Petta (film) explained
Petta is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language action drama film[7] directed by Karthik Subbaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. The film stars Rajinikanth in the titular role, alongside Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, M. Sasikumar, Simran, Trisha, Megha Akash, Malavika Mohanan, Mahendran, Bobby Simha, Guru Somasundaram, Aadukalam Naren, Munishkanth and Sananth. It follows Kaali, a newly hired hostel warden, who gets dragged into war after an old enemy, Singaaram, resurfaces.
The film was officially announced in February 2018 under the tentative title Thalaivar 165, as it is Rajinikanth's 165th film as it is the lead actor, and the official title was announced in September 2018. Principal photography commenced in June 2018. It was shot in several locations including Darjeeling, Uttar Pradesh, and wrapped by late-October 2018. The film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography handled by Tirru and editing by Vivek Harshan.
Petta was released on 10 January 2019 in theatres to mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Rajinikanth's performance, the technical aspects, screenplay, and action sequences while criticism was drawn against the pacing and writing. The film grossed 219-250 crore against a budget of 160 crore, thus becoming one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time, the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019 and the fourth highest grossing South Indian film of 2019.[8]
Plot
Kaali is a mysterious and deceivingly aged man who takes up the job of a boys' hostel warden at a college in Ooty. Kaali notices that a group of unruly final-year students, led by Michael, who is the spoiled son of a local leader named Gnanam, dominate the hostel. Kaali puts a stop to Michael's antics, which leads to a rivalry between the two. Kaali also forms a close bond with an NRI hostelite named Anwar, who is in a relationship with Anu, the daughter of a pranic healer named Mangalam. Kaali convinces Mangalam to accept her daughter's relationship with Anwar, where they end up falling in love. Michael, who lusts for Anu, is angered on hearing of her relationship with Anwar and attempts to harass them, only to be stopped by Kaali. The school suspend Michael and his friends, and Anwar records and shares the humiliation of Michael and his gang.
The video is noticed in Uttar Pradesh by a local goon named Jithu, the son of a powerful politician named Singaaram alias Singaar Singh. On seeing Anwar in the video as well as in a photo with his mother on Facebook, Singaar sends his men to Ooty to kill Anwar for unknown reasons. At the same time, Michael, who is humiliated at his suspension, sends his men to beat Kaali. Michael's plan backfires as he and his men get mixed in the fight between Kaali and Singaar's men. Kaali subdues Singaar's men, earning Michael and Gnanam's respect, following which Anwar meets Kaali's friend, who narrates about his past. Anwar is the son of Maalik, who was Kaali's best friend. Petta's friend reveals that Kaali's real name is Petta Velan, a well-respected man in his village in Madurai.
Past: Maalik learns that Devaram and Singaar were involved in an illegal sand mafia, which leads to Maalik and Petta getting enough evidence for the police to arrest Devaram. Petta learns that Maalik was in love with Devaram and Singaar's sister Poongodi, who conceived with him out of wedlock. Though reluctant, Petta finally agrees, and he and his wife Saraswathy "Saro" manage to convince Poongodi's father, Rajapandi, to get Poongodi married to Maalik. But Devaram and Singaar vehemently oppose the alliance and the property transfer to Poongodi.
After Maalik and Poongodi's marriage, Devaram and Singaar kill Rajapandi. On learning this, Petta kills Devaram during Rajapandi's funeral and chases Singaar out of the village. Enraged about Devaram's death and his forced exile, Singaar orchestrates a bomb blast during Poongodi's seemantham, killing Maalik, Saro and Petta's son Chinna. After finding that Poongodi is still alive, Petta takes her to safety. Poongodi later gives birth to a boy, Anwar, and both leave for Australia as refugees to escape from Singaar.
Present: On learning about his past, Petta, Anwar, and Michael's henchmen leave for Uttar Pradesh to kill Singaar. Petta and Anwar confront Jithu, who is determined to kill them after learning about them from his father. The duo manages to escape Jithu. Later, Petta meets Jithu privately and reveals to him that he is none other than his son Chinna, who did not die in the blast, but Singaar adopted him after finding him still alive in the wreckage.
When Jithu confronts Singaar regarding his parentage, the latter sends his men to kill him, and Petta rescues him. Petta, Anwar and Michael's henchmen, and Jithu ambush Singaar's mansion and decimate his guards. Petta confronts Singaar and shoots him down. After Singaar's death, Petta reveals to Jithu that he is not his son Chinna saying that his son chinna already died in the bomb blast and he says he is Singaar's son and he had used Jithu to lead to Singaar as a strategy to kill the latter.After this Petta holds Jithu at gunpoint and kills him.
