Rajinikanth fans came in large numbers to watch the superstar's latest "Kaala" first day first show. Admirers celebrated the release of the much-awaited film by dancing to the beat of the drums.
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PTI
Rajini mania
Rajini loyalists started streaming into one of the suburban multiplexes here as early as 12 a.m, holding their special "fans only" tickets with a poster of "Kaala" imprinted on them. By 5 a.m, as many as 1,000 fans started thronging the multiplex.
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Fan frenzy
Fans react upon seeing actor Rajinikanth in a scene during his new movie 'Kaala' inside a cinema hall in Mumbai. Men were dressed in suits, blazers and traditional lungi, and the women draped in saris with 'gajra'-adorned hair.
"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.
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Dressed up for Rajini
Over 50 women, dressed in traditional south Indian yellow sari, walked from a temple to the theatre to show their devotion for the actor.
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 the 67 feet poster of the actor, which was garlanded, signalling the beginning of the day and the film's first show.
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Blockbuster or not
"The poster is 67 feet because Rajini is 67 years old. We were coordinating over this since months and the auspicious day is finally here. We have prayed for him, danced for him, now we, will cheer for him," Santosh, a member of Rajini fan club, said.
When pointed out that the collection of his last few films have not matched to the stardom the actor enjoys, the fan replied, "Can anything ever hurt God? Nothing. His films are our blessings and we are here to take it."
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.
In pic: Fans pose and take pictures as they celebrate next to a poster of Rajinikanth outside a cinema on the first day of release of his new film 'Kaala', in Chennai.
