Rajinikanth's multilingual Film "Kaala" was released on Thursday, June 7, 2018, across the world.

Though ‘Kaala’ did not get as good a reception as compared to Thalaiva’s earlier ventures, the buzz created is greater than any other flick of more ordinary mortals.

Meanwhile, Thalaiva’s fans across the nation queued in large numbers outside theaters to catch a glimpse of their beloved movie star on the screens. “Kaala” starring Rajnikanth is produced by his son-in-law, Dhanush under his Wunderbar Films and is directed by Pa. Ranjith.

Ranjith had earlier collaborated with the superstar for “Kabaali.” It is the first film of Rajnikanth since his announced entry into politics.

The film also stars Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi, Samuthirakani, Eswari Rao, Anjali Patil.

Watch 'Kaala' trailer

The film which was to be released earlier had to be postponed due to disputes between Nadigar Sangam and Digital Service Providers on the increase of Virtual Print Fee charges. The film also fell victim to violent protests over the Kaveri River water dispute. The film is set with Dharavi as its backdrop. The shooting had commenced in Mumbai but had to be shifted to Chennai because of heavy rains in Mumbai.

Though the story of a village simpleton going to Dharavi, the continent’s biggest slum and becoming a Don is not new, but Thalaiva’s charisma carries the film forward. The confrontation between Rajinikanth and Nana Patekar will be immensely liked by Rajni’s diehard fans.

The climax scene can be dubbed as one of the best in any Rajnikanth films.

Box-office performance

According to trade analyst Ramesh Bala, The film has generated Rs 3 crores (3.3 lakh pounds) in two days in Chennai. The flick is generating good returns abroad. In the US the film has generated $1 Million till Saturday 9, 2018.

‘Kaala’ also got a fantastic start in Australia and according to information provided by Mr.

Adarsh, it is by far the best start for any Indian flick, and it debuts at No 5 in Australia Box Office. “Kaala” raked in nearly Rs. 230 crore (25.5 million pounds) by way of theatrical and music rights before release. It will need to get another Rs. 280 crore (31 million pounds) to be classified as a hit film of 2018.

Trade analysts predict that the film will do well at the box-office in Tamil Nadu even though the film had a slow start. The film got a decent opening in Tamil Nadu which remains its core market. The film managed to get Rs 15 crores (1.6 million pounds) on its first day of release on 600 screens across the state.

Audience response

Reports trickling from other regions reveal that in most states the performance of the flick was below average. In Andhra and Telangana regions, the performance of the film was below average and managed a business of Rs 6.5 crore (6 lakh pounds) on day one. In Kerala, the fasting month of Ramadan and monsoons have taken a toll on its revenue earnings. The Karnataka release has been hampered by the protests of Pro Kannada groups against Rajini’s stand on the Kaveri issue. The flick managed a 35 percent opening in most regions of North India.

Dispute with the release in Karnataka

Rajnikanth's political foray and his support of Tamil Naadu’s storyline on the Kavery water dispute will augur well with the audience in the state.

However, the controversy can negatively affect the film in Karnataka. The booking of the flick is not encouraging according to Chennai-based trade analyst Sreedhar Pillai. However, he added that the state government’s special permission to theaters to conduct morning shows would help the film.

While most of the reviews have been mixed, the toned down levels of aggression of Rajini has been appreciated. Though the big thrills are few and placed apart, the tone of the drama and bombast is not reduced in any way. The film raises a range of fundamental and relevant issues which suddenly bursts out from the obvious and tests the grit of the persona of the overpowering lead actor.
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