Undoubtedly the most hotly awaited film release of the year, Kabali is described as a gangster revenge movie. His last major film, the science fiction epic “Endhiran”, was one of India’s most profitable releases ever, grossing a record-breaking $13.8 million globally on its opening weekend in 2011 – including $4.4 million in the United States alone.
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Superstar Rajinikanth-starrer Tamil action drama “Kabali” is off to a flyer in North America. V Creations produced Kabali which released in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Malayalam languages. This compared to Bahubali box office collections of $1,382,076 (full day) from its USA premiere and Sultan’s $786,194, is likely to be a new record for any Indian film.
On Thursday night, the film had its world premiere in Malaysia and Singapore, followed by Dubai and some parts of the US.
For when Rajinikanth is in form, no one can dare to withstand the storm that beckons his arrival! Diehard fans of Rajini were peeved that they could not get their hands on tickets and showed their displeasure by walking away with their hero’s cut-outs.
Well known ophthalmologist S. Natarajan of Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital – himself a die-hard Rajini fan – conducted a free eye camp for all, while Rajinikanth fan clubs in Mumbai organised blood donation drives at the cinema hall, besides patrons contributing to various charities on Friday. On the second day of its release, Kabali is said to have earned Rs 30 crore in India. Kabali has broken a glass ceiling on the market reach of a Tamil movie, he added.
While the movie is doing well among the south Indian population, the response in the northern belt has also been good, pointed out Delhi-based distributor Joginder Mahajan. Superstar was seen in an old don avatar and the official teaser and first look raised expectations on the film.
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The film witnessed nearly 90 percent occupancy across South India, whereas the Hindi version, which released across the rest of the country, saw anywhere between 40 to 60 percent occupancy. Trade analyst Trinath told IANS that only a Rajinikanth-starrer could register such a huge opening.
