'Lingaa' Collection Controversy - Rajinikanth-Starrer Will be Profitable for Distributors: Vendhar Movies

For the last few days, there have been buzz that Rajinikanth's "Lingaa" has failed to set the cash registers ringing.

According to some latest reports, "Lingaa" distributors have claimed that they have suffered losses on the film. Following the buzz on the film's poor box office performance, Vendhar Movies – the Tamil Nadu distributors of "Lingaa" – have released a press note stating that the performance of the film has not been as expected as it was released during the half yearly exams as well as screened in 600 screens across Tamil Nadu.

They have also further stated that the family crowd is thronging theatres since Friday evening and shows are turning house full. The press note added that "Lingaa" will be a profitable venture for the distributors.

They have also said that the box office figures released by them are authentic and they would take strict legal action against those who spread rumours about the film's performance.

"Lingaa" took good openings in its first weekend considering the star power of Rajinikanth and also the advance booking of the film. However, the film's collections reportedly declined owing to mixed reviews from the critics and the audience alike.

The film is estimated to have grossed over ₹100 crore in the first week, though official numbers are yet to be revealed. In the US, "Lingaa" has reportedly minted $1.42 million in its opening week.

Apparently, the film's performance has significantly declined due to the release of Aamir's "PK," which hit the screens on 19 December.

"Lingaa" is Rajinikanth's second release of the year after "Kochadaiiyaan." The historic film was panned by the critics and it failed to fare well at the box office. According to industry sources, "Lingaa" was done to make up for "Kochadaiiyaan" failure, reported Firstpost.

After the debacle of "Kochadaiiyaan," Rajini decided to do a quickie with experienced commercial director KS Ravi Kumar as a treat for his fans and that's how "Lingaa" came into the fore. There were huge expectations prior to the film's release as superstar was doing a live action film after four years when "Endhiran" hit the screens. But, high expectations seemed to have backfired at the film as critics and the audience found it to be a typical commercial entertainer with nothing new to offer.

One needs to wait and watch if the upcoming Christmas holidays will help "Lingaa" pick up its business at the box office.