Indian superstar Rajinikanth's much awaited ganster flick, Kabali, had a grand world premiere in Singapore and Malaysia, followed by Dubai and some parts of the US on Thursday night.
The first official Kabali premiere show was screened at 9 pm (local time) in both Singapore and Malaysia. There was humongous response from Singapore audience and all the 11 premiere show tickets were sold out. The authorities added more shows for the public.
In spite of the massive downpour and traffic jams, almost 1,000 people attended the Malaysian premiere held at the Federal theatre in Jalan Raja Laut. Hundreds of Rajinikanth fans turned up outside the theatre on their superbikes, revving engines to show their love and support.
Many VIPs and celebrities, including Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) president Dr. S. Subramaniam and other party leaders, P. Kamalanathan and M. Saravanan were a part of the legendary actor's 159th movie premiere in Malaysia. Eminent actor Norman Hakim and Indian actress Dhansika were also present at the theatre. The film also stars Malaysian actors Rosyam Nor and Zack
Kabali also stars Malaysian actors Rosyam Nor and Zack Taipann. Produced by Kalaipuli S Thanu and directed by Pa Ranjith, the 152-minute movie has been filmed mostly in Malacca and Kuala Lumpur.
The movie has been released in Tamil and dubbed in Telegu and Hindi. But the authorities have planned to release a Bahasa Malaysia-dubbed version of the movie on 29 July in Malaysia.
The "Rajini" fever has escalated to such heights that the silver-screen legend has been immortalised as the titular character in the Tamil gangster-drama in a mural on Penang's street art scene in Malaysia.