Chennai (Commonwealth Union)_ Amidst an atmosphere of jubilation, the release of South Indian superstar Rajinikanth‘s latest cinematic venture, “Jailer,” ignited fervent celebrations across South India. The Tamil-language action thriller has surged into the spotlight, with its potential to shatter box office records. Rajinikanth, an iconic figure in the realm of cinema, holds an almost divine stature among his admirers. Further, his absence from the screen for the past two years has only heightened the anticipation surrounding this film, resonating profoundly with his fervent followers. This fervor has prompted certain companies to grant a day off to their employees, enabling them to indulge in this highly anticipated cinematic experience.
Venturing beyond the conventional, Redbooks Abroad, an educational institution headquartered in Kerala, extended the gift of complimentary tickets for their staff to witness the inaugural screening of “Jailer.” Through a memorandum, they expressed the desire to collectively cherish the moment and forge lasting memories, underscoring the significance of rejuvenation and delight. Meanwhile, Le Hive, a company situated in Tamil Nadu, adopted a creative approach by offering their employees a half-day leave to prevent sudden bouts of absenteeism. These enterprises’ gestures epitomize the fevered expectancy enveloping the film’s release, a sensation fervently covered by local news outlets.
Initial estimates reveal that “Jailer” amassed approximately $5 million at the box office on its debut day, thereby claiming the title of the highest opening for a Tamil-language film thus far in 2023. Rajinikanth, aged 72, an illustrious performer with a filmography spanning over 160 titles, is synonymous with the realm of South Indian cinema. His distinctive flair for elaborate action sequences, punch dialogs, and unparalleled dance maneuvers positions him as the South Indian equivalent of Hollywood luminary Tom Cruise in terms of box office allure. Rajinikanth further secures his standing as one of Asia’s most handsomely compensated actors.
Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, born in Bengaluru in 1950, embarked on his cinematic journey, debuting in the movie “Apoorva Raagangal” when he was twenty five years old, and the movie resonated remarkably well with audiences. The adoration bestowed upon him by his ardent supporters often draws parallels to the reverence reserved for religious icons. The enthusiastic pouring of milk onto cardboard cutouts of the actor, a gesture typically reserved for Hindu deities, is a testament to this devotion. Comparable scenes of cheerfulness were witnessed during the premiere of his 2016 film “Kabali,” wherein his enthusiasts deemed the occasion worthy of a public holiday, and certain companies sanctioned leave for their employees to partake in the cinematic extravaganza.
Rajinikanth’s influence transcends beyond his adoring fans, garnering recognition for his invaluable contributions to the realm of the arts. His accolades include the esteemed Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors. While Bollywood productions commonly enjoy international recognition, South India’s “Tollywood” (Telugu language) and “Kollywood” (Tamil language) sectors command a similar reverence within the nation. The media and entertainment industry in South India has experienced substantial growth, accounting for approximately 52% of India’s total film revenue in 2022, as affirmed by a Confederation of Indian Industry report.
In a momentous occurrence last year, the monumental success of “RRR,” a prominent South Indian production, scripted its name in history by securing its inaugural Oscar for the best original song, “Naatu Naatu.” The song’s lively choreography and infectious melody also earned it a coveted Golden Globe accolade, spotlighting India’s booming soft power. M.M. Keeravani, the maestro behind the song’s composition, expressed his gratitude upon accepting the prestigious Oscar, recounting, “I grew up listening to The Carpenters, and now here I am with the Oscars,” before poetically delivering his speech to the tune of “Top of the World” by The Carpenters. This triumph of “RRR” further solidifies the South Indian film industry’s enduring impact and pervasive influence.
