Jubilant fans of superstar Rajnikant thronged cinema theatres since early hours as his much-awaited film Sivaji - The Boss hit the screens with a bang on Friday. AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa was among hundreds of movie buffs who watched AVM Production's mega budget movie on the first day of the release.
A special screening of the movie was arranged at the AVM studio in Chennai for Jayalalithaa, who watched the film along with Rajnikant, producer AVM Saravanan and director Shankar.
Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has already watched the movie along with Rajnikant. The Telegu version of the movie, which was also released on Friday, was screened for TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu at Hyderabad on Thursday.
A wave of enthusiasm swept Tamil Nadu as Rajni's die-hard fans burst crackers and distributed sweets to celebrate the film's release.
"Today is a real festival for us as our Thalaivar's (leader) new film has hit the screen after a gap of two years," said Murugan, a member of Rajni's fan club in south Chennai.
The film took 19 months to be completed and is said to be the most expensive movie ever produced in India. Huge banners and hoardings were erected in front of cinema halls where Sivaji was released. Fans performed ablution by milk on Rajni's cutouts and broke coconuts to ward off evil forces.
{{/usCountry}}The film took 19 months to be completed and is said to be the most expensive movie ever produced in India. Huge banners and hoardings were erected in front of cinema halls where Sivaji was released. Fans performed ablution by milk on Rajni's cutouts and broke coconuts to ward off evil forces.
{{/usCountry}}Directed by noted director Shankar, the film is expected to storm the box office as it is said to have the correct mix of ingredients -- punchy dialogues, comedy, romance, songs, sentiments and finally good triumphing over evil -- which will enthrall the superstar's fans and cinema lovers.
The story of the film is about the fight against black money in society, which the protogonist does in his own way. Music director AR Rahman and national award-winning cinematographer KV Anand are also part of the Sivaji team. Young and upcoming actor Shreya is the leading lady of the film, while former hero Suman plays the powerful villain.
Rajni's earlier movie Chandramukhi, released in 2005, is still running continuoulsy for more than 800 days, creating a record in the South Indian film history. The movie has been released in 17 theaters in Chennai and in over 500 cinema houses all over the state. Tickets for the movie have been sold out for the next three weeks.