Jailer: From Chennai to Bahrain, Rajinikanth fever grips world; movie set to break all box office records

Hyderabad: Lights, camera, Rajinikanth! The iconic superstar, Rajinikanth, has once again proven that age is just a number as he continues to reign supreme in the hearts of fans worldwide. With his latest release, "Jailer," the 72-year-old has ignited a frenzy that's nothing short of electrifying. From soaring search trends to record-breaking box office bookings, Rajinikanth has left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape.

If there's one thing that hasn't changed over the years, it's the insatiable devotion of Rajinikanth's fanbase. The digital world has witnessed an unprecedented surge in searches leading up to the grand release. According to the data unveiled by GrabOn, the mania reached its zenith on August 9th, with Google Trends hitting a peak score of 100 at around 10.30 p.m. This score, representing the pinnacle of search popularity, speaks volumes about the global fascination for the superstar.

Speaking of global fascination, Singapore emerged as the crowned champion in the search stakes with a perfect score of 100. The fanfare extended its reach to Sri Lanka (96), Qatar (83), United Arab Emirates (82), and Bahrain (78), leaving an entire world captivated by Rajinikanth's aura. Surprisingly, India, his homeland and the epicenter of his fandom, secured the sixth spot with an average value of 74 during the preceding week. It's a clear testament to Rajinikanth's universal appeal that transcends borders and cultures.

Zeroing in on the domestic scenario, it's no surprise that the southern region of India is still ablaze with Rajinikanth fervor. The obsession is palpable, with Karnataka emerging as the torchbearer, followed closely by Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. What's intriguing, however, is the way Tamil Nadu took a different route in showing its adoration. While one might expect the state to lead the online frenzy, it was revealed that a significant chunk of the moviegoers in Tamil Nadu opted for an old-school touch: buying tickets offline, right at the theaters.

When dissecting the city-wise trends, the spotlight was firmly on five key Indian cities. In the sea of 178 cities that registered a Google Trends value of 50 and above (indicating the movie's impressive popularity), Pirancheri led the charge with a perfect score of 100. Thailavaram, Umamahesharapuram, Kurinjipadi, and Villianur followed suit with scores ranging from 88 to 95. These numbers underscore the fact that Jailer's charm has spread far and wide across the Indian map.

And let's not forget the international fandom that Rajinikanth commands. Palani, Siruseri, Kumbakonam, Cuddalore, and Tiruvallur, overseas led the pack, all achieving scores north of 90. A noteworthy revelation: all 64 cities with scores above 50 were located within India, further cementing the superstar's stronghold on his home turf.

The Cinematic Showdown!

The South Indian audience finds itself split between Rajinikanth's `Jailer’ and Chiranjeevi's `Bhola Shankar’. Noted film exhibitor Akshaye Rathi declared that Jailer's opening box office figures could rewrite Tamil cinema's history books. The advance bookings have been nothing short of unprecedented, indicating that Jailer might just be en route to becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. The buzz around the movie is deafening, and it's particularly resonating across the Tamil-speaking belt.

BookMyShow has already seen a whopping 900,000 Jailer tickets fly off the virtual shelves, with the southern states spearheading the demand. The ticket prices range from Rs 800 to Rs 1,400, with showtimes as early as 6 a.m. on August 10th in Bengaluru. Interestingly, Bengaluru is giving Jailer the red-carpet treatment, boasting the highest number of shows in the city on that special day.

Jailer's narrative revolves around Muthuvel Pandian, a firm yet compassionate jailer who uncovers a daring gang's attempt to rescue their leader from the clutches of prison. As he steps into action to thwart their audacious plan, the stakes couldn't be higher. The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring powerhouses like Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar, Ramya Krishnan, and Tamannah Bhatia, each adding their own unique flavor to the riveting tale.

In the realm of entertainment, Rajinikanth is not just a name; he's an enigma that continues to captivate, inspire, and transcend generations. With `Jailer’, his legacy endures, proving once again that the superstar's meteoric rise isn't just history—it's an ongoing blockbuster that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.