Production
Pre-production
In early February 2018, after completing his filming commitments for Pa. Ranjith's Kaala (2018), Rajinikanth held final discussions with a group of young directors, including Arun Prabu Purushothaman, Atlee, and Karthik Subbaraj for his next project.[9] On 23 February 2018, production house Sun Pictures announced that they would produce a film starring Rajinikanth to be directed by Karthik Subbaraj. To accommodate the film's shoot throughout the course of 2018, the director postponed the pre-production work of another proposed film starring Dhanush for YNOT Studios.[10] [11] Subbaraj revealed that he was confident about approaching Rajinikanth to work on his film, after the actor was impressed with his earlier project, Jigarthanda (2014) and expressed a desire to collaborate. The pair had first discussed the script in early 2017, but Rajinikanth did not take a final call until finishing his existing filming commitments to Kaala and 2.0 (2018).[12] Talking about the project, Subbaraj initially revealed that the film would be an "action drama" which was "fictional" but "realistic".[13]
Development
Anirudh Ravichander was signed on to work as the film's music composer in early March 2018, in a move which saw him collaborate with his maternal uncle Rajinikanth, and Subbaraj, for the first time.[14] [15] Tirru and Vivek Harshan were selected to be the film's cinematographer and editor respectively, continuing their collaboration with Subbaraj following their work in Mercury (2018).[16] Likewise, stunt choreographer Peter Hein also joined the team thereafter.[17] In late May 2018, Subbaraj and Tirru went on a recce to scout locations in Nepal and North India to shoot the film.[18] The film's title Petta was revealed on 7 September 2018.[19]
Casting
Vijay Sethupathi was signed on to play a character in April 2018, and accordingly reworked his dates to fit the film into his busy schedule.[20] [21] The actor signed the film after a month of media speculation that he would portray a villainous role, and revealed that he signed the film as he had blind trust in Subbaraj, and initially did not request to listen to the script.[22] Subbaraj had also been keen to sign Fahadh Faasil for a role in the film, but the actor's filming commitments for Varathan (2018) meant that he could not allot dates.[23] Hindi film actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui joined the cast in July 2018, while two other regular collaborators of Subbaraj, actors Bobby Simha and Sananth, were also signed to play pivotal roles in the film.[24] Other members of the cast included supporting actors Guru Somasundaram,[25] Munishkanth,[26] Shabeer Kallarakkal,[27] Deepak Paramesh,[28] Adithya Shivpink,[29] and Manikandan R. Achari.[30]
For leading female roles, the team held discussions throughout March 2018 with actresses Trisha, Deepika Padukone, and Anjali, but neither were signed immediately.[31] [32] [33] In July 2018, the producers announced that Simran had joined the cast to play as pair of Rajinikanth.[34] Trisha was eventually added to the cast in August 2018,[35] while Malavika Mohanan was also signed to appear alongside Rajinikanth.[36] [37] Megha Akash was cast as Sananth's pair, and joined the shoot before the release of any of her initial Tamil films, Boomerang, Enai Noki Paayum Thota and Oru Pakka Kathai.[38] In October, M. Sasikumar and Mahendran joined the cast.[39] [40]
Filming
Principal photography began in June 2018. The first schedule of the shoot began on 7 June at Eastern Forest Rangers College at St. Mary's Hill, Kurseong in Darjeeling, with the initial portions lasting nine days. The team then shot in other location across Darjeeling and the hill towns for a further month, in locations including St. Paul's and Mount Hermon School.[41] [42] To finish the first schedule, the team returned to Kurseong for six days. An audition to cast 150 local actors was also held in Charbagh, Lucknow during the first schedule.[43] During the making of the schedule, Rajinikanth met with politician Gautam Deb, who helped the makers have a hassle free shoot in exchange for the promotion of tourism in the area.[44] Principal photography wrapped in October 2018, fifteen days ahead of schedule.[45]
Music
See main article: Petta (soundtrack). The soundtrack album and background score is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his first collaboration with Rajinikanth and Karthik Subbaraj. The lyrics were penned by Vivek, Ku. Karthik, Dhanush and Karthik Subbaraj. The audio launch took place on 9 December 2018, at Sai Leo Muthu Auditorium, Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Chennai. The album consists of all eleven songs, which 5 of them are theme songs. The first single track, "Marana Mass" was released on 3 December 2018, followed by "Ullallaa" which released on 7 December 2018. The full album was made available for digital download on 9 December 2018, under the Sony Music record label, which had acquired the audio rights of the film. In February 2019, the album crossed 250 million streams on all platforms.[46] [47] [48] In January 2022, "Marana Mass" hit 200+ million views in YouTube.[49]
