Chennai Celebrates Rajinikanth’s Kaala

The streets of Chennai, usually silent and deserted early in the morning, were abuzz with celebrations and fanfare on June 7 – the date of release of Rajinikanth's Kaala. The earliest show, at 4am, saw the masses assemble at threatres across the city. There were fans beating the dhol, wearing the movie's merchandise and impatiently queuing up to get a glimpse of their idol onscreen. Inside cinema halls, the scenario was even crazier, with fans dancing and screaming in delight the minute the superstar's name appeared on screen. Here's a glimpse of what happened:

A Rajinikanth movie isn't just a movie, it's an event. The streets of Chennai were plastered with posters of his face and stills of the film. Everywhere you looked, you were reminded that today's the big day.

It's barely daylight, but fans have left their beds in anticipation of a good time at the movies. In keeping with the film's name, Kaala, many showed up dressed in black.

Several fans were spotted proudly showing off their official Kaala T-shirts.

It wouldn't be the first show of a Rajinikanth movie without some live music. The beats of the drum and the accompanying chants infused the morning with a lot of energy.

Fans, who had reached the venue much in advance, waited patiently for the theatre doors to open.

The moment of truth. The theatre was filled with hoots and whistles as the movie began and the crowds began their frenzied dance.