Lingaa

In the small village of Solaiyur, the Solaiyur Dam is a symbol of hope and prosperity for the villagers. However, the corrupt MP Nagabooshan wants to destroy the dam and build a new one to get millions from the construction contract. When a dedicated dam inspector refuses to report it as unfit, Nagabooshan kills the inspector. In his dying moments, the inspector manages to hide a pen drive with the inspection report in an abandoned temple and warns the village head, Karunakara, to open the temple. Karunakara firmly believes that only the descendant of Raja Lingeswaran, the noble builder of the dam, can open the temple. Thus, he sets out on a mission to find his descendants. Lakshmi, Karunakara's granddaughter and a journalist, takes up the responsibility to locate the descendant.

Lakshmi's search leads her to Lingaa, a witty and cunning thief; he hates his grandfather for having left his family penniless. Lingaa initially refuses to get involved, but he's trapped by Lakshmi to accompany her to Solaiyur. To his surprise, the villagers welcome Lingaa with great joy and celebration. Karunakara reveals a secret about the temple's lingam – it is made of an extremely valuable emerald stone. Tempted by the wealth it holds, Lingaa hatches a plan to steal it. However, his scheme is thwarted when he is caught by a diligent security guard. In a stroke of quick thinking, Lingaa pretends to perform a religious ritual to deceive the villagers.

Karunakara reveals the true history of Raja Lingeswaran, A government officer, a freedom fighter and his man start getting killed in a train. Afterwards giving the warning to them, Lingeswaran who valiantly fought against the British to build the dam for the benefit of Solaiyur.

The British collector talks about sending Raja Lingeswaran to the palace under any situation.

Due to the British greed, Lingeswaran was falsely accused after completing the dam and banished from the village. Mani Bharathi, who is in love with Raja Lingeswaran and is involved in dam construction. When the villagers found out the truth, they tried to bring Lingeswaran home, but he refused, saying he was satisfied that his work on the dam would last forever. Karunakara's father vowed that until Lingeswaran returned to the village, the temple Lingeswaran built would be closed; Karunakara kept the promise.

Knowing the truth about his grandfather, Lingaa decides to mend his ways, and agrees to help Karunakara save the dam. Nagabooshan tries to carry out his plan by bribing another inspector, but Lingaa, Karunakara, and Lakshmi stand in the way. Lingaa reveals the pen drive the previous inspector hid in the temple, having found it when he broke in. Nagabooshan tries to erase the file, but Lingaa's cohorts have already published it online to ensure the report doesn't disappear. Lingaa also reveals Nagabooshan's plans, having suspected him and had Lakshmi get proof; Nagabooshan is exposed, causing his downfall.

Now desperate, Nagabooshan kidnaps Lakshmi and takes off in a hot air balloon rigged with a bomb to destroy the dam. Lingaa manages to get on the balloon and kick Nagabooshan out, killing him. He also kicks the bomb into the reservoir, saving the dam from destruction. Lingaa prepares to leave the village, wanting to become respectable like his grandfather. However, the police catch up with him, intending to arrest him for his past crimes. In a surprising twist, the police let him go due to his heroic actions. Lakshmi joins Lingaa, and they set off on a new chapter.