Release
Theatrical
Petta was released on 10 January 2019, coinciding with the occasion of Pongal festival along with Ajith Kumar starrer Viswasam.[50]
Home media
Petta is available for streaming in Sun NXT and Netflix and on Voot, then on JioCinema following Voot's shutdown. The satellite rights of the film is sold to Sun TV.[51] [52]
Reception
Box office
Petta was released on 600 screens in Tamil Nadu with tough competition from Viswasam. The film grossed ₹1.12 crore at the Chennai box office. The film also grossed $133K at the US, overtaking Viswasam which grossed $18K.[53] On its opening day, the film grossed ₹36.6 crore worldwide, with a share of ₹19 crore worldwide. The film collected ₹104 crore, in 3 days and grossed more than ₹138 crore in the opening weekend. The film collected worldwide on 4 days.[54] The film collected ₹200 crore within 23 days.[55] The film collected in Tamil Nadu, in Karnataka, in the rest of India and in overseas with a total of ₹219—250 crore worldwide at the end of its theatrical run and became the second highest grossing Tamil film of the year.[56] The film had a 100 day theatrical run in Tamil Nadu.[57]
Critical response
Petta received mixed reviews from critics.[58] [59]
M. Suganth from The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Petta is less of a Karthik Subbaraj film, but it gives Rajini fans their Thalaivar in a way that they have been dying to see him, celebrating the Rajinisms."[60] Srinivasa Ramanujam of The Hindu stated that "Despite quite a few underwritten characters, Petta triumphs by bringing back the Superstar of yore."[61] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of India Today gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Petta is a classic Rajinikanth film that his fans should not miss."[62] Anusha Iyengar from Times Now rated 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Petta is a complete mass entertainer with twists and turns that will make you howl in the theatres like you would in a Thalaiva film."[63]
Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Karthik Subbaraj has a sense of style, which breaks through only occasionally in Petta. For that Rajini Sir will have to submit a little more to the script, and a last little twist in the long drawn-out climax holds out hope.[64] Sify gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Karthik Subbaraj has packed a pleasing crowd puller that is a satisfying revenge drama with twists and turns."[65] Behindwoods gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Style! Mass! Style! Petta is a celebration of Superstar Rajinikanth. Go enjoy it."[66]
Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Rajinikanth returns to the basics with aplomb. Just go and watch it for the Rajinikanth that you missed in his last few releases."[67] Baradwaj Rangan of Film Companion gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Jigarthanda and Iraivi were sprawling stories but there was a sense of a gradual buildup, the sense of the narrative noose being slowly tightened. But Petta looks rushed and even the Karthik Subbaraj flourishes come off like affectations."[68] Gauthaman Baskaran of News18 gave 1/5 and wrote "Petta turns out be yet another outing for Rajinikanth who relies on gimmicks rather than solid performance."[69] Ananda Vikatan rated the film 41 out of 100.[70]
Legacy
The introduction scene of Petta Velan has been parodied by Yogi Babu for the film Pei Mama (2021).[71] [72]
Notes and References
- Web site: Petta . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220309161029/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/petta-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc00mdm0nzc . 9 March 2022 . 9 March 2022 . British Board of Film Classification.
- Web site: 3 November 2020 . 'Darbar' to 'Kabali': Reported budget of the last five films of Superstar Rajinikanth . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221013053347/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/darbar-to-kabali-reported-budget-of-the-last-five-films-of-superstar-rajinikanth/photostory/79021168.cms?picid=79021281 . 13 October 2022 . 13 October 2022 . . Rajinikanth joined hands with Karthik Subbaraj for the action-drama 'Petta', and the film was made on a budget of Rs 160 crore..
