Movie enthusiasts in India erupted in jubilation as the latest cinematic offering from beloved superstar Rajinikanth graced the silver screens on Thursday. The actor, renowned for his devoted following, garnered celebratory gatherings of fans who embraced the moment with dancing and prayers.
A legion of fervent supporters of Rajinikanth, an icon among India’s leading movie stars, flocked to theaters adorned with photo cutouts and flower garlands to attend the screening of his newest creation, “Jailer.” The inaugural show commenced at 6 a.m. local time.
The entry of Rajinikanth onto the screen prompted a pause in the movie, allowing fans to revel in his presence. The theater atmosphere transformed into a jubilant spectacle as admirers danced and cheered, marking his return to the cinematic realm after a hiatus of two years.
Renowned movie stars hold an exalted status in India, often revered with god-like admiration by their devoted followers.
Rajinikanth stands among Asia’s highest-paid actors, celebrated for his superheroic feats on screen. His dedicated fan base spans generations and continents, with his films consistently shattering box office records across India and resonating powerfully in countries such as Malaysia and the United Kingdom, which boast sizable Tamil-speaking communities.
Originally named Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, the actor now goes by a single name. His journey began as a bus conductor for three years before he pursued acting education. He commenced his career with minor villainous roles in Tamil cinema, ascending steadily until he secured opportunities in Bollywood, the Hindi-language film industry rooted in Mumbai.
In response to the film’s release, certain establishments in the southern cities of Chennai and Bengaluru declared a holiday, providing fans with the opportunity to view the movie.
“Scientists may claim time machines are implausible, but Rajinikanth possesses the ability to transport us back to our childhood,” said Arun, a fan who attended the movie’s debut screening in Mumbai.
In “Jailer,” Rajinikanth takes on the role of a prison warden who discovers a criminal syndicate’s plot to liberate their leader from captivity. He embarks on a mission to thwart their scheme.
With a filmography encompassing more than 160 movies over a span of five decades, Rajinikanth, 72, has showcased his talents across various Indian languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam.
