As already reported, all shows in all centres were sold out in advance and tickets were sold in black at astronomical rates to worshippers of the superstar who wanted to see the movie at all costs on the first day. Many theatres started shows even at 8.00 a.m. Offices reported poor attendance, already reported by us yesterday, similar to the euphoria seen during test matches in the city. Traffic jams were seen around all theatres where it is being screened, and people who came out gave very good reports of the movie. The special effects are fantastic, say audiences. Devotees of the superstar lighted camphor, performed pooja, pierced their tongues and backs, and poured milk on his posters.
Six people were caught red-handed by police in mufti in Chennai trying to record the film on mobile phone cameras. Theatre-owners and police are monitoring all shows in all theatres to stop any attempts to copy the film.
The movie was seen by Mr. M. Karunanidhi, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and by Ms. A. Jayalilithaa, ex-CM of Tamil Nadu. While both of them hardly ever agree on any matter, they are united in their opinion that in Sivaji The Boss, Rajinikanth has outdone all his earlier roles and the Rajini-AVM-Shankar-Rahman combination is ‘just fantastic’. Rajni’s attending the screenings with Mr. Chandrababu Naidu and Ms. A. Jayalalithaa has given rise to rumours that he may join the ‘Third front’ and make his mark in politics.
In Bangalore, there was little or no advance publicity for Sivaji, (which is unusual for any Rajni film) because of protests from persons who are vexed with the Cauvery river award. But in spite of this, all shows were full, there were crowds outside all theatres, brisk black-marketing of tickets was observed and police frisked all persons entering the theatres, confiscating coins, matchboxes, lighters and cigarettes. One of the multiplexes has all shows booked in bulk by software giants in and around Bangalore.
Some of the headlines reporting the release are:
‘Sivaji’ bosses over the city (Hindu - Madurai edition)
‘Boss’ arrives with a bang (Hindu - Tiruchi edition)
Rajinikant fans in Mumbai celebrate release of 'Sivaji' - Hindu
A movie release becomes an event - Economic Times
Rajinikanth returns as Sivaji - NDTV.com
Amitabh Bachchan is reported to have said: “He is perhaps the most excellent example of what India and life is all about. He comes from a very modest background, was a bus conductor, had a dream and joined Tamil cinema. So, look at the pinnacles he has reached and how much he has achieved.”
Rajinikanth too spoke about Big B, humbly and self-deprecatingly refusing to be compared with him. He said: “How can you compare Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth? It is not proper. He is my inspiration and role model. While he is an emperor, I am probably just a king.”
Check out the Special Event Videos of Sivaji - Star Studded Premiere.
Also,
Check out official website of Sivaji: www.sivajitheboss.com.
Check out official website of Shriya: www.shriyaonline.com.
Click here to view EXCLUSIVE picture of star studded premiere show of Sivaji.
Check out Sivaji's special page.
Click here to download Sivaji songs.
