In Mumbai, Rajinikanth’s Kabali releases to festive atmosphere, mass hysteria

Nambi Rajan, the owner of Aurora Cinema — considered the Mecca of Rajinikant films — said none of the theatre’s staff are keen on taking a vacation as they wish to see Rajini’s recently released film.

A meme based on superstars Salman Khan and Rajinikanth has gone viral online, suggesting that the former releases his films on Eid, a public holiday, whereas Rajini’s films lead to public holidays being declared. After speaking to a few of the actor’s fans, we believe this.

A Rajinikanth cut-out outside Aurora cinema, Matunga, Mumbai, on Thursday. His upcoming movie Kabali will release on Friday. (Pratik Chorge/HT photo)

Nambi Rajan, the owner of Aurora Cinema — considered the Mecca of Rajinikant films — informed us that none of the theatre’s staff are keen on taking a vacation as they wish to see Rajini’s recently released film, while standing in the aisles with the audience.

Portrait of Thalaivar : A fan looks at a sketch of Rajinikanth at Juhu in Mumbai on Thursday. (Satish Bate/HT photo)

Rajan said he arranged for breakfast, lunch and dinner for his team. “There has been a massive demand for the first show,” he said. “We have requested the producers and directors to organise a 3 am show,” he added.

Read: Kabali: Two-minute scene from the film leaked

Speaking of Rajini’s unrivaled fandom, Rajan said, “Rajini has neither conventional looks nor a six pack, but he commands a kind of superstardom. God has blessed him with a magical destiny.”

Nityananda, a businessman and a member of the Tamil superstar’s Dharavi fan club, revealed that his fellow members haven’t worked since the past four days as they are busy preparing for the film. They have apparently been busy painting graffiti of Rajini, making banners and arranging for film tickets.

(Pratik Chorge/HT photo)

Nityananda said he was “saddened” at being denied permission to carry out a procession in Rajini’s honour, as it involved an elephant. He added that he will watch the 6am show of the film. “6 am is late, in Tamil Nadu there are shows which begin at midnight,” he said. “We watch Rajini sir’s films at least 10-15 times, just to see his entry and his wardrobe. We concentrate on the story only after that,” he said.

Read: Kabali fever: Rajinikanth jokes rule social media, yet again

Aadimoolam, a member of the Maharastra State Head Rajinikant Fans Welfare Association, said the club organised a blood donation camp to celebrate the film. “Fans will donate blood after watching the 9am show. Prior to this, a puja will be conducted, followed by a horse carriage ride and a bike rally with 50 bikes,” he said.