Lingaa: Distributors lament loss, demand compensation from Rajinikanth

Reliable sources in the industry say a meeting was held by distributors and exhibitors in Chennai yesterday to discuss the lukewarm business response for Rajinikanth – KS Ravikumar’s Lingaa. Adding fuel to the fire, a video where distributors from various territories lamenting loss went viral on social media platforms last night. They were quoted saying the film’s a complete loss and that they have bought it for exorbitant prices and have not recovered their money yet. A section of distributors questioned the choice of release date as Rajinikanth’s birthday since it’s confined only to fans for celebrations unlike festival days where family audiences flock thaters in large numbers.

And, as usual, they demand compensation from Rajinikanth for the losses incurred. It is worth bringing to your attention that Rajinikanth paid from his own pocket for the losses mourned by distributors after Kuselan’s sapless run at the box-office. Now, he’s become a soft target for distributors and exhibitors once again. It’s always the prerogative of the distributors to buy rights for a film at negotiable prices. Securing the rights for lavish amounts, screening the movie on an average of Rs. 400 across the state for opening weekend (upon distributors’ insistence), showing it on papers as Rs. 120 and grieving loss now to claim refund is certainly not the right way. Remember, the film’s stint in theaters has not even touched ten days yet.