The first look of Rajinikanth's "Kabali" was released on Wednesday, 16 September and the movie was subsequently launched the next day (17 September) on the occasion of Ganesh Chathurthi.

A formal puja was held in Chennai, which was graced by Rajinikanth and the technical team of "Kabali". It marks the beginning of the regular shooting schedule. The initial shooting will be held at the Russian Cultural Centre in Alwarpet, Chennai.

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  • A look of Rajinikanth in 'Kabali'.Rajinikanth Twitter Account
  • A look of Rajinikanth in 'Kabali'.Rajinikanth Twitter Account

However, the makers were expected to release the first look through newspaper ads on Thursday, 17 September, but the release was advanced by a day. Rajini is seen sporting a thick beard and looks stylish in his new avatar.

Earlier, the makers had planned to begin the shooting in Malaysia and it was a 60-day schedule, but now the plan has been changed and a major chunk of the film will be shot in Chennai itself.

The official Twitter handle of the movie posted, "The Malaysian schedule has been reduced.. A set resembling few portions in Malaysia is being mounted in Chennai.. #Kabali."

There have been lots of reports on Rajinikanth's role in "Kabali". Initially, it was widely reported that the superstar would play an aging gangster in the forthcoming Tamil flick. But the latest reports have it that Rajini is going to play the role of a senior cop. Nonetheless, there is no confirmation on the same.

Radhika Apte is pairing up with Rajinikanth in "Kabali". Prakash Raj, Kishore, Dhansika, Kalaiyarasan, Dinesh Ravi and others are in the cast.

Taking a break from regular masala movies, Rajinikanth has opted for a content-backed subject in the form of "Kabali". 

The interesting part is that "Kabali" is made by a young team, which is quite unusual as Rajinikanth is known for opting tried-and-tested directors and technicians.

"Kabali" is written and directed by Pa Ranjith. It has Santhosh Narayanan's music, Praveen KL's editing and G Murali's cinematography.