Rajinikanth's 'Kaala' releases in select theaters across Karnataka
Rajinikanth in 'Kaala'
The film was only screened in certain cinema halls across the state.
Rajinikanth's Kaala did release in Karnataka on Thursday but only in select theaters and amid heavy security. Fear of vandalism overtook a high court order and most theaters preferred not to screen the film across the state.
About 6,000 police personnel were posted on security duty at theatres in Bengaluru, media reports stated. Despite the security, no one scheduled a morning show of the film, leaving hundreds of fans disappointed and angry.
Inox, in Bengaluru, screened the first show of the film in the afternoon. Inox staffers revealed that the shows “ran to a full house” and the audience “enjoyed the film”.
But fear of vandalism and unnecessary hassle kept a lot of moviegoers away from the film.
"It is disappointing that there were no morning shows, but theatres began screening the film in the afternoon. By end of day, we had about 50 screens and we are confident of another 125 screens showing it from tomorrow (Friday) morning," a film distributor was quoted as saying.
Single screen exhibitors did not screen the film even in the evening show fearing vandalism inside the theaters.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) continued to claim that it had not ordered “a ban on the film”.
Hundreds of fans of the superstar were left disappointed as they gathered outside cinema halls after the High Court order to catch 'Kaala' only to be told that the shows had been cancelled.
Pro-Kannada groups had demanded a ban on the film's release in the state last week after Rajinikanth made a comment on their Cauvery issue.
Unlikeother Rajini films, 'Kaala' opened to an underwhelming response in India.