Stage set for a grand release of Rajinikanth's Kabali

Madras HC dismisses petition seeking a halt on film's release; movie to be released over 10,000 screens

The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to stall the release of Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Kabali.

The suit was filed by the distributor of Lingaa seeking a direction to restrain the release of Kabali until the actor paid Rs 89 lakh, promised as compensation, for losses allegedly incurred by it over Lingaa, released in 2014.

The court said the application was misconceived and has nothing to do with the producer or the film.

The development came as a relief not only for the producers, but also the actor’s fans, corporate houses and others who have booked tickets in bulk for Friday’s shows. Industry sources said tickets are going as high as Rs 9,000.

Amar Abrol, chief executive officer of AirAsia India, will fly to Chennai along with Rajinikanth fans from Bengaluru to watch the movie.

The movie will be released in around 10,000 screens across the world. However, some scenes from the movie were reported to have been leaked online on Wednesday night. The movie’s producer Kalaipuli S Thanu said asked fans to say no to pirates and watch the movie in the theatre instead.

There has been a a high-pitched hype campaign on social media for the past two days. A picture of a top IT firm paying Rs 1 lakh to a distribution company for bulk booking was shared extensively, and a letter allegedly issued by a secretary of the Tamil Nadu government asking for 10 tickets too went viral.

Many IT, real estate and other companies have blocked screens for their customers and employees.

The movie has already raked in around Rs 220 crore through sales of distribution rights. Tickets for the first weekend were sold out within hours with corporate groups  joining the queue for bulk booking, according to sources.

The producers have tied up with around eight national and international companies for brand promotion, including Mondelez International, Air Asia, Bharti Airtel, Emami, Muthoot Fincorp, Amazon, PVR Cinemas and VS Hospitals.