Kaala movie release: The Rajinikanth starrer is finally in theatres.
The wait is over. Superstar Rajinikanth today returned to cinema halls with Kaala, a gangster flick set in the backdrop of Mumbai’s Dharavi. This is the second consecutive outing of director Pa Ranjith with the Thalaivar after 2016’s Kabali. The film has had to deal with several issues in the run-up to its release. As a matter of fact, it has been jumping one controversy to the next, since the day the filmmakers began filming it in Mumbai.
The major problem that Kaala faced was in Karnataka, where Rajinikanth had garnered the ire of pro-Kannada activists with his pro-Tamil Nadu stance on the contentious Cauvery water issue.
Also Read | Kaala movie review: Witness Rajinikanth – The Actor in this layered Pa Ranjith revolution
Kaala has an ensemble cast including Rajinikanth, Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi and Easwari Rao among others. And it is produced on a budget of Rs 140 crore by actor-filmmaker Dhanush.
Kaala isn’t a Rajinikanth film — it is a Pa Ranjith film starring actor Rajinikanth; not the superstar, mind you. Ranjith makes this absolutely clear right from the word go by giving Rajini his simplest introduction on celluloid after ages. Kaala is seen playing cricket with young kids in the slum. You might be expecting him to hit a six. It is a Rajini film after all. Instead, Kaala gets his middle stump knocked out. Kaala calls to Valliappan (Samuthirakani), the umpire, and appeals for a no ball. But Valliappan gives a wide. An involuntary smile slowly spreads on my lips throughout this sequence. I knew immediately that we weren’t going to witness the superstar Rajinikanth, but rather the Rajini from the 80s, an actor with charisma and screen presence like no one else.
Also Read | Kaala movie review: Witness Rajinikanth – The Actor in this layered Pa Ranjith revolution
Meyaadha Maan director Rathna Kumar posted on Twitter: "Need a smart watch to make a count on number of Goosebumps. Hats off to @beemji sir. You are revolutionizing this Mass medium. Theater Erupts for the BGM . Terrific work @Music_Santhosh sir.That one Police station Scene is enough for Thalaivar @rajinikanth."
Mercury actor Indhuja tweeted, "KAALA fdfs !! watched. Ho I really wonder how a man be this much stylish in each and every frame. I kept blushing all over the movie. seriously there is no replacement for @rajinikanth sir. wata screen presence and performance..guys don’t miss thalaivar’s dharisanam."
"#Kaala is one of the finest works of Superstar Rajinikanth. Each & every actor delivered their best in this film. Kaala's Mass Scenes + Santosh Narayanan's BGM = Unlimited Goosebumps stuff. Rain Fight, Hero & Villain confrontation scenes are Kickass," Vamsi Kaka said via Twitter.
The makers of Rajinikanth starrer Kaala will release "Kannamma, "Chittamma" and "Sajna Re" song videos at 5:30 pm.
The Twitter account of Sun Pictures tweeted this picture with the caption, "Shooting commences for #SuperStarWithSunPictures"
Karnataka is witnessing some protests against the release of Kaala. Here are a few photos from what the situation is outside Mantri Mall in Bengaluru.
Kaala actor Huma Qureshi spoke to indianexpress.com about her experience of working with Rajinikanth, "Every time he (Rajinikanth) would walk in, people would sort of literally behave like as if a God was walking on the sets. There were a lot of fans who were there for crowd sequences. So many of them at any given point in time. I remember we were shooting for a dance sequence. In the shot, everyone was supposed to urge him to dance. But I could see they were not urging the character but they all wanted to see Rajinikanth dancing in front of them. They all were looking at each other, pointing at Rajini sir. They were so excited and wide-eyed. It was a vision. An experience."
Read More | Kaala actor Huma Qureshi: Rajinikanth’s film will unite people
Kaala is loaded with symbolism. The frames are painted with blue (Ambedkar’s colour), black (the colour of protest) and red (the colour of revolution); so is Rajini who is predominantly dressed in these colours (Watch out for the climax sequence). Kaala’s mythological references are also too obvious to miss. Ranijith’s play with Rama and Ravana, white and black reminded me of the book Asura: The Tale of the vanquished by Anand Neelakanta. His juxtaposition of mythological references to the growing dominance of the wealthy and the saffron isn’t without social relevance.
Read More| Kaala movie review: Witness Rajinikanth – The Actor in this layered Pa Ranjith revolution
Here are a few films you should watch to know what kind of an actor Rajinikanth was before he started using his boots as a boomerang to knock people out.
Mullum Malarum (1978): In this film, Rajinikanth played Kali who make hasty decisions in a fit of anger and even pays dearly.
Bairavi (1978): This film marked Rajinikanth’s debut as the lead actor. He was until Bairavi playing second fiddle to many leading heroes in Tamil, Telugu and Kaanda. Rajinikanth’s Mookaiyah is a loyal servant who turns a blind eye to all the bad things done by his master. He even abducts a girl following his master’s orders.
