Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' Set for Record Release in US

Superstar Rajinikanth's "Lingaa" is set for record release in the USA. The film's US distribution rights have reportedly been acquired by Classics Entertainments, one of the leading distributing companies in the country.

They are planning to release the film in more than 200 screens in the US, which will be record for a Tamil film, according to Indiaglitz. Superstar's last release "Kochadaiiyaan" had only half the screen-count of "Lingaa" in the country. It is confirmed to hit theatres on 12 December as a birthday treat for the superstar's fans.

 Directed by KS Ravikumar, "Lingaa" is touted as a mass action entertainer with Rajinikanth appearing in dual roles. Fans are looking forward to see their Thalaivar in a live-action film after nearly four years, when his blockbuster "Endhiran" hit the screens. Superstar's last release "Kochadaiiyaan" was a 3D film and the actor was seen in an animated version using motion-capturing techniques.

The first-look posters, trailer and the songs have generated a positive buzz surrounding the project. The film is likely to have big openings upon its release in December.

Ever before it hits the screens, "Lingaa" has made huge pre-release business. The film's rights have reportedly been bagged by Eros International for a whopping amount. According to reports, it could fetch ₹200 crore for Eros prior to release. 

"There are huge numbers already in circulation, and it is a matter of time before the deals are signed on the dotted line. 55-60 crore are all set to come in for the satellite rights of the Tamil and Telugu versions. Further, 60-65 crore offer is already there for the taking w.r.t. Tamil theatrical rights in India. Telugu theatrical rights are further fetching them 30-35 crore," a trade source told Bollywood Hungama.

"In addition, the film is being sold overseas for approx 30 crore just for the Tamil version. In addition to this all, there are music rights, which are with Eros," the source stated.

An official announcement on the pre-release business is still awaited.