The sight of people cheering and setting off firecrackers in celebration on the streets of southern India recently would have reminded one of some special occasion or victory.
But in reality, that's how thousands of movie fans welcomed the new "blockbuster" of this country's top superstar.
Tamil action thriller “Jailer” starring popular actor Rajinikanth has been taking the region by storm since its release on August 10. The film is expected to set box office records.
This film marks the return to the screen after two years of absence of Rajinikanth - a leading idol actor in India - and is predicted to be so attractive that some companies have given their employees a day off to watch the film.
Kerala-based education company Redbooks Abroad offered free tickets to its employees for the first screening, wishing them “a day to relax, enjoy and immerse themselves in the magic of the silver screen”.
“We hope that this holiday and movie experience will bring joy, relaxation and re-energize you all. Let's cherish this moment and create memories together,” Redbooks Abroad wrote.
Another company, Le Hive, based in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, said it gives employees a half-day off to go to the movies, rather than having to call in sick unexpectedly.
The companies’ moves are just one of the surprising aspects surrounding the release of “Jailer.” Local news outlets have been covering the event in great detail, running live shows, interviewing fans and filming scenes outside the theater.
The film grossed around $5 million at the box office on its opening day. Based on early estimates, it became the highest-grossing Tamil-language film of 2023 so far.
Superstar admired like a god
Mr. Rajinikanth, 72 years old, has participated in over 160 films, and is honored as a cinema legend in South India.
Known for his elaborate action stunts and unique dance moves, he is a box office draw akin to superstar Tom Cruise in the West and is said to be one of Asia's highest-paid actors.
Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in Bengaluru in 1950, Rajinikanth made his screen debut at the age of 25 in the hit film “Apoorva Raagangal”.
The level of affection he has among his fans is often compared to godlike. Some of Rajinikanth's fans celebrate his new films by pouring milk on posters of the actor - an act of reverence usually reserved for Hindu gods.
Similar scenes of jubilation were seen in his 2016 film “Kabali,” in which he donned a stylish three-piece suit and sunglasses to play a wrongfully convicted gangster just released from prison.
The release of “Kabali” has become an unofficial holiday for many, with several companies in Bengaluru and Chennai giving employees a day off to watch the film.
Actor Rajinikanth has also received two prestigious awards for his contribution to Indian arts.
Bollywood, Tollywood and Kollywood
While India's multibillion-dollar film industry may be best known abroad for its Hindi-language “Bollywood” productions, nearly half of the country's 1.4 billion people do not consider Hindi their primary language.
Domestically, the “Tollywood” (Telugu language) and “Kollywood” (Tamil language) regions of South India are also similarly popular as Bollywood.
Apart from Bollywood, the South Indian media and entertainment industry's revenue in 2022 nearly doubled from the previous year, contributing an estimated 52% to the total revenue of the Indian film industry.
One of the biggest South Indian blockbusters of last year “RRR” made history by winning its first Oscar for “Best Original Song” with “Naatu Naatu”.
Praised for its striking choreography and catchy tune, “Naatu Naatu” also won a Golden Globe and is seen by some observers as an example of India’s growing soft power.
According to baotintuc.vn
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