Read More | Five films of Rajinikanth – The Actor
PHOTOS | Kaala stills: Superstar Rajinikanth’s anti-establishment don looks majestic
Film trade analyst Girish Johar has predicted that Kaala will open in India (all languages) with a collection of Rs 25-30 crore approximately. “Kaala has been marred by controversies. So, it might affect the box office numbers of the film,” added Johar.
Also Read | Kaala box office prediction: Rajinikanth starrer expected to earn Rs 25-30 crore on its opening day
"A very tough film to make, #kaala is captured supremely by @beemji with Rajni sir and Nanaji giving stellar performances. @humasqureshi does a clinical work and background score is the hero of the film. Each one of the actors gave their best," Telugu screenwriter BVS Ravi said via Twitter.
"Please do watch #kaala in theatres for the stupendous work of sound mixer @valentino_suren. This is one of the best theater mixes in a Tamil movie !#KaalatheRageofRajinikanth," tweeted Kaala music director Santhosh Narayanan.
Khushbu Sundar: #KAALA fever at home..getting my tickets done
Arya: Make way for the king #Kaala #kaalaArrives
Latha Rajinikanth: #Kaala Once a King, Always a King
Wunderbar Films wrote on Twitter: "This is HUGE! #Kaala is the FIRST ever Indian film to be released in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia! @rajinikanth @beemji @dhanushkraja @vinod_offl @LycaProductions"
The unofficial ban on Kaala seems to be a success in Karnataka. No screening in Bengaluru yet. Radhika theatre in Bellary is, reportedly, the only theatre in Karnataka that is showing Kaala.
Rajinikanth starrer Kaala hit the theatres today and while fans across the country have been queueing up outside cinemas since the wee hours of the morning, the piracy website Tamilrockers has leaked the film online.
Also Read | Rajinikanth’s Kaala leaked on a piracy website; fans express disappointment
The release of Rajinikanth's films are no less than a festival for his fans. And, Kaala is no different. People headed for theatres as early as 4 am on Thursday and have been celebrating the release of Kaala. From dancing in front of the screen, taking selfies with their movie tickets, reaching the theatres in customised Kaala T-shirts to bursting crackers outside the cinema halls, they have been doing it all.
Also read | Kaala day is here! Rajinikanth’s fans can’t hold their excitement
Film trade analyst Ramesh Bala said, 'As of 11:30 PM EST, #Kaala has done $450K at the #US Box office.. Premieres.'
Indianexpress.com's Komal says, "Kaala is a must watch. Loved how the illustrations are used to show Kaala and Zarina's story. The first half is soft and builds up the excitement for the second half. Second half is full of drama and action. All of it is seamless. Anjali Patil and Huma Qureshi are impressive. They look very natural. Nana Patekar makes a great villain and Pankaj Tripathi is in his elements too. No words for Rajinikanth, he totally kills it as Kaala."
Also Read | Kaala movie review: Witness Rajinikanth – The Actor in this layered Pa Ranjith revolution
"Have always been a huge Rajni fan, can’t wait to watch Kaala," Aamir Khan shared via Twitter.
Kaala isn’t a film about a gangster but a film about revolution. And Ranjith stays true to his objective. The traces of what we saw in Kabali have been fleshed out and beautifully embellished. Just the mere fact that I have mentioned Ranjith more than Rajinikanth in this review is an indication of the voice he has as a filmmaker. And it is also equally appreciable that Rajinikanth has the let the young filmmaker holler through him. At the audio launch, Rajini had said that Kabali was more of a Ranjith film while Kaala was a Rajini-Ranjith film. Kabali was Ranjith trying to make a Rajinikanth film. Kaala is Rajinikanth starring in a Ranjith film.
Also Read: Kaala movie review: Witness Rajinikanth – The Actor in this layered Pa Ranjith revolution
Fans in Mumbai burst crackers after watching Rajinikanth's Kaala.
A female fan of Rajinikanth said, "It was nice seeing Rajinikanth play his age. This was after a long time. I enjoyed every scene of the film to the fullest."
Another fan said, "The climax is something. It is really powerful. Liked the second part of the film a lot."
"The Emperor strikes back.. yet again !! #KaalatheRageofRajinikanth ore thalaivan #SuperStar #kaala," tweeted Tamil actor Hrishikesh.
Tamil music director Justin Prabhakaran posted on Twitter: "#kaala #superstar all the very best. hearing positive vibes. eager to watch. best wishes @beemji sir @dhanushkraja sir @wunderbarfilms and team of kaala."
Also Read | Kaala new trailer: Meet Rajinikanth, the playful gangster
Kaala will be screened at multiplex screens in Orion Mall and Mantri Square in Bengaluru amid tight security, say TV reports.