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• Rajinikanth in dual role as:
• K. Lingeswaran a.k.a. Lingaa, grandson of Raja Lingeswaran
• Raja Lingeswaran ICS, civil engineer, district collector of Madurai (1939) and the namely King of Kodaiyur (grandfather of Lingaa)
• Anushka Shetty as Lakshmi (voiceover by Renuka Kathir)
• Sonakshi Sinha as Bharathi (voiceover by Chinmayi)
• Jagapati Babu as MP Nagabooshan
• K. Viswanath as Karunakara
• Santhanam as Lingaa's sidekick
• Karunakaran as Kothandam, Lingaa’s sidekick
• Brahmanandam as Inspector Raja Varman
• Dev Gill as a freedom fighter
• Radha Ravi as Kavi Bharathi
• Vijayakumar as Karunakara's father, a village head
• Nizhalgal Ravi as Zamindar of Rayakottai
• R. Sundarrajan as Sambandham, the collector's spy
• Manobala as train loco pilot in 1939
• Ilavarasu as Sami Pillai, Raja Lingeswaran's right-hand
• Ponvannan as the government official officer
• Jayaprakash as a corrupt government officer
• Madhan Bob as the merchant
• Crane Manohar as the merchant's security guard
• Anu Mohan as Shanmugam
• Vasu Vikram as Nagabooshan's assistant
• William Orendorff as British Governor {{Cite web|last=Balachandran|first=Logesh|title=Hollywood director William Orendorff roped in for Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa'|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140601/entertainment-kollywood/article/hollywood-director-william-orendorff-roped-rajinikanths|website=Deccan Chronicle|publisher=Deccan Chronicle|date=1 June 2014|access-date=8 July 2017|archive-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040535/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140601/entertainment-kollywood/article/hollywood-director-william-orendorff-roped-rajinikanths|url-status=live}}
• Ravi Mariya as the 5-star hotel manager
• Rajkamal as the 5-star hotel security camera operator
• Ramkumar Ganesan as the 5-star hotel owner
• C. Ranganathan as the 5-star hotel chief security guard
• Kamalesh Kumar as Poet
• Suchithra as Vasantha
• Scissor Manohar as a Police constable
• Padayappa Ramesh as the 5-star hotel security guard
• Erode Soundar as a villager
• S. V. S. Kumar as a villager
• Thaadi Balaji as Lingaa's sidekick
• B. Balaji Shankar as Lingaa's sidekick
• Falk Neumann as Collector Lawrence Hunter
• Lauren J. Irwin as a British collector's wife{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/British-actress-opposite-Rajinikanth/articleshow/35666789.cms|title=British actress opposite Rajinikanth|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|access-date=9 September 2020|archive-date=9 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109024107/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/british-actress-opposite-rajinikanth/articleshow/35666789.cms|url-status=live}}
• Rajitha as a 5-star hotel guest
• Amritha Aiyer as a villager

• K.S. Ravikumar as Assistant Commissioner "Finishing" Kumar
• R. Rathnavelu as a man at the bar in the song “Oh Nanba”
• Rockline Venkatesh as a man at the bar in the song "Oh Nanba"

