Kabali - Redemption of Rajinikanth, Rs 200 crore pre-business & Box office expectations

These days, when you bump into an acquaintance, one discussion that most probably comes up is about Kabali tickets. The craze and buzz for Superstar Rajinikanth's Kabali are earth-shattering and it has even overhauled the buzz of Endhiran, which released in 2010. The shows are sold out for the opening weekend across India and there is also huge demand for the film abroad.

In spite of the fact that Rajinikanth's previous two films weren't runaway hits, the brand Rajinikanth looms larger than ever, and the movie has done unbelievable pre-release business for more than Rs 200 crore.

Redemption of Rajinikanth

It is a dream come true moment for Rajinikanth's fans, who always wished to see their Superstar playing his age in the films. Remember the charisma he brought in with his role in Padayappa? Surprisingly, Rajinikanth came up with a bold decision to team up with 2 film-old Pa. Ranjith, who is known for his realistic approach to film-making. Everything related to the movie, be it the official posters, fan made posters, teasers or songs have received overwhelming response from the movie buffs.

Rs 200 Crore Pre-release Business

According to trade pundits, Kabali has done a pre-release business of over Rs 200 crore, with major contributions coming from Tamil Nadu, Andhra & Telangana and satellite rights. The movie will also be dubbed and released in 4 more languages - Hindi, Telugu, Malay and Thai.

Worldwide Pre-release Business Break-up

North India: Fox Star India - 1000 theatres (Rs 15.5 crore)

Karnataka: Rockline Venkatesh - Rs 12 crore

Kerala: Mohanlal's Maxlab - Rs 10 crore

Andhra & Telangana: Abhishek Pictures - Rs 32 crore

Tamil Nadu: Jazz Cinemas - Rs 60 crore

Satellite & Audio Rights - Rs 40 crore

Overseas - Rs 35 crore (Malaysia & Singapore - Rs 12 crore, USA & Canada - Rs 8.5 crore, others- 14.5 crore)

Trade sources claim that distribution figures of most of the biggies are bit exaggerated to create a buzz, but what Kabali has managed to achieve is the best in recent times without a doubt.

Brand Partnerships

Superstar Rajinikanth hasn't endorsed any brand after he attained the Superstar status, but many world-renowned brands have tied up with Kabali to promote their brands. AirAsia, Cadbury's, Airtel and Amazon are some of the popular brands that have struck win-win deals with Kabali team.

Box Office Expectations & Reality

Kabali is expected to have record number of premiere shows in the USA. The tickets are priced above $25, which is higher than the usual ticket price for Tamil movies in the USA. Similarly, in Karnataka, the tickets are sold at up to Rs 500 across theatres, while 5 star hotels are also screening the movie during the opening weekend at Rs 1000+ per person.

Although there are stringent government regulations on ticket pricing in Tamil Nadu, it's an open secret that the opening weekend tickets of biggies are sold at Rs 200 - Rs 500, even across single screens. Some of the multiplexes force-sell the tickets at higher rates by including snacks along with the tickets.

The trade pundits are expecting the movie to gross at least Rs 100 crore in the opening weekend, thanks to one name - RAJINIKANTH.