The anticipation was so high that companies in Bangalore and Chennai declared a holiday on release day. Tickets were sold out weeks in advance. It was this insatiable hunger to watch the "Thalaivar" (Leader) that drove millions to the internet. For those who couldn't get tickets or lived outside India, the internet became the primary avenue for access, leading to a massive spike in searches for free downloads.
When Pa. Ranjith’s Kabali was released in July 2016, it wasn't just a movie release; it was a cultural event. Starring Rajinikanth as an aging don fighting for the rights of Malaysian Tamils, the film broke box office records before the first show even premiered.