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The script as well as screenplay for Lingaa were penned by Pon Kumaran, who had registered the story with the South Indian Film Writers' Association under the title King Khan in 2010.{{cite news|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/case-against-rajinikanth-starrer-lingaa-dismissed/article6657918.ece|title = Case against Rajinikanth starrer Lingaa dismissed|date = 3 December 2014|access-date = 3 December 2014|newspaper = The Hindu|last = Imranullah|first = Mohamed|location = Madurai|archive-date = 4 December 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141204123717/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/case-against-rajinikanth-starrer-lingaa-dismissed/article6657918.ece|url-status = live}} The story is loosely based on John Penniquick who built Mullaperiyar Dam.{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pennycuick-hardly-known-in-england/article19963997.ece|title=Pennycuick hardly known in England|first=Udhav|last=Naig|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2 November 2017|via=www.thehindu.com|access-date=11 July 2018|archive-date=2 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902121433/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/pennycuick-hardly-known-in-england/article19963997.ece|url-status=live}} Eros International was confirmed to distribute the film worldwide.{{cn|date=October 2024}} Rockline Venkatesh was announced as producer.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140429/entertainment-kollywood/article/rajinikanth%E2%80%99s-next-titled-lingaa |title=Rajinikanth's next titled 'Lingaa' |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=14 May 2014 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040705/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140429/entertainment-kollywood/article/rajinikanth%E2%80%99s-next-titled-lingaa |archive-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=live }} A. R. Rahman was roped in as the music composer for the film and R. Rathnavelu as the cinematographer.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/superstar-rajinikanths-next-is-lingaa/article5960175.ece|title=Superstar Rajinikanth's next is 'Lingaa'|date=29 April 2014|author=Subramanian, Karthik|work=The Hindu|access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920045726/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/superstar-rajinikanths-next-is-lingaa/article5960175.ece|archive-date=20 September 2014}} Sabu Cyril was confirmed to handle the art direction for the film.{{cn|date=October 2024}} Samjith Mhd, who had worked with Ravikumar earlier in Policegiri (2013), was confirmed as the film's editor.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Lingaa-gets-a-new-editor/articleshow/36659303.cms|title='Lingaa' gets a new editor |date=16 June 2014 | work=The Times of India |access-date=16 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920050328/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Lingaa-gets-a-new-editor/articleshow/36659303.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}} Hollywood stuntman Lee Whittaker was recruited to frame the stunt sequences.{{cn|date=October 2024}} During the audio launch of the film's soundtrack album, Ravikumar said the title Lingaa was suggested to him by Rajinikanth. Director Ameer earlier had the rights to the title for his next project but handed over the rights to Ravikumar for Rajinikanth.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/live-lingaa-audio-launch/article6604782.ece|title=LIVE: 'Lingaa' audio launch|work=The Hindu|author=Naig, Udhav|date=16 November 2014|access-date=16 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116081216/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/live-lingaa-audio-launch/article6604782.ece|archive-date=16 November 2014}}

In April 2014, Shriya Saran and Samantha Ruth Prabhu were selected to play the role of Lakshmi and Bharathi. But later both of them were replaced due to date issues. Then Sonakshi Sinha confirmed her involvement in the project for the role of Bharati and Hansika Motwani was signed for the role of Lakshmi.{{cite web|author=Lalwani, Vicky|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Sonakshi-Sinha-goes-south-for-Rajinikanth/articleshow/33214572.cms |title=Sonakshi Sinha goes south for Rajinikant|date=4 April 2014|work= The Times of India|access-date=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920051454/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/Sonakshi-Sinha-goes-south-for-Rajinikanth/articleshow/33214572.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Sexy-Sonakshi-Sinha-in-disguise-to-avoid-fans/articleshow/40864502.cms|title=Sexy Sonakshi Sinha in disguise to avoid fans|work=The Times of India|date=25 August 2014|access-date=26 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920051327/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Sexy-Sonakshi-Sinha-in-disguise-to-avoid-fans/articleshow/40864502.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sonakshi-sinha-to-play-a-40-year-old-in-rajinikanths-next/1/358178.html |title=Sonakshi Sinha to play a girl of 40s in Rajinikanth's next |work=India Today |date=29 April 2014 |access-date=26 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040647/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sonakshi-sinha-to-play-a-40-year-old-in-rajinikanths-next/1/358178.html |archive-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=dead }} Then Hansika Motwani came out of the project due to her Telugu projects. In late April 2014, Telugu actor Jagapati Babu confirmed on his Yahoo messenger and his Yahoo mail that he was signed on for a role in the film.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Jagapati-Babu-to-act-with-Rajinikanth/articleshow/34361719.cms|author=Pasupulate, Karthik|title=Jagapati Babu to act with Rajinikanth|date=2 May 2014|work=The Times of India | access-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920051809/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news-interviews/Jagapati-Babu-to-act-with-Rajinikanth/articleshow/34361719.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}} Sudeepa was reported to have refused an important role in the film, but he however denied being approached for the film in the first place.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/Why-Sudeep-cannot-work-with-Rajinikanth-in-Linga/articleshow/35051399.cms|title=No Sudeep in Rajini's next| date=13 May 2014|work=The Times of India|access-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920051916/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news-interviews/Why-Sudeep-cannot-work-with-Rajinikanth-in-Linga/articleshow/35051399.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}} Further, reports circulated again in August 2014 which strongly suggested Sudeep was a part of the cast as he was seen during the canning of the climax portions but he clarified that he wasn't offered a role in the film yet.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Sudeep-offered-a-role-in-Rajinis-Lingaa/articleshow/40581473.cms|title=Sudeep offered a role in Rajini's 'Lingaa'?|work=The Times of India|date=21 August 2014|access-date=23 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920052134/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Sudeep-offered-a-role-in-Rajinis-Lingaa/articleshow/40581473.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}} Comedian Santhanam joined the team in May 2014.{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-columns/comedy-star-santhanam-to-join-lingaa-cast/article6037860.ece| title= Comedy star Santhanam to join 'Lingaa' cast | date=23 May 2014 |author1=Subramanian, Karthik |author2=H. Ramakrishnan, Deepa |work=The Hindu | access-date=23 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920054446/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-columns/comedy-star-santhanam-to-join-lingaa-cast/article6037860.ece|archive-date=20 September 2014}} Actors Radha Ravi, Vijayakumar and R. Sundarrajan were called up to play important roles in the film.{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}

