If latest buzz is anything to go by, superstar Rajinikanth could be the highest paid Indian actor. Speculations are rife that Thalaivar was paid a whopping ₹60 crore for his upcoming film "Lingaa."
"It is said to be the highest ever amount of money paid to an Indian actor for a film," stated entertainment industry tracker Sreedhar Pillai in a First Post report.
Earlier, there were reports that Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan might become the highest paid actor as he was reportedly charging ₹50 crore for his film "Mohenjo-Daro." However, the actor neither confirmed nor denied it. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, Hrithik said: "What I charge is my business. And would you be in a business which does not look like a profitable proposition? I'm justified in what I am charging."
Now with reports of Rajinikanth getting ₹60 crore for "Lingaa" doing the rounds, one could easily say that the actor has beaten Hrithik and has emerged as the highest paid actor. However, there is no official confirmation in this regard.
Rajinkanth's "Lingaa" is one of the most-anticipated films of the year. The Ravikumar directorial is carrying huge expectations as Thalaivar will be seen in a live action film nearly after four years since "Endhiran" hit screens.
"Lingaa" teaser and the trailer, showing a stylish and charismatic Rajinikanth, have generated a huge buzz surrounding the project. The film, touted to be a complete commercial entertainer, will have the superstar appearing in dual roles. Anushka Shetty , Sonakshi Sinha, Santhanam, Dev Gill and Karunakaran are also part of the film's cast.
"Lingaa" has story written by Ponram and songs composed by AR Rahman. Produced by Rockline Venkatesh, "Lingaa" is said to be made with a budget of ₹100 crore. The producer has reportedly sold the rights to Eros for a big amount. In a bid to recover the cost sold for the buyers, "Lingaa" has to emerge as a blockbuster click, said Pillai.
Rajinikanth's last release "Kochadaiiyaan," deemed as India's first 3D film using motion-capturing techniques, failed to set the cash registers ringing. The actor's fans will be hoping that his upcoming release "Lingaa" works wonders at the box office. Whether Rajini's star power will work for "Lingaa" is something one needs to wait and watch.
The action entertainer is all set to hit screens on 12 December as a birthday treat for Rajinikanth fans.
