Petta is the title of Rajinikanth’s film with Karthik Subbaraj. The motion poster was unveiled earlier today by Sun Pictures, the production house backing the project.
The crimson and pink-tinted motion poster shows an image of Rajinikanth striding forward with a candelabra in his hand. An ornamental dagger moves across the frame with the words ‘A Karthik Subburaj Padam’ appearing on screen. Rajinikanth is dressed to the nines. A scarf is casually draped around his neck. A sweater, polka dot shirt and a pair of jeans, and those John Lennon-inspired sunglasses complete the look.
It’s set inside an old cathedral. The giant doors are drawn back to reveal Rajinikanth. All in all, the intent is to make things look as grandiose as possible. The celebratory background score by Anirudh Ravichander, in his first collaboration with Rajinikanth, captures this spirit perfectly.
The film’s title can be loosely translated to mean territory. Will Rajinikanth then play yet another man who is the saviour and protector of his territory? If so, then it is in line with the roles he has essayed in Pa Ranjith’s Kaala and Kabali. But, the milieu in which Petta unfolds and the space Karthik Subbaraj’s films occupy in Tamil cinema, will ensure that the film is different.
Early reports suggest that much of the film has been shot in the North East. Specifically, Darjeeling and Shillong. Now, reportedly, the team has moved to Uttar Pradesh for another schedule of filming.
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With stars like Simran, Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bobby Simhaa in important roles, the film has already become one of the most anticipated Tamil films of 2019.
Rumours suggest that Petta could be shaping up for a Diwali release next year. This decision is probably to make way for Shankar’s 2.0 that has Rajinikanth in the lead role. The film has been inordinately delayed, but a sudden spike in promotional activity this week means that plans are on to secure a release date soon.