Rajinikanth's film, Kaala, based on Dharavi sets off fan frenzy at Aurora Theatre

Rajinikanth's movie, Kaala, based on the Dharavi slum, released in theatres in the city to a euphoric crowd on Thursday. Other than the usual — fans dressed like Rajini whistling, jiggling and taking photographs of the actor on the screen — the Rajinimania also saw fans in the city pouring milk on the movie's poster and breaking coconuts before his image.

A large number of fans from Dharavi braved heavy rains to be at Aurora Theatre near Matunga from 4 am. "Most of the shows are running to packed houses. That is the case when Rajini sir's movies are released," said Nambi Rajan of Aurora theatre, which is famous for screening Tamil films, and all of Rajini movies.

Fans came in groups of 15-20 and watched more than a show. "It is Rajini sir's movie after all. We have booked tickets for four shows," said 'Kabali' Mahendran Murugan whose group made the multiple bookings. Mahendran, 20, started identifying himself as 'Kabali' after another of Rajini's movies.

Christopher Mahimaidas, secretary of Maharashtra State Rajnikanth Makkal Association, a body that does developmental work in the actor's name, said: "We did abhishek (ablution) with milk of the star's poster besides breaking coconut before his image. It is a regular ritual when his movies arrive."

A group of collegians was selling Rajini T-shirts outside the theatre. "He has described the challenges of lif ein Dharavi very well," said David Klyton, one of the collegians.