2.0 buzz begins with ‘Chitti’ mobile games

But none of that matters for 30-year-old Samuel, the CEO of Coimbatore-based consultancy and training institute Get Set Go. For the fourth year running, since the release of Lingaa in 2014, Samuel has ensured that his staff are given a day off on the first day of a Rajinikanth film’s release.

“I have been a fan since I was a kid and have watched his films on the first day without fail. I started this tradition when Lingaa released; the whole office going for an FDFS with the tickets sponsored. This time, we couldn’t get tickets in the same theatre, so we are split into a couple of groups,” said Samuel.

The press release declaring November 29 as a holiday for his firm has gone viral. He can’t wait for the Superstar’s impending party launch, too. “My entire family, friends and all my employees will vote for his party,” Samuel grinned.

Similarly, Rajini Makkal Mandram member Parimala Devi, an entrepreneur in Chennai, has planned a day’s outing with friends, complete with RMM flags and posters. “We are going for the 5 am show. It is a Thalaivar film – what other greater joy in life is there for us? After he enters politics full-time, we doubt we will see him on the big screen often.”

Social media has several 2.0 hashtags trending with Rajinikanth fans in countries like the USA, Russia and Europe also joining the celebrations. Fan clubs in other states also have been arranging opening shows. With Karan Johar promoting the film nationally, the north Indian market is also anticipating the film. Filmmaker Vinu Karthikeyan said, “Chitti mobile games and memes are trending in Mumbai. Here in Chennai, there is a healthy buzz with Chitti T-shirts and bobbleheads.”