- Web site: Kumar . Karthik . 5 November 2019 . Bigil box office day 11: Vijay's film dethrones Rajinikanth's Petta, enters ₹250 cr club worldwide . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182652/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/bigil-box-office-day-11-vijay-s-film-dethrones-rajinikanth-s-petta-enters-rs-250-cr-club-worldwide/story-aJuISNSdaDDO5zkgfTqc0O.html . 18 January 2022 . 31 May 2023 . Hindustan Times.
- News: Singh . Jatinder . 23 June 2022 . Highest grossing Kollywood (Tamil) films of all time; Vikram box office collections nears 400 crores worldwide . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230605021504/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/highest-grossing-kollywood-movies-all-time-vikram-nears-400-crores-worldwide-1148728 . 5 June 2023 . 30 May 2023 . Pinkvilla.
- News: 4 November 2019 . Bigil Box Office Collection Day 10: Vijay's film tops the list of most successful Tamil films of 2019 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220419121051/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/bigil-box-office-collection-day-10-vijay-film-tops-the-list-of-most-successful-tamil-films-of-2019-238096-2019-11-04 . 19 April 2022 . 19 April 2022 . Business Today.
- News: 2 February 2019 . Rs 1000 crore! That's how much Rajinikanth's three films grossed at the box office in a span of 7 months . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212029/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/box-office/article/rs-1000-crore-thats-how-much-rajinikanths-three-films-grossed-at-the-worldwide-box-office-in-a-span-of-7-months/358526 . 2 February 2019 . 19 April 2022 . Times Now.
- News: Nath . Akshaya . 26 April 2018 . Karthik Subbaraj: My next with Rajinikanth will be an action drama . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202252/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/karthik-subbaraj-film-with-rajinikanth-is-an-action-drama-1220543-2018-04-26 . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . India Today.
- News: 17 January 2019 . Why wasn't 'Petta' dubbed in Kannada? Distributor clears the air . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210418141905/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-wasn-t-petta-dubbed-kannada-distributor-clears-air-95197 . 18 April 2021 . 8 August 2020 . The News Minute.
- News: Kumar . Karthik . 19 February 2018 . Three young directors are vying to direct Rajinikanth next . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164926/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/three-young-directors-are-vying-to-direct-rajinikanth-next/story-zQmH8AlQSBLKuJ0e5u0lYI.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Hindustan Times.
- Web site: 7 April 2018 . Karthik Subbaraj confirms he will start shooting for Dhanush film after wrapping up Rajinikanth-starrer . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908170139/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/karthik-subbaraj-confirms-he-will-start-shooting-for-film-with-dhanush-after-wrapping-up-rajinikanth-starrer-4421705.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Firstpost.
- News: 23 February 2018 . Rajinikanth to work with Karthik Subbaraj next . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180915051445/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-to-work-with-karthik-subbaraj-for-his-next/article22837327.ece . 15 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The Hindu.
- News: 30 May 2018 . Film with Rajinikanth will be light-hearted, not political: Director Karthik Subbaraj . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164521/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/film-rajinikanth-will-be-light-hearted-not-political-director-karthik-subbaraj-82165 . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The News Minute.
- News: 27 March 2018 . My film with the Superstar is realistic with elements of 'Rajini' in it, says Karthik Subbaraj . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180912160248/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/my-film-with-the-superstar-is-realistic-with-elements-of-rajini-in-it-says-karthik-subbaraj/article23365197.ece . 12 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . . PTI.
- Web site: 1 March 2018 . Rajinikanth's film with Karthik Subbaraj will have music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, confirms Sun Pictures . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180625104042/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rajinikanths-film-with-karthik-subbaraj-will-have-music-composed-by-anirudh-ravichander-confirms-sun-pictures-4372179.html . 25 June 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Firstpost.
- Web site: 21 May 2018 . Anirudh: My next with Rajinikanth is going to be a mix of mass and class film! . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202407/http://www.sify.com/movies/anirudh-my-next-with-rajinikanth-is-going-to-be-a-mix-of-mass-and-class-film-news-tamil-sfvjQ4dbacjee.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Sify.
- News: Suganth . M. . 18 May 2018 . I am doing Rajinikanth's film with Karthik Subbaraj: Thirunavukkarasu . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180912160247/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/i-am-doing-rajinikanths-film-with-karthik-subbaraj-thirunavukkarasu/articleshow/64216571.cms . 12 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The Times of India.
- News: 21 June 2018 . Stunt choreographer Peter Hein joins Rajinikanth-Karthik Subbaraj film . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164442/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/stunt-choreographer-peter-hein-joins-rajinikanth-karthik-subbaraj-film-1265938-2018-06-21 . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . India Today.