In an interview with indianexpress.com, Ramalingam said, “We have recreated the structure of Dharavi as close to the original possible. The entire set was erected instead of working in patches and that is what makes it unique. A lot of research went into to deciding the materials and the paints we used, based on its longevity. We gave the regular Koni or plywood a miss and opted for customised thick cement sheets to build the walls. The structures all had a complete iron frame.”
Also Read: Here is how Kaala’s Dharavi set was recreated in Chennai
Tamil director Vignesh Shivn wrote on Twitter, "And the Roaring begins. #KaalatheRageofRajinikanth #KaalaFDFS #SuperstarRajinikanth. @beemji @ team vazhthukkal , perum magizhchi."
Director Pandiraj tweeted: "Best wishes ranjith, rajini sir, Fans & #Kaala team. #KaalaFromTodayPandiraj."
Fans in Mumbai are saying Superstar Rajiniknath is back.
Indianexpress.com's Ashameera says, 'Kaala is really good. I liked it. Will be watching once more if possible. It is Rajinikanth's best performance in recent times.'
At a recent awards show, Kaala producer and Tamil actor Dhanush said, "We have seen stylish Rajinikanth in a coat suit in films like Sivaji. But in Kaala, Thalaivar has gone to Thara local level. Irangi Senjrukkar."
Tamil actor Satish posted on Twitter: "#BoxOfficeSuperStarRajni sir arrives today. Best wishes to @rajinikanth sir @dhanushkraja sir @beemji bro @Music_Santhosh annan @wunderbarfilms and #Kaala team. Releasing today. Watch in theatres."
While Kaala has hit screens worldwide after several obstacles, Rajinikanth has already begun work on his upcoming film with Karthik Subbaraj. The Superstar has taken off to Dehradun to shoot for his 165th film.
Also Read: Before Kaala’s release, Rajinikanth takes off to Dehradun for upcoming film with Karthik Subbaraj
"The power of @rajinikanth Sir & The voice from @beemji Sir will always make an impact to the ppl from the movies !! #KAALA has come to Roar & it’s refurbish the box office! Best wishes for the total team @dhanushkraja @vinod_offl @LycaProductions," said Tamil actor Kathir via Twitter.
Film producer and National Award-winning writer G Dhananjayan wrote on Twitter: "Best wishes to Team #Kaala @beemji @dhanushkraja @soundaryaarajni @ash_r_dhanush ... waiting for Thalaivar #Rajini sir to storm again at box office."
"Box office king arrives. Wishes to our Superstar @rajinikanth sir, Producer @dhanushkraja sir, Dir @beemji bro, @Music_Santhosh na and full team on #Kaala release," tweeted Tamil actor Sivakarthikeyan.
Talking about Kaala, Nambi Rajan, owner of Mumbai's Aurora Theatre, said, “We are like always having a grand opening of Kaala just like any other Rajinikanth movie. 70 feet cut out has been put up and milk abhishekam will happen before the first show that is at 6 am. Sir’s (Rajinikanth) fans have been thronging outside the theatres from past 2 days. We expect the same liveliness and enthusiasm on release day of Rajinikanth’s movie at Aurora.”
Fans are on their feet as Rajinikanth appears on screen for the first time.
Haricharan Pudipeddi: Halfway through #Kaala . We get a #Rajinikanth, who is so comfortable in his shoes, owning some scenes with the kind of charisma that's rare to see. On the story front, @beemji establishes the premise strongly without any distractions.
Kaushik LM: #Kaala 1st half - The illustrations which present the flashback between Kaala & Zarina will be a big treat for Superstar #Rajinikanth fans. His vintage look, style and charisma have been sketched so well. Grt work??Waiting for the 2nd half to take off. Kaala vs Hari Dada!
Sathish Kumar M: #Kaala - Movie picks up speed after @humasqureshi introduction. @beemji has given more importance to actor Rajinikanth than our Mass Superstar. Thalaivar impresses in romance, comedy & fight scenes. Interval block is a big treat for Thalaivar fans
Fan celebrations in Mumbai also include pooja, abhishekam and band performances.
According to andhraboxoffice.com, the film has earned Rs 60 crores by selling its theatrical rights in Tamil Nadu, arguably the biggest centre for Rajinikanth. While the film has received Rs 33 crore in the AP/Nizam region, it has fetched a price of Rs 10 crore in Kerala. With Rs 7 crore from rest of India and Rs 45 crore from foreign centres, the theatrical earning tallies up to Rs 155 crore approx. Add Rs 70 crores from broadcast rights and Rs 5 crores from music rights, the pre-release earnings stands at Rs 230 crore.
Also Read | Kaala: Here is how much Rajinikanth-Pa Ranjith film has earned before release
“Kaala is a commercial film for sure but it will talk about people's problems. Rajini sir's voice is powerful. It had to be used for something productive. Especially now that I have gotten a second chance. I see this film as a small step in creating an equal space where we respect and treat each other with humanity,” said Kaala director Pa Ranjith.
Fans arrive in hordes to catch the first show of Kaala in Chennai theatres.