CHENNAI: Nearly 25 days after its release, Rajinikanth’s latest film Lingaa has recovered a paltry 30 per cent of the down payment, alleged Tiruchy-based distributor and theatre owner Singaravelan.
This, he said, prompted fellow theatre owners and distributors to unite and organise a protest fast seeking a refund from the superstar. “If Rajini doesn’t offer refund, then we have no option but to boycott all his future films,” Singaravelan said.
With the city police commissioner not granting permission for the fast, however, theatre owners are seeking to move the Madras High Court.
“The producer (Rockline Venkatesh) made the film for `45 crore. Eros made more than `200 crore after buying it from him. Vendhar movies also made sizeable profits by selling it to us. So, how is it logical that we are left to burn?” he questioned.
He stressed that the least Rajini can do is to invite theatre owners for a discussion.
“When Jilla was not exempted from entertainment tax, Vijay and RB Choudary invited us to a discussion and offer compensation. This is a routine practice with the film industry,” he said.
“We placed our faith and money on Rajini. No one bought the film for KS Ravikumar or Eros and certainly not for its producer,” he said referring to Rockline’s earlier failed venture, the Vikram-starrer Majaa.