- Web site: 7 June 2018 . Rajinikanth flies to Darjeeling, starts shooting for Karthik Subbaraj's next on eve of Kaala release . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908170136/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rajinikanth-flies-to-darjeeling-starts-shooting-for-karthik-subbarajs-next-on-eve-of-kaala-release-4500181.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Firstpost.
- Web site: Sekar . Raja . 7 September 2018 . Rajinikanth's upcoming film with Karthik Subbaraj titled Petta, likely to target summer 2019 release . live . https://archive.today/20180907140618/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/rajinikanths-upcoming-film-with-karthik-subbaraj-titled-petta-likely-to-target-summer-2019-release-5138611.html . 7 September 2018 . 7 September 2018 . Firstpost.
- Web site: 2 March 2018 . Hot buzz: Vijay Sethupathi to play baddie in Rajinikanth film? . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202352/http://www.sify.com/movies/hot-buzz-vijay-sethupathi-to-play-baddie-in-rajinikanth-film-news-tamil-sdclddjgjhgdf.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Sify.
- News: 26 April 2018 . Vijay Sethupathi in Rajinikanth's film with Karthik Subbaraj . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181005071737/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-sethupathi-in-rajinikanths-film-with-karthik-subbaraj/articleshow/63927853.cms . 5 October 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The Times of India.
- News: 24 May 2018 . Signed Karthik Subbaraj-Rajinikanth film without listening to script, says Vijay Sethupathi . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164615/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/signed-karthik-subbaraj-rajinikanth-film-without-listening-to-script-says-vijay-sethupathi/story-EX5bQ3CY3Eh3XOqgdlIdyL.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Hindustan Times.
- Web site: Malayalam star Fahad Fazil reveals reason for rejecting Rajinikanth's 'Petta' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181021024616/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/oct/08/malayalam-star-fahad-fazil-reveals-reason-for-rejecting-rajinikanths-petta-1882657.html . 21 October 2018 . 20 October 2018 . The New Indian Express.
- News: 24 May 2018 . Rajinikanth and Karthik Subbaraj film now has Bobby Simhaa and Sananth too . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164455/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rajinikanth-film-with-karthik-subbaraj-has-bobby-simhaa-and-sananth-1240207-2018-05-24 . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . India Today.
- News: 1 September 2018 . Guru Somasundaram lands a role in Rajinikanth's next . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180915051445/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/guru-somasundaram-lands-a-role-in-rajinikanths-next/articleshow/65632337.cms . 15 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The Times of India.
- News: 16 June 2018 . Munishkanth on board for Rajini-Karthik Subbaraj film . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164722/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/jun/16/munishkanth-on-board-for-rajini-karthik-subbaraj-film-1828742.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The New Indian Express.
- News: CR . Sharanya . 16 October 2018 . It's been a great experience working in Petta: Shabeer . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210802210421/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/its-been-a-great-experience-working-in-petta-shabeer/articleshow/66217895.cms . 2 August 2021 . 20 October 2018 . The Times of India.
- News: 5 July 2018 . Deepak Paramesh lands a role in Rajinikanth's next . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180912160247/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/deepak-paramesh-lands-a-role-in-rajinikanths-next/articleshow/64871883.cms . 12 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The Times of India.
- Web site: 15 September 2018 . No filter: With no star backing, actor Adithya has arrived . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230904032324/https://www.dtnext.in/city/2018/09/15/no-filter-with-no-star-backing-actor-adithya-has-arrived . 4 September 2023 . 4 September 2023 . DT Next.
- News: 9 September 2018 . 'Kammattipadam' actor Manikandan Achari joins Rajinikanth's 'Petta' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180910111809/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/sep/09/kammattipadam-actor-manikandan-achari-joins-rajinikanths-petta-1869784.html . 10 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The New Indian Express.
- News: 29 March 2018 . Rajini's film with Karthik Subbaraj: Makers in talks with three female actors . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202251/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/rajini-s-film-with-karthik-subbaraj-makers-in-talks-with-three-female-actors/story-T70p9gwd9DLeaf17PEhdqK.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Hindustan Times.
- News: 28 March 2018 . Who will be Rajinikanth's Jodi in Karthik's film? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908171337/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/280318/who-will-be-rajinikanths-jodi-in-karthiks-film.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Deccan Chronicle.
