In what could be perceived as a shocking setback to the Rajinikanth legend, his latest release Kaala has opened to an underwhelming response. It is one of the lowest-recorded openings in recent times for a Rajinikanth starrer. What gives? Actor-activist Vishal Krishna who heads the Tamil Nadu Films Producers' Council (TFPC) says it's too early to make any predictions.

'Kaala' has been unnecessarily embroiled in the Cauvery controversy. How much this has affected the film's opening, I don't know. What I do know is that at the end of the day Rajini sir is Rajini sir. "Any film of his evokes a massive response. The opening of 'Kaala' may be on the lower side -- I haven't found the time to check -- because his last film with the same director (Pa. Ranjith) had not been appreciated that much." However Vishal adds that "Kaala" may well surprise all the naysayers.