'Kaala': Interesting facts about the Rajinikanth starrer

Gangster film

Each time Rajinikanth played a gangster on the screen, the result was inevitable at the box-office. In fact, his films like ‘Billa’, ‘Baasha’ and ‘Kabali’ were highly successful at the box-office. After the success of ‘Kabali’, Rajinikanth reportedly wanted Pa Ranjith to work on sequel ‘Kabali 2’. However, Ranjith wrote a completely different story and impressed Rajinikanth. In ‘Kaala’, Rajinikanth is touted to be playing a gangster once again. The teaser was unveiled recently, which gave us a glimpse of what one could expect from the film. The scene where Rajinikanth is seen saying, “Kye re, setting ah?” became extremely popular among the audience. ‘Kaala’ marks Rajinikanth’s second collaboration with Pa Ranjith.

With just three films to his credit, Pa Ranjith has established himself has a great political commentator through his films. Most of his films have a strong take on the class hierarchy. In fact, Ranjith was appreciated for talking about ‘coat and suite politics’ in ‘Kabali’. Set in the Dharavi area of Mumbai, ‘Kaala’ is said to revolve around a gangster from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. From the teaser, it’s quite clear that the film has a strong political angle, especially with Nana Patekar playing a politician. Ranjith has given a whole new definition to the colour black and the film itself is likely to talk about the story of the oppressed. On social media, ‘Kaala’ is being touted as Ranjith’s answer to the Hollywood film, ‘The Black Panther’. Will ‘Kaala’ live up to its hype? Only time will tell.

Ever since the commencement of the project, speculations were rife that ‘Kaala’ was based the life of the gangster Haji Mastan, who’s touted to be the mentor of the notorious Dawood Ibrahim. Reports suggested that superstar Rajinikanth was essaying the role of Haji Mastan on the screen and that the film would chronicle his life journey. After the news went viral, a legal notice was sent by Sundar Shekhar who claims to be the son of Haji Mastan. However, the makers later clarified that the film is not based on Haji Mastan, although Rajinikanth plays a gangster in the film.

Director Pa Ranjith is one of the few directors who gives equal importance to the supporting characters. Apart from Rajinikanth, one of the major highlights of ‘Kaala’ is its supporting cast that boasts of names such as Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi, Eswari Rao, Samuthirakani and Anjali Patil. Reportedly, actress Eswari Rao has been cast opposite Rajinikanth to play the female lead. She will be seen as Rajinikanth’s wife in the film. Initially, unconfirmed reports suggest that Anjali Patil was playing Rajinikanth’s daughter. However, the ‘Newton’ actress quashed the rumours. Veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar has been pitted against Rajini. From the trailer, it’s quite evident that the actor will lock horns with ‘Thalaivar’.

‘Kaala’ is produced by none other than Rajinikanth’s son-in-law and actor Dhanush’s home productions Wunderbar Films. After the stupendous success of ‘Kabali’, Dhanush announced his big production venture with Rajinikanth. It was widely speculated that the duo was coming together for ‘Kabali 2’. However, Dhanush later clarified that it’s a completely different film. If reports are anything to go by, ‘Kaala’ has been made on a budget of Rs 80 crore. The satellite rights of the film have already been sold for a massive price. Going by reports, the film has already fetched enough moolah for the producers. ‘Kaala’ is slated to release on April 27. According to trade analysts, the film is expected to have a massive opening at the box-office.