'Kaala' records lowest-ever opening for Rajinikanth film
Kaala Teaser
It is the superstar's first film since he made his political debut.
After much tension around the release of Rajinikanth’s film Kaala, the film opened to an underwhelming response in India. It is, in fact, one of the lowest-recorded openings in recent times for a Rajinikanth starrer.
Actor-activist Vishal Krishna who heads the Tamil Nadu Films Producers' Council (TFPC) says it's too early to make any predictions. He said, "'Kaala'has been unnecessarily embroiled in the Cauvery controversy. How much this has affected the film's opening, I don't know. What I do know is that at the end of the day Rajini sir is Rajini sir.”
Also read:Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' becomes first Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia after it lifts ban on cinema
He added, "Any film of his evokes a massive response. The opening of 'Kaala' may be on the lower side -- I haven't found the time to check -- because his last film with the same director (Pa. Ranjith) had not been appreciated that much."
Vishal was also quick to add that Rajinikanth has the potential to surprise. He said, "Rajini Sir's fan club is stronger than ever. And I am a member. They will ensure a smooth run for Kaala. Let's not forget, this is the Ramzan week and a sizable chunk of the audience likes to refrain from watching films during this period even if it is Rajini Sir's film. I intend to see 'Kaala'the soonest possible."
Trade analyst Atul Mohan also added to the speculation as he said that the film garnered response below expected even though it includes known faces of the Hindi film industry like Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi and Pankaj Tripathi. He said, "This may be due to some of the factors like a couple of postponements in release date, Ramzan period, particularly the week before Eid which is dullest for business, as next Friday the big film of Salman Khan releases. Rajinikanth is still a huge craze as the character Chitti of 'Robot' and fans are waiting for the sequel '2.0' .
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
Lock Upp 2: Harshad Chopda sacrifices finale spot to save Shivangi Joshi, sparks internet debate
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Muslims should not befriend kaafirs': Pak Army DG says India-Afghan ties that of 'master-slave'
)
Dhaka raises Sheikh Hasina’s planned address with Indian envoy
)
22 children dead, 35 infected: India's Gujarat faces Chandipura virus outbreak — Experts explain symptoms
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
'FIR not withdrawn' against Noida teen who 'abused' PM Modi despite apology, claims CJP
)
Pakistan minister admits ‘system has collapsed’, Munir pushes for more provinces | Gravitas
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
US signs deal to boost production of Patriot, THAAD missile interceptor systems
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
‘Deal or total surrender’: Trump says Iran’s leadership dishonest and ‘unbelievably duplicitous’
)
‘Talks on right now’: Trump says he wants to give Iran ‘every last chance before decapitation’
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Trump says US oil firms made ‘too much money’ off high prices during Iran conflict
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
US move on Venezuela oil bond could unlock gains for India’s energy companies
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC T20I rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
'He is courageous leader': DK Shivakumar after TN CM Vijay postpone his Cauvery-related Karnataka visit
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
Tamil Nadu leader Udhayanidhi Stalin draws severe backlash over derogatory remark against Trisha
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
"Also his last few films haven't done well. The promos of 'Kaala' haven't established a connect with Hindi audiences. It looks like a 1990s' film. But we hope they have some great story to be shared which may be liked and the film does well," said Atul.