Rajinikanth-starrer film 'Kaala' on Thursday became the first ever Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia after theatres were opened in the conservative country in April after 35 years hiatus.
Movie theatres were closed in the early 1980s after pressure from powerful clerics who claim that movies are inconsistent with a strict interpretation of Islam. They were reopened in April and American superhero movie “Black Panther” became the first movie to be screened in the kingdom in decades.
'Kaala', which is facing massive protest in Karnataka by pro-Kannada activists, created history by becoming the first Indian film to be screened in deeply conservative country after the return of cinema.
"This is HUGE! #Kaala is the FIRST ever Indian film to be released in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!," Wunderbar Fims, the production company owned by actor Dhanush and his wife Aishwarya said on Twitter.
The poster accompanied by the tweet said that "only Thalaivar can do this."
Back in India, the film was released to positive response with fans queueing up outside theatres to catch an early show of superstar's latest. In Mumbai, Rajinikanth fans braved heavy rain to come in large numbers to watch "Kaala" first day first show.
As the admirers celebrated the release of the much-awaited film by dancing to the beat of the drums, the skies too opened up to match the footsteps of Rajini lovers.
In Chennai, Rajini fans offered milk to the poster of the 67-year-old actor and burst crackers before gathering in large numbers to watch the film in theatres.
In Karnataka, the release was dampened as several outfits held protests against the film. Agitators outside theatres were seen requesting the moviegoers not to watch the movie.
Miffed with Rajinikanth's comments over Cauvery water, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce on May 29 decided not to allow screening of "Kaala".
The actor-turned-politician had said that whichever government came to power in Karnataka should implement the Supreme Court order on Cauvery water sharing in toto.
The Karnataka High Court had on Tuesday directed the state government to provide necessary security for the peaceful release of the film. Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had requested the distributor of "Kaala" not to release it in "this kind of atmosphere," but assured that his government would follow the high court order on the issue.