- Web site: 30 March 2018 . Nayanthara to pair up with Rajinikanth again? . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164648/http://www.sify.com/movies/nayanthara-to-pair-up-with-rajinikanth-again-news-telugu-sd4npUjbdhafb.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Sify.
- Web site: Sekar . Raja . 18 July 2018 . Nawazuddin Siddiqui to make his South debut in Rajinikanth-Karthik Subbaraj film; Simran to be paired opposite superstar . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908174458/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/nawazuddin-siddiqui-to-make-his-south-debut-in-rajinikanth-karthik-subbaraj-film-simran-to-be-paired-opposite-superstar-4769791.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Firstpost.
- News: Sekar . Raja . 20 August 2018 . Trisha joins cast of Karthik Subbaraj, Rajinikanth's upcoming film; actress confirms news on Twitter . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180907193030/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/trisha-joins-cast-of-karthik-subbaraj-rajinikanths-upcoming-film-actress-confirms-news-on-twitter-5002091.html . 7 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . Firstpost.
- News: 18 August 2018 . Malavika to romance Rajinikanth in his film with Karthik Subbaraj . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180906084711/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/malavika-to-romance-rajinikanths-film-with-karthik-subbaraj/articleshow/65440209.cms . 6 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The Times of India.
- News: 18 August 2018 . Malavika Mohanan to join the sets of Karthik Subbaraj's next with Rajinikanth? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180912160247/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/malavika-mohanan-join-sets-karthik-subbaraj-s-next-rajinikanth-86847 . 12 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The News Minute.
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- News: 10 October 2018 . Director Mahendran joins the cast of Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Petta' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181126023115/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/director-mahendran-joins-the-cast-of-superstar-rajinikanths-petta/articleshow/66151493.cms . 26 November 2018 . 4 November 2018 . The Times of India.
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- News: 6 June 2018 . Rajinikanth in Darjeeling to shoot for a month . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180908202338/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/jun/06/rajinikanth-in-darjeeling-to-shoot-for-a-month-1824579.html . 8 September 2018 . 12 September 2018 . The New Indian Express.
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- News: 22 October 2018 . It's a wrap for Rajinikanth's 'Petta' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220421183224/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/its-a-wrap-for-rajinikanths-petta/article25285343.ece . 21 April 2022 . 24 October 2018 . The Hindu.
- News: Aiyappan . Ashameera . 1 March 2018 . Anirudh Ravichander bags Rajinikanth-Karthik Subbaraj project . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180731174922/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/anirudh-ravichander-bags-rajinikanth-karthik-subbaraj-project-5082858/ . 31 July 2018 . 7 September 2018 . The Indian Express.
- Web site: 3 December 2018 . Rajini's Petta 1st Single Track – Marana Mass Is Here! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005654/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/petta-first-single-track-marana-mass-ft-anirudh-and-spb.html . 4 December 2018 . 3 December 2018 . Behindwoods.
- Web site: 23 November 2018 . Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Petta' audio launch date officially announced . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181204005641/https://www.indiaglitz.com/superstar-rajinikanths-petta-audio-launch-date-officially-announced-tamil-news-224604 . 4 December 2018 . 3 December 2018 . Indiaglitz.
- Web site: 31 January 2022 . 'மரண மாஸ்' பாடல் புதிய சாதனை . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230621225409/https://www.dinamani.com/cinema/cinema-news/2022/jan/31/petta-song-creates-record-3783722.html . 21 June 2023 . 23 June 2023 . . ta.
- Web site: 19 January 2019 . Petta vs Viswasam Box Office Collection: While Rajinikanth's film leads globally, Ajith's movie stays ahead at its home turf . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230904065410/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/petta-vs-viswasam-box-office-collection-while-rajinikanth-film-leads-globally-ajith-movie-stays-ahead-at-home-turf-159470-2019-01-19 . 4 September 2023 . 4 September 2023 . Business Today.
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- Web site: Gurumurthy . 14 April 2019 . Sun TV's New Year Gift For Thalaivar Fans! . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220816061835/https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-16/rajinikanths-petta-to-premiere-in-sun-tv-on-april-14.html . 16 August 2022 . 14 August 2022 . Behindwoods.