British actress Lauren J. Irwin was selected to appear in the pre-independence portions of the film.{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Rajinikanth-Said-I-Was-Really-Good/2014/05/29/article2250840.ece1 |title=Rajinikanth said I was really good – Lauren J. Irwin |work=The New Indian Express |date=29 May 2014 |access-date=29 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924044134/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Rajinikanth-Said-I-Was-Really-Good/2014/05/29/article2250840.ece1 |archive-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=dead }} American actor, director and writer William Orendorff was selected to play a key role in the film and furthermore, confirming his involvement in the project through Twitter.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140601/entertainment-kollywood/article/hollywood-director-william-orendorff-roped-rajinikanths |title=Hollywood director William Orendorff roped in for 'Lingaa' |author=Balachandran, Logesh |date=1 June 2014 |work=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=1 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040535/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140601/entertainment-kollywood/article/hollywood-director-william-orendorff-roped-rajinikanths |archive-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=live }} Anushka Shetty was roped as another heroine and she joined the unit on 27 June 2014 (last schedule).{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/anushka-join-the-shoot-of-lingaa-news-tamil-og1j94gicbcbj.html |title=Anushka joins the shoot of 'Lingaa' |work=Sify |date=27 June 2014 |access-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925160152/http://www.sify.com/movies/anushka-join-the-shoot-of-lingaa-news-tamil-og1j94gicbcbj.html |archive-date=25 September 2014 |url-status=dead }} Sonakshi Sinha, in an interview with Mumbai Mirror, said that there are two different tracks of filming scenes, and that Anushka Shetty and her will not share much screen space and was given liberty to pick up the role she felt suitable for her. In June 2014, actor Karunakaran was selected to play a supporting role.{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Karunakaran-to-join-Lingaa-team/articleshow/36340528.cms|title=Karunakaran to join 'Lingaa' team| date=10 June 2014|work=The Times of India | access-date=10 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920052625/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Karunakaran-to-join-Lingaa-team/articleshow/36340528.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}} Actor Dev Gill was selected to play a secondary antagonist role.{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Dev-Gill-will-take-on-Rajinikanth-in-Lingaa/articleshow/36499779.cms|title=Dev Gill will take on Rajinikanth in 'Lingaa'| date=14 June 2014|work=The Times of India |author=Kurian, Shiba |access-date=14 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920052725/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news-and-interviews/Dev-Gill-will-take-on-Rajinikanth-in-Lingaa/articleshow/36499779.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}} Director and comedian Manobala confirmed that he would appear in a small yet significant role as a train driver.{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/%E2%80%98I-am-no-Santhanam...%E2%80%99/2014/06/19/article2287403.ece |title=I am no Santhanam... |date=19 June 2014 |work=The New Indian Express |author=S. Subhakeerthana |access-date=20 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924041733/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/%E2%80%98I-am-no-Santhanam...%E2%80%99/2014/06/19/article2287403.ece |archive-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=dead }} Comedian Brahmanandam was selected to portray the role of a police officer.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Brahmanandam-to-act-in-Rajinikanths-Lingaa/articleshow/43548393.cms|title=Brahmanandam to act in Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa'|work=The Times of India|date=26 September 2014|access-date=1 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001061136/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Brahmanandam-to-act-in-Rajinikanths-Lingaa/articleshow/43548393.cms|archive-date=1 October 2014}} Actresses Trisha Krishnan and Nayanthara were rumored to perform an item number, but the latter's inclusion remained unconfirmed and the former denied the news saying that she was never approached.{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Trisha-rejects-Rajinis-proposal/articleshow/40189133.cms|title=Trisha rejects Rajini's proposal?| date=13 August 2014|work=The Times of India | access-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920052836/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Trisha-rejects-Rajinis-proposal/articleshow/40189133.cms|archive-date=20 September 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140520/entertainment-kollywood/article/nayantara-do-item-number-lingaa |title=Nayanthara to do an item number in 'Lingaa'? |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=20 May 2014 |access-date=27 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924073843/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140520/entertainment-kollywood/article/nayantara-do-item-number-lingaa |archive-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=live }}

