The Air Asia-Kabali collaboration could be called a commercial coup. There was a nip in the air as eager fans streamed in, welcomed by a hoarding of the superstar and Amar, the CEO of AirAsia. “Ready for some excitement?” asked a beaming Amar as fans of every age group flashed their special ‘Kabali’ boarding passes. The electronic media was interviewing a group wearing t-shirts with the superstar’s mug printed. Bleary eyed passengers were shaken awake as some shouted ‘Kabali Da’ randomly. A huge hoarding of the film near the gate leading to the aircraft called for selfies. An orange coloured stole and coolers like the one Rajini sports in the film welcome every occupant. The pilot reels off famous dialogues from Rajini hits much to the delight of the fans. ‘Magizhchi’ says the guy sitting next to me. Is there anyone who’s not a Rajini fan?
After a light breakfast of ‘paddus’ and fiery tomato chutney, there’s an announcement that 20 miniatures of the aircraft priced at Rs. 2,500 would be sold and one lucky winner would get the actual couch the superstar sits on in the movie. Shivapriya, who has flown from Mumbai with her teenaged son is a devotee and is ecstatic when her seat number is announced. “I’ll not allow anyone to sit on that couch,” she declares. Her son nods in agreement. As we land in Chennai, a sea of ground staff surge towards the aircraft to take pictures. Everything is hunky dory till the buses snake into the vast compound of the legendary Prasad labs. A section of fans are agitated that they’ve not been taken to a major multiplex to experience the first day first show hysteria. A minority is willing to watch the film at the refurbished preview theatre with 4K resolution and there’s a heated argument. Arumugam, a mimicry artiste and Rajini impersonator has won a contest and been specially flown down from Malaysia just to watch the film with us. “I just want to watch the film. Thalaivar will remain Thalaivar, wherever we watch him,” he says, but the sentiments of the majority are valid. It’s more a miscommunication than trying to short change the fans. The electronic media has hit an unexpected lottery recording the vociferous voices shouting slogans denouncing the airline. Everyone heaves a sigh of relief as it’s announced that they will be watching the noon show at a multiplex specified by the fans. The passengers have been placated and now slogans supporting the airline are shouted out.
The screen showing ‘Kabali’ at the Satyam complex is called ‘serene’ but the atmosphere inside is anything but that. Popcorn and aerated drinks are supplied even as we enter. The whistling starts when the trademark neon lights flash the superstar’s name and touches a crescendo when he makes an appearance. Shivapriya jumps out of her seat waving her arms and shouting. Popcorn is flung into the air. The fans are getting their money’s worth. The mood of the passengers changes as we board the buses back to the airport. Some praise the airline staff while some apologise. For Audrey from Indonesia, it’s an exhilarating experience. “I don’t think I have or will experience anything like this,” she says, while wondering aloud why a mere mortal is worshipped like God.
Since there was no aerobridge it was time for everyone to click keepsakes with the aircraft in the background. A bag of goodies including a t-shirt with the superstar’s mug, a cap, coffee mug and a CD await every passenger. Opinions about the film were divided and the director was the target of criticism. “I think Thalaivar should have been given more and better cars to ride in,” opined a fan seriously. Kannan, from Erode wearing a suit and sporting a beard and glasses like his idol, hid his disappointment in silence. Amar could afford to smile again as the aircraft taxied along the runway. A few trying moments enrich any experience. “The trip was ‘paisa vasool’ but I wish I could say the same about the film,” said one fan. Shivapriya was restless. She had to catch the earliest flight to Mumbai and watch the Hindi version with her husband the same night. “I don’t understand a word of Tamil but just like to watch Rajini on-screen,” says the devotee. We’ll probably have to wait for Rajini’s next film to experience anything close to this!
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