Tamil superstar Rajinikanth takes over southern India ahead of ‘Kabali’ release

Frenzy has gripped southern India for the release of Tamil cinema superstar Rajinikanth's crime-drama film titled "Kabali."

Chennai, the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, buzzed with activity with men plastering life-size posters, depicting Rajinikanth's character in the movie.

"I have been putting up posters for my one and only star," said a labourer as he imitated some trademark moves of his favourite actor.

Fans also braved the harsh heat standing in lines outside theatres in last minute attempts to buy tickets for the movie, which was released across 12,000 screens on Friday.

Rajinikanth, one of Asia's highest paid actors, plays an aged gangster who battles with his enemies in an effort to protect his family and business.

Made on a budget of 1 billion rupees, or $14,892,126 US dollars, "Kabali" is expected to earn double the amount within the first three days of its release.

A fan wearing a mask of actor Rajinikanth waits outside a movie theatre on the eve of the release of Tamil film "Kabali" in Mumbai, India, July 22, 2016. Reuters

Fans pour milk on a cutout of actor Rajinikanth outside a temple on the eve of the release of Tamil film "Kabali" in Mumbai, India, July 22, 2016.

The film has already raked in at least 400 million rupees, roughly $6 million US dollars, through brand tie-ups, according to media reports.

Malaysia-based company AirAsia will host a "Kabali" themed flight on Friday, screening the film to flyers travelling from Bengaluru to Chennai while serving them some of Rajinikanth's favorite food items.

The film marks the return of Rajinikanth to the screen since 2014, when his last film, "Lingaa," was released.