Shortly after news reports emerged that the recent Pa Ranjith-Rajinikanth magnum opus Kaala was a flop, Wunderbar Films was quick to counter rumours, claiming in a tweet on Saturday that the film was a success.
The production house, run by Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwarya and son-in-law Dhanush, tweeted, “We would like to dispel rumours run in few articles on #Kaala. Contrary to it, #Kaala is a successful and profitable project for Wunderbar Films and we thank Superstar for the opportunity given to us. We also thank the audience for the positive response given to the film.”
We would like to dispel rumours run in few articles on #Kaala. Contrary to it, #Kaala is a successful and profitable project for Wunderbar Films and we thank Superstar for the opportunity given to us. We also thank the audience for the positive response given to the film. pic.twitter.com/sJTCpx6NJh
— Wunderbar Films (@wunderbarfilms) July 7, 2018
Over the past few days, news reports emerged on social media alleging that Dhanush had agreed to pay Rs 40 crores to ‘make up’ for losses faced by distributors.
The reports claimed that distributors were unhappy with collections and that ticket sales in the theatres were low.
Prominent Tamil daily Dinamalar said in a report that Kaala had failed to meet expectations following the Tamil film industry strike which brought most film productions to a grinding halt. It further said that Pa Ranjith’s first film with Rajinikanth, Kabali, had opened to 3,000 screens in the state while Kaala had only opened with 1,700.
Distributors had reportedly told the newspaper that they were banking on the success of Irumbu Thirai, Tik Tik Tik and the yet-to-released Asurapadham, Mr Chandramouli and Tamil Padam 20.
A few digital entertainment news websites went onto say that the film had caused a rift between Rajinikanth and Dhanush. The film was Rajinikanth's first release following his entry into politics in Tamil Nadu.
Rajinikanth's fans too took to social media to slam the reports.
Given Pa Ranjith’s subaltern style of film making and Rajini being viewed as ideologically to the right, the film had created a lot of hype and expectations shortly before its release on June 7.
According to a report in Firstpost, the film had collected over 150 crores in its first three weeks. This reportedly makes Rajinikanth the only actor to have starred in three films that grossed over 150 crores.