Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' becomes first Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia after it lifts ban on cinema

Rajinikanth's Kaala becomes the first Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia post the nation lifted the ban on cinema.

Kaala’s worldwide release today was marked by a lot of firsts apart from Saudi’s release as Indian fans geared up since the night to watch their favourite superstar 'Thalaiva'on screen. Many even posed with a 67-feet tall poster of Thalaivar as Rajinikanth is 67 years old in real life. Some served milk in front of the poster as a mark of respect and bringing in a new start. The custom is usually seen in temples when devotees serve milk and ghee to statues of Gods.

Over 50 women, dressed in traditional south Indian yellow sari, walked from a temple to the theatre to show their devotion for the actor.

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While many fans geared up for the release in India, the film, however, failed to create its usual magic on the big screen as Kaala recorded the worst opening for any Rajinikanth’s film.

Kaala has been embroiled in controversy as Rajinikanth’s statement on Cauvery water issue was not taken lightly by pro-Kannada outfits that threatened to not let theatres show Kaala. Supreme Court, on Wednesday, refused to stall the release of the film and directed the state government to oversee the smooth release of the film.

On another note, the first film to ever release in Saudi Arabia was Marvel’s Black Panther that received rave reviews from an eager audience.