Yasuda and Satsuki flew all the way from Japan to Chennai for a "first day first show pilgrimage" of a Rajinikanth movie.

And by Thursday afternoon, the couple had watched 'Kaala' thrice at theatres where the mood is nothing less than that of a carnival.

The day started with a 4 am show at Rohini Silver Screens, 8 am show at Kasi Theatre and 12 pm show at Albert Theatre – all in Chennai. Rajinikanth fans celebrate the 'first day first show' ritual in a unique way – let out loud screams every time their 'Thalaivar' appears on the screen, lap up his punch dialogues and abuse the villain when their stars get hit by him.

“This is the third time I am watching 'Kaala'. The movie is so good and the best Rajini movie I have watched so far. The experience of watching among hardcore Rajini fans in the superstar's fiefdom of Chennai is awesome. We will cherish the experience,” Yasuda said in fluent Tamil at the Albert Theatre.

His wife Satsuki said: “We cannot get such an experience anywhere in the world. These three screens are the best for watching a Rajinikanth movie on the first day. Our happiness knew no bounds while watching the movie in Chennai.”

Rajinikanth commands massive fan following in Japan, where his 1996-movie 'Muthu' was an instant hit and ran in theatres for one full year. Till Thursday morning, 'Muthu' was the couple's favourite Rajinikanth movie, but now its 'Kaala'.

“Kya re...setting ah?” said Yasuda when asked for a review of the Pa Ranjith-directed gangster movie that has several political undertones.

The couple also witnessed the usual rituals – milk bathing of cut-outs and 'arati' to Rajinikanth posters – at the three screens.