Tamil action drama Kabali has been a success in the United States, reportedly raking in millions from preview shows alone. According to distribution company CineGalaxy Inc, the Rajinikanth-starrer has collected $2 million (Rs 13.3 crore) from just the premiere shows in the United States and Canada. According to Indian Express, it also created box office history in America by registering the highest viewership for an Indian film premiere.

Released at more than 400 screens across the US and Canada, the film had the best opening for an Indian movie from premiere shows in North America. Trade analyst Trinath told IANS that only a Rajinikanth-starrer could register such a huge opening. "No other star's film could've achieved this. It was possible because of the excellent pre-release buzz and Rajinikanth's association with the project."

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Apart from the US and Canada, the film has also did well in Malaysia and United Kingdom. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted that the movie emerged No. 1 in Malaysia and No. 10 in the United Kingdom.

Indian box office

In India, the film's first-day ticket sales are expected to be more than Rs 35 crore. According to Economic Times, the film is expected to collect over Rs 120 crore this weekend, with most of its shows having been pre-booked. Vijay Singh, chief executive officer at Fox Star Studios, the film's distributor for markets outside South India, said, "Kabali has lived up to high expectations and opened to packed houses across India.”

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Tickets were all sold out for Friday's shows across south India. People reportedly queued up in front of movie halls from as early as 2 am for the first show at 5 am, while tickets were sold for as high as Rs 1,500 in Chennai.

The film has already earned Rs 200 crore with the sale of satellite rights. Directed by Pa Ranjith and produced by Kalaipuli Thanu of V Creations, the movie also stars Radhika Apte, Kishore, Dinesh, Dhansikaa, Kalaiarasan and Winston Chao.