The response to the Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala, releasing in over 1,800 screens worldwide today, has been lukewarm, leading to doubts about how much of a factor he will be in Tamil Nadu politics. Kaala is Rajinikanth’s first film after he jumped into the political arena. The release of Superstar Rajinikanth’s movie is akin to a festival in Chennai. The pomp and hype can be felt a week before the release.
A die-hard Rajnikanth fan, 25-year-old Karthik, finds it hard to reconcile with the quiet atmosphere in the theatres.
Recalling the buzz around the release of previous movies like Enthiran and Kabali. He says, “It just doesn’t feel like a Rajini film release. But, I have hope that things will be different on June 7.”The lacklustre response to Kaala can be attributed to a variety of factors – a mid-week Thursday release, minimal promotional activities, recent views of Rajnikanth on the Tuticorin violence and a mediocre performance of Kabali at the box office.
In Hyderabad, there was not much “Rajini money” in the form of posters, cut-outs and sale of merchandise. In Chennai, theatres were booked only for two days which is unusual for a Rajinikanth film.Rajinikanth has largely avoided getting into political controversies earlier. Taking a stand on hot issues this time could have divided fans and cleared the aisles of those who were disappointed with his utterances. This could tell on the Thaliavar’s political acceptance and the impact he could make on the elections next year.
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