The Thalaiva fever is highly contagious. As Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s latest film Kabali was released on Friday, social media exploded with memes, commentary and celebrations, with #KabaliFDFS – Kabali first day first show – becoming a top trending hashtag on Twitter.
The film, which marks the return of the icon to the silver screen after two years, is set to break all kinds of box office records. Expectations have been running high since its first-look teaser was released on April 30.
Set in the 1980s in Malaysia, Kabali tells the story of an honourable mob boss, played by Rajinikanth, and his wife, a role essayed by Radhika Apte.
On Friday, fans began lining up at theatres in Chennai for the Pa Ranjith-directed film at 4 am. The movie opened in 3,000-4,000 screens across India, besides 400-500 screens overseas.
On social media too, people embraced the legend whose stardom is perhaps matched in India only by Salman Khan.
Crazy. Madness. Super stardom. Indian superhero with no mask, no suit. All power to Rajni sir. pic.twitter.com/JQlRRrn5ZN#KabaliFDFS
— Relax Zindagi (@iamBaajigar) July 22, 2016
Most awaited #kabali fanbration At #AlbertTheatres @superstarrajini @beemji @theVcreations @ash_r_dhanush pic.twitter.com/Yaxe3ImEj1
— Nikkil (@onlynikil) July 22, 2016
Finally ... Fireworks #Kabali pic.twitter.com/tHwETyLABR
— Aravind (SA) (@_satired) July 21, 2016
The world was divided into people who managed to catch the precious first day, first show and who didn’t. Those who made the sacrilegious admission of not knowing about Kabali were publicly admonished.
Blasphemy!! 😈 #KabaliFDFS https://t.co/qMKMrm4iCv
— Amish Tripathi (@authoramish) July 22, 2016
In Vetri theatre wit @anirudhofficial and @VigneshShivN .. Ready for Thalaivar adhiradi..#KabaliFDFS #NerrupuDa 👍😊🙏 pic.twitter.com/j2DSKZXQAe
— Sivakarthikeyan (@Siva_Kartikeyan) July 21, 2016
Even the subtitles of the film were being discussed.
thanks sowmiya @sowmiyashok enthiran was my 2nd film, kabali my 333rd film:) https://t.co/I1OeNZbg8Y
— rekhs (@rekhshc) July 22, 2016
Rajinikanth’s fame is spread far and wide. A few glimpses of his worldwide phenomenon.
Its Not Tamil Nadu , But Paris !! #Kabali #NerrupuDa @RajiniFC @theVcreations @beemji @LeGrandRex pic.twitter.com/zFNyUEVhX8
— BCINEMA (@BcinemaFrance) July 21, 2016
Yasuda Hidetoshi has come from #Osaka & is part of Japan's #Rajinikanth fans assoc with 500 ppl #Kabali pic.twitter.com/lTwlLy6Neh
— Shilpa Kannan (@shilpakannan) July 21, 2016
#Kabali - Dubai has twice the number of crowd than all other movies running currently @ #Novo Cinemas pic.twitter.com/7DSwAWIEIA
— Common Man Sathish (@SathishMSK) July 22, 2016
Social media couldn't stop raving about the release.
#Kabali :D pic.twitter.com/KwEAMGdtRP
— Nivin Pauly (@NivinOfficial) July 22, 2016
A friend bought #Kabali tickets forgetting he was to get married on the same day. Wants to know if someone is interested in getting married😀
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) July 22, 2016
Haters will say it's a rumor but forget Kabali, even tickets for next Rajinikanth movie which he is still shooting aren't available.
— EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) July 21, 2016
