The trade circles are anything but bullish about 'Kaala'.  A number of pre-release reports suggest that advance bookings are not even half of what 'Kabali' had mustered.  And if this is to be taken as a yardstick, the Rajinikanth-starrer is in for trouble.

The fact that 'Lingaa' and 'Kabali' were both flops seem to be a factor.  But the bigger factor is that 'Kaala' is seen by many as a cousin of 'Kabali'.  Even the Teaser made it clear that Pa.Ranjith is interested in telling a time-tested story.  

Add to this, the release date is said to be quite inappropriate.  And the promotions are either unexciting or inadequate.

Rajinikanth's political arangetram hasn't been marked by fireworks.  It has been largely milk-and-water.  This is also a reason why there is a sense of disinterestedness among people.  His recent comments that the Tuticorin mayhem was caused by anti-social elements among protestors haven't gone down well at all.  

Even in Karnataka, many of his Kannadiga audience are not enthusiastic about 'Kaala' at a time when his Cauvery comments are fresh in their minds.  

Although he is playing an old man's role in 'Kaala', Rajini is seen by large sections of non-fans as too old to play a typical lead man's role.  

The Overseas collections have to be a stunner if the distributors are to achieve break-even.  But going by the lukewarm pre-release buzz, everything is in doubt.