Kabali review round-up: This is what critics are saying about the Rajinikanth blockbuster

Superstar Rajinikanth has returned to the big screen with his big release Kabali this Friday. In his latest film, directed by Pa Ranjith, the Thalaivar plays an aged gangster who battles with his enemies in an effort to protect his family and business. Radhika Apte plays his wife in the crime drama while Dhansika plays the role of his daughter.

Kabali film marks Rajinikanth's return to the big screen after the 2014 film Lingaa. 

Check out the trailer:

Here's what the first reviews of Kabali are saying:

1. Vintage Rajni stands tall in quixotic don saga: New Indian Express

Kabali is head and shoulders above the Superstar's last two outings - Lingaa and Kochadaiiyaan - but it's far from being a shoo in for when they make a blu-ray disc of Rajinikanth's greatest hits. Read the full review

2. NDTV's Kabali Movie Review

Finally, someone has used the mystical ease with which Rajinikanth keeps millions of eyes glued at him to intelligent use indeed. And what a magical experience, it turns out to be. 

But unfortunately, this kind of magic doesn't stretch throughout the film. Read the full review

3. Firstpost's quick review: Rajinikanth makes this clichéd revenge story thrilling

Kabali is a revenge drama, plain and simple. But when the protagonist is played by the Superstar Rajinikanth, can anything be that simple?

Just as you cannot take out Salman Khan’s personality from the films he stars in, you can’t help but be immensely aware of Thalaiva’s larger-than-life presence looming over Kabali. Read the full review

4. Rajinikanth weaves his magic; movie leaves you spellbound; Radhika Apte aces role: Financial Express

We take a look at how Rajinikanth (Kabaleeswaram in Kabali)  puts the movie through its paces, gets the best out of his cast and leaves the audience in general and the die-hard fans at large spellbound by the magical touch. Read the full review

5. Indian Express' quick review: Rajinikanth owns this gangster drama, well supported by Radhika Apte

The best part of the film, obviously, is Rajinikanth. His charisma pulls Kabali through. From the slick visuals showing the flashback to Rajinikanth playing his age as a don, his fans will not go home disappointed. Add to it the well-placed Kabali songs especially the hit Neruppa Da and you hear enough whistles and clapping in the theatre. Read the full review