Rajinikanth’s ‘Kaala’ hits theatres, fans pour in large numbers to watch first show

Rajinikanth’s “Kaala” hit theatres on Thursday with fans coming in large numbers to watch the first day first show of superstar’s latest flick.

Despite rains and early morning chill, the fans of Rajinikanth started queuing up outside Chennai theatres post-midnight as the first show began as early as 4 am.

As the admirers celebrated the release of the much-awaited film by dancing to the beat of the drums, the skies too opened up to match the footsteps of Rajini lovers.

Holding their special “fans only” tickets with a poster of “Kaala” imprinted on them, the spirit of the Rajini fans was worth watching. They were dancing on the beats of drums and were shouting pro-Rajini slogans.

“Rajini sir is not a star, he is our God. He is a culture in himself. I inherited my love for him from my parents. They will be proud of me,” PTI quoted a 20-year-old fan as saying.

He came from the Tamil stronghold of Dharavi who arrived at midnight to catch the first show at 6 a.m. at the theatre with his friends.

#TamilNadu: Fans offer milk to actor #Rajnikanth's poster, burst crackers as they gather in large numbers to to watch the film #Kaala at a theatre in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/GYSYeHvPQZ

— ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2018

Fans, with Rajinikanth’s portrait, painted on their chests and some even replicating his “Kaala” look - black shirt, black lungi and a white beard - gathered near a 67 feet poster of the actor.

“The poster is 67 feet because Rajini is 67 years old. We were coordinating over this for months and the auspicious day is finally here. We have prayed for him, danced for him, now we will cheer for him,” PTI quoted Santosh, a member of Rajini fan club, as saying.

#KAALA Celebration in #Koyambedu Rohinitheatre #KaalaFDFS @rajinikanth @dhanushkraja@ash_r_dhanush @RIAZtheboss @RohiniSilverScr #KaalatheRageofRajinikanth pic.twitter.com/BV3kjd5P9v

— Glamour Sathya (@glamour_sathya) June 7, 2018

Directed by Pa Ranjith, “Kaala” features Rajinikanth as a powerful don living in the slums of Dharavi. The film also features Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi and Anjali Patil.

However, the release of "Kaala" was marred by widespread pro-Kannada activists' protests in most parts of the Karnataka. 

Pro-Kannada activists held demonstrations in front of all the theatres in Bengaluru. The protesters were seen requesting people not to watch the movie for the sake of their Kannada brethren fighting for Cauvery water.

Cinema halls, where the movie was supposed to be screened, refused to show the film in wake of protest.

(With inputs from agencies)