Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' release: film not screened in Bengaluru; fans celebrate in TN

Fans in Tiruchi ahead after the release of 'Kaala'

Fans in Tiruchi ahead after the release of 'Kaala'   | Photo Credit: A. Muralitharan

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Pro-Kannada activists arrested in Bengaluru; Mumbai fans brave rains to catch the first show

With the much-expected Rajinikanth starrer Kaala releasing all over the country on Thursday, widespread protests by pro-Kannada activists marred the screening of the film in most parts of Karnataka. However, in Tamil Nadu fans queued up at theatres as early as 4 am to catch the first show. Just like every other Rajini film, theatres witnessed bursting of crackers, milk abhishekam to the superstar's cutouts and other fanfare.

 

 

Pro-Kannada activists arrested in Ballari

Activists of pro-Kannada organisations staged protest against the screening of the film in Ballari and Hosapete cities. The protesters had an argument with the theatre owner of Radhika theatre in Ballari for issuing tickets and staged a demonstration against the screening.

However, the film was screened after police took the protesters into custody in both the cities.

 

Screening of ‘Kaala’ cancelled in Hubballi

The film was supposed to be screened at PVR multiplex in Hubballi. But as members of pro-Kannada organisations including Karnataka Rakshana Vedike resorted to protest opposing the screening, it was cancelled.

 

 

Film not released in Bengaluru, says distributor

Kanakapura Srinivas, one of the distributors of Kaala told media persons that the film had not released anywhere in Bengaluru and there were attempts to release the film in B and C centres. He however expressed hope that the film screening would start in Bengaluru post 2 pm.

Rajinikanth fans in Bengaluru

Rajinikanth fans in Bengaluru   | Photo Credit: Sampath Kumar GP

 

He said that Rajinikanth was being updated of all the developments on the front and he was upset with what was happening in the state. "There is a possibility that Rajinikanth might come to Bengaluru and talk to people concerned appealing them to make way for the film's release," he said.

 

 

Review: An underwhelming film made for Rajini, the politician

 

Amidst all the buzz, here is a review of the film by Vishal Menon.  "This time around, with Kaala, things have become far more clearer. Kaala is certainly more Ranjith movie, than Rajinikanth, which isn’t a terrible thing given the fact that Rajinikanth isn’t merely a star anymore... he’s also a politician. The timing couldn’t have been better for their reunion. Or so we thought. "

 

 

High security in Karnataka theatres

Cinema halls, where it was to be screened, refused to show the film, leaving cinema goers, especially diehard fans of the Tamil superstar, disappointed.

Despite Karnataka High Court's order directing the State government to take adequate steps to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for the screening of Rajinikanth’s movie ‘Kaala’ across the State, multiplexes in Bengaluru are undecided on showtimes.

Pro-Kannada activists being arrested in front of Mantri mall in Bengaluru.

Pro-Kannada activists being arrested in front of Mantri mall in Bengaluru.   | Photo Credit: Sampath Kumar GP

 

Multiplexes such as PVR and Inox have not issued tickets for the morning shows yet. Major multiplex exhibitors are adopting a wait and watch approach, sources told The Hindu. "They are saying their management is yet to clear shows."

 

So why are Karnataka theatres refusing to screen the film?

Certain organisations and persons related to the Kannada film industry have been opposing the release of the film, protesting against statements made by Mr. Rajinikanth on the Cauvery water sharing issue. Mr. Rajinikanth, who entered politics recently, urged the Centre in April to constitute the Cauvery Water Management Board. He had warned that failure to do so would earn the Centre the wrath of Tamil Nadu.

 

Rajinikanth with producer and son-in-law Dhanush

Rajinikanth with producer and son-in-law Dhanush   | Photo Credit: Nagara Gopal

As a result, distributors and exhibitors in Karnataka had unanimously decided not to release Rajinikanth-starrer in the State in protest against his stand on the Cauvery issue.

In the end, with the intervention of three different courts, including the Supreme Court, the film was slated to be released in Karnataka. “You want an injunction against the release of the movie. Everybody is waiting for the film to be released,” the bench told the petitioner’s counsel. “Let it be released. How can we stop the release?” the bench said.

 

 

 

Fans celebrate in Tamil Nadu theatres

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, fans queued up in theatres as early as 4 am to catch the first-day-first-show of the film. While the demand for tickets has not been as high as the actor’s previous film, Kabali, for which tickets were sold at a whopping ₹1,000 apiece by some theatres, Rajinikanth fans aver that several theatres on Chennai’s outskirts have nevertheless sold tickets for early morning shows at prices as high as ₹500.

Fans in Chennai celebrating the release of 'Kaala'.

Fans in Chennai celebrating the release of 'Kaala'.   | Photo Credit: V. Ganesan

 

“We bought early morning show tickets for ₹400 and ₹300. The normal shows that start from noon have usual rates,” said a fan. 

 

 

Mumbai fans brave rains to watch Kaala

Braving early morning rains, fans celebrate release of 'Kaala', at Aurora theatre, Matunga.

Braving early morning rains, fans celebrate release of 'Kaala', at Aurora theatre, Matunga.   | Photo Credit: Prashant Nakwe

 

Rajini loyalists started streaming into one of the suburban multiplexes in Mumbai as early as 12 a.m, holding their special “fans only” tickets with a poster of Kaala imprinted on them. “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,” said a 20-year-old fan 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.

 

 

 

Will ‘Kaala’ do well in the box office?

Picture shows a Kaala poster in Coimbatore

Picture shows a Kaala poster in Coimbatore   | Photo Credit: S. Siva Saravanan

 

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The trade buzz is that barring one or two areas in Tamil Nadu, the film is being marketed on advance commission basis, which means a distributor will pay an amount as advance, which will be adjusted against collections after its run. This is risky as far as the producer is concerned, as nobody is willing to pay an upfront Minimum Guarantee (MG) amount.

As per trade sources, it is the first Rajinikanth film which has not been pre-sold before release in many areas, and is being screened on advance commission basis.

 

 

H.D. Kumaraswamy's comments

Tight security arrangements made at Town Hall in Bengaluru due to protest by Pro-Kannada activists against release of Kaala

Tight security arrangements made at Town Hall in Bengaluru due to protest by Pro-Kannada activists against release of Kaala   | Photo Credit: V Sreenivasa Murthy

Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had suggested voluntarily backing off from the release in view of the sentiments of the protesters. But he had also assured of police protection. Rajinikanth said that it was not right to oppose the film for his political views on the Cauvery river water dispute.

 

(With inputs from Karnataka Bureau, Agencies)