- Web site: 11 January 2019 . Petta vs Viswasam box office collection day 1: Ajith beats Rajinikanth in Tamil Nadu in this Thala vs Thalaivaa battle . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200322164117/https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-petta-vs-viswasam-box-office-collection-day-1-ajith-beats-rajinikanth-in-tamil-nadu-in-this-thala-vs-thalaivaa-battle-79719 . 22 March 2020 . 14 September 2019 . Zee Business.
- Web site: 14 January 2019 . Petta box office: Rajinikanth film earns Rs 105 crore worldwide, trumps Ajith's Viswasam . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200322163258/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/rajinikanth-s-petta-collects-rs-105-crore-viswasam-earns-rs-70-crore-reports/story-5ZQntrvARxMQPhWtEKAqQJ.html . 22 March 2020 . 28 July 2020 . Hindustan Times.
- Web site: 1 February 2019 . Petta box office collection Day 23: Rajinikanth film is on a rampage . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211202231000/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/petta-box-office-collection-day-23-rajinikanth-film-is-on-a-rampage-1444171-2019-02-01 . 2 December 2021 . 14 September 2019 . India Today.
- Web site: 27 January 2019 . Petta box office collection Day 18: Rajinikanth film is a massive hit - Movies News . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210206113429/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/petta-box-office-collection-day-18-rajinikanth-film-is-a-massive-hit-1440146-2019-01-27 . 6 February 2021 . 21 December 2020 . India Today.
- Web site: 19 April 2019 . Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Petta' powers to magical 100 days . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230701170342/https://www.indiaglitz.com/petta-100-days-superstar-rajinikanth-vijay-sethupathi-trisha-simran-tamil-news-234239 . 1 July 2023 . 1 July 2023 . IndiaGlitz.
- Web site: 13 January 2019 . Petta Box Office Collection: It's Face Off Between Rajinikanth Starrer And Ajith's Viswasam . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230129212512/https://www.india.com/entertainment/petta-box-office-collection-day-3-rajinikanth-starrer-gets-a-tough-competition-from-ajiths-viswasam-3524036/ . 29 January 2023 . 23 April 2020 . India.com.
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- Web site: Purushothaman . Kirubhakar . 11 January 2019 . Petta Movie Review: Brilliant Rajinikanth brings Baasha back in Subbaraj film . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230904065410/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/petta-movie-review-brilliant-rajinikanth-brings-baasha-back-in-subbaraj-film-1427516-2019-01-10 . 4 September 2023 . 14 September 2019 . India Today.
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- Web site: 10 January 2019 . Petta review: This Superstar film is a solid crowd pleaser . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20190110081914/http://www.sify.com/movies/petta-review-this-superstar-film-is-a-solid-crowd-pleaser-review-tamil-tbkjOUfdhecec.html . 10 January 2019 . 4 September 2023 . Sify.
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- Web site: Rangan . Baradwaj . 10 January 2019 . Petta Movie Review: A Treat For Fans Of The Star Makes You Wish It Had Also Been One For Fans Of The Director . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230129212528/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/petta-single-review-anirudhs-peppy-marana-mass-is-a-song-that-befits-the-superstar-and-of-course-its-the-return-of-spb . 29 January 2023 . 14 September 2019 . Film Companion.
- Web site: Baskaran . Gauthaman . 10 January 2019 . Petta Movie Review: Rajinikanth's Gimmicky Journey is a Yawning Bore . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190921114326/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/petta-movie-review-rajinikanths-gimmicky-journey-is-a-yawning-bore-1997851.html . 21 September 2019 . 14 September 2019 . News18.
- Web site: 17 January 2019 . பேட்ட - சினிமா விமர்சனம் . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220807144044/https://cinema.vikatan.com/tamil-cinema/147623-petta-movie-review . 7 August 2022 . 7 August 2022 . . ta.
- Web site: 25 September 2021 . பங்களாவில் குடும்பத்துடன் தங்கும் யோகிபாபு - பேய் மாமா விமர்சனம் . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20211103111110/https://cinema.maalaimalar.com/cinema/review/2021/09/25171346/3048275/pei-mama-movie-review-in-Tamil.vpf . 3 November 2021 . 6 November 2021 . . ta.
- 1324697784562278400 . galattadotcom . Check out the official trailer of #YogiBabu's #PeiMama! Yogi Babu spoofs #Rajinikanth's #Petta intro scene! . Galatta Media . 18 July 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220718102303/https://twitter.com/galattadotcom/status/1324697784562278400 . 18 July 2022 . live.