The new South Indian film is such a hit that the staff gets a day off to watch it | outside

After two years, this film marks the return of Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, better known as Rajinikanth, to the silver screen. As of Thursday, the film is estimated to have already grossed nearly $5 million at all box offices combined. With over 160 films to his credit, the protagonist has become the defining figure of South Indian cinema.

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His complex action sequences and unique dance moves have earned him a lot of appeal. He has about the prestige of Tom Cruise in the West. In fact, the level of devotion among his fans is often compared to that of a religious figure. And some of his supporters celebrate the new releases by pouring milk on pictures of the cartoon actor. Usually these are cult rites dedicated to Hindu deities.

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The day of release turned out to be an unofficial holiday for many, as various companies gave their employees time off to watch the movie. For example, Kerala-based educational company Redbooks Abroad offered free tickets to the premiere, asserting in a note to CNN that it was “a day of relaxation, exhilaration and immersion in the magic of the silver screen”. Another company, Le Hive, based in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, said it was giving its employees half a day off to “avoid sudden sick leave”.