If you are a fan of Rajinikanth, you may be surprised that I heard of Kabali only a couple of days back. For good reasons, I am not a fan of new movies. I loved old, classical Hindi movies, especially their timeless songs rendered with profound emotions and out-of-the-world music. But the time has changed now.
The first question came to my mind was, why is there so much excitement in the air over Kabali, even before its release? Why people are going crazy to see the movie on the release day itself? There are reports of even angry fans of Rajinikanth who couldn’t secure their seats in the first show. Is it all about Rajinikanth?
Doesn’t look like.
Here is why:
Kabali, which is expected to raise a massive Rs 100 crore in the first three days of its release on 22nd July, carried a budget tag of Rs 120 crores out of which Rs 20 crores was set aside only for its promotion. And we all know how advertisements work wonders. No surprise, the release has forced certain government and corporate offices to declare a holiday to avoid sick leaves!
What interests me the most in this entire episode is the madness of people. No doubt Rajinikanth, with all his abilities, charisma and good karma, deserves the craze and I admire him for that. But is the Kabali mania justifiable considering within last few days hundreds of thousands of human hours and millions of dollars have been spent just talking about Kabali, a movie that most people haven’t even seen yet?
Even if the script and production is the best of the lot and Rajinikanth is the best hero on the planet, today’s Kabali craze is more about “I saw it the first day, first show” than how actually the movie is. And people are proud to be part of the mania. More than anything else, this shows the power of advertising industry and how it rules people’s mind.
Overall, the movie is being released on 3050 screens in India with 2050 in South India alone, and 950 screens in overseas.
Who will hesitate to congratulate Rajinikanth on this success? Not me, for sure, especially when I know how God-fearing he is. I value this quality above anything else because according to Vedic scripture faith in God is the most essential quality of a human being.
Kabali mania rocks north coastal AP – Times of India
VISAKHAPATNAM: Banking on the stardom of superstar Rajinikanth, many theatre owners in the north coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam have increased the ticket prices of his latest film ‘Kabali’ which is slated for release in … Kabali mania rocks north coastal AP – Times of India
Around the world with Kabali – The Hindu
The excitement spread like wildfire. On Thursday, ‘Superstar’ Rajnikanth’s euphoric fans were waiting out the last hours before Kabali hit the screens. The actor, and many others, watched the film in the U.S. on Wednesday. At home, no price was too … Around the world with Kabali – The Hindu
What does Kabali mean? Stop asking that. It’s blasphemy – Hindustan Times
Being the only south Indian in an office full of non-Tamil speaking Rajinikanth fans has its problems. From the time Kabali’s teaser was out until now — with just a day remaining for the film’s release, I’m frequently being questioned by a range of … What does Kabali mean? Stop asking that. It’s blasphemy – Hindustan Times
Black marketeers cash in on Kabali frenzy – The New Indian Express
The frenzy in the air is palpable as superstar Rajinikanth’s much-awaited film Kabali is finally set to hit screens in around 7000 screens across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Hundreds of movie-watchers stormed ticket booking counters across the city …The Hindu Black marketeers cash in on Kabali frenzy – The New Indian Express
Die-hard Rajini fans lose out to companies in race for ‘Kabali’ tickets – Economic Times
Shivakripa, one such fanclub member, said clubs which used to get around 300 tickets are getting only 50 tickets for ‘Kabali’, directed by Pa Ranjith, a veteran of only two prior films. “This time it looks difficult,” said Shivakripa. The cult of Rs … Die-hard Rajini fans lose out to companies in race for ‘Kabali’ tickets – Economic Times
Kabali review LIVE: It’s celebration time for Rajinikanth fans, on first day first show – Firstpost
After all the buzz, Superstar Rajinikanth’s Kabali is finally in theatres. And fans, who have waited over two years to see their idol back on screen, have been driving the massive hype around the film. In Kabali, Rajinikanth plays an ageing crime boss …The Indian ExpressThe News MinuteThe Hindu – Kabali review LIVE: It’s celebration time for Rajinikanth fans, on first day first show – Firstpost
Tracing ‘Kabali’s’ Rajnikant & his link to Shivaji – Economic Times
Tracing ‘Kabali’s’ Rajnikant & his link to Shivaji. By. Divya Shekhar. ,. Bharat Joshi. , ET Bureau|. Jul 22, 2016, 08.36 AM IST. Before he became superstar Rajinikanth, Shivaji Rao Gaekwad was a Marathi boy who was born in Bengaluru & grew up in … Tracing ‘Kabali’s’ Rajnikant & his link to Shivaji – Economic Times
DOWNLOAD MAYAPUR VOICE APP
