinikanth supporters as the overjoyed fans poured milk and garlanded his huge posters. Some fans painted their bodies, while others danced for hours before the show began.
After a slow start, fans went all-out celebrating Superstar Rajinikanth’s ‘Kaala’ in Chennai’s Albert theatre.
A bunch of fans have tweeted their first reactions to Rajinikanth’s new film Kaala.
Vikram has captured Rajini fans cheering each other with hugs at the Woodland theatre in Chennai right after the Kaala screening.
Traditionally, on the day of a Rajinikanth release, it’s hard to spot any other poster or hoarding in a cinema hall in Tamil Nadu.
Watch Rajinikanth fans get hysterical outside a cinema hall in Chennai.
Rajinikanth is a “mass” hero and so he’s qualified to be the next CM of Tamil Nadu, say Rajini fans at Kaala screening.