Rajinikanth nail art, beard-growing: Kabali fever hits Malaysians

Many have turned this into a business opportunity as Rajinikanth's Kabali T-shirts, sweaters and mugs are sold mainly online.

In Malaysia, Rajinikanth fans have been sporting beards, as donned by the star in the new film.

G. Sivanesan, 27, graphic designer, from Klang said he had always looked up to the actor, especially his humble manner and attitude towards people.

"When I was 10, I found out that I had the same birth date as Rajinikanth. Ever since then I have become his fan," he said.

"When I first saw Kabali poster and Rajinikanth with beard, I told myself that I must be like him and so I've been growing my beard for almost two months," he said.

K. Thanesh, 33, from Petaling Jaya who refers to Rajinikanth as talaivar which means leader in Tamil said he started to grow his beard two months ago after seeing the movie's promotions.

He said it was difficult to maintain the beard as he has always been a clean-shaved person.

"I will shave my beard after watching the movie. And I hope Rajinikanth will star in more movies," he said.

For K.R Pavitra, the idea of a nail art featuring Rajinikanth in Kabali came when she went for her regular manicure-pedicure treatment.

"I was googling for some nail art idea when I saw the Kabali movie poster. I asked my manicurist if she can do it. The poor Vietnamese girl was surprised but agreed to do it," she said when contacted.

She said one nail art took 30 minutes to complete.

"I grew up with a lot of cousins and relatives who are die hard fans of Rajinikanth. So, I guess that's where my adoration for the star came from," she added.

Pavitra said she had also spent the 30 minutes explaining to the manicurist all about the actor.

Meanwhile, a business premise in Klang, Selangor has put out a 10 feet cut-out of Rajinikanth's Kabali outside their shop in Tengku Kelana.

Harekrishna Group director B. Thiyananthan said they had spent RM1,500 for the cut-out.

"I am a die-hard fan of the super star. I am glad he came to Malaysia and shot some scenes here. Many of our customers are also his fans who have taken pictures of themselves with the cut-out," he said.

In 'Kabali', Rajinikanth whose real name is Shivaji Rao, plays the role of a crime don in Malaysia known as Kabaliswaran, the name of the movie.

The 'Kabali' sensation was felt in Malaysia when 'flashmobs' were held at several locations nationwide to promote the film, while AirAsia Bhd is also promoting the film in-flight.

The film also features local actors, namely Datuk Rosyam Nor, Norman Hakim, Zack Taipan and Tony Kassim as well as popular Taiwan actor Winston Chao.

The Malay version of 'Kabali', will be shown on the silver screen on July 29.