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Principal photography commenced on 1 May 2014 in Mysuru, Karnataka, India, with a customary Puja ceremony.{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/rajinikanth-s-lingaa-launched-114050200421_1.html|title=Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' launched|work=Business Standard|date=2 May 2014|access-date=28 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001062456/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/rajinikanth-s-lingaa-launched-114050200421_1.html|archive-date=1 October 2014}} Rajinikanth and Sonakshi Sinha took part in the shoot.{{cite news|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Sona-presses-the-rewind-button/articleshow/34320366.cms |title=Sona presses the rewind button |work=Mumbai Mirror |author=Lalwani, Vicky |date=28 April 2014 |access-date=1 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001062519/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Sona-presses-the-rewind-button/articleshow/34320366.cms |archive-date= 1 October 2014 |url-status=dead }} The muhurat shot of the movie was filmed in May 2014 at the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru.{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tamil-legend-rajinikanth-shoots-for-lingaa/|title=Rajinikanth shoots for 'Lingaa'|work= The Indian Express|date=24 June 2014|access-date=24 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001062635/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/tamil-legend-rajinikanth-shoots-for-lingaa/|archive-date=1 October 2014}} Cinematographer R. Rathnavelu revealed that filming would be done using a Red Dragon 6K camera.{{Cite news|title = Rathnavelu puts 7 year dream on hold for Rajinikanth|author=K. R. Manigandan|date = 1 May 2014|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Rathnavelu-puts-7-year-dream-on-hold-for-Rajinikanth/articleshow/34428788.cms|work = The Times of India|access-date = 1 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001062740/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news-interviews/Rathnavelu-puts-7-year-dream-on-hold-for-Rajinikanth/articleshow/34428788.cms|archive-date=1 October 2014}} In addition to this, the Phantom Flex 4K camera was used for filming action sequences.{{Cite news|title = KS Ravikumar's 'Lingaa' gets a fillip|date = 7 June 2014|url =http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/KS-Ravikumars-Lingaa-gets-a-fillip/articleshow/36192831.cms?|work = The Times of India|access-date = 7 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001062832/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/KS-Ravikumars-Lingaa-gets-a-fillip/articleshow/36192831.cms|archive-date=1 October 2014}} The film crew shot in various locations in Karnataka like Melukote, Manuvana, Pandavapura, Chamundi Hills and inside the residential portion of Mysore Palace.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanth-continues-to-shoot-in-Mysore/articleshow/35387471.cms |title=Rajinikanth continues to shoot in Mysore |newspaper=The Times of India |date=20 May 2014 |access-date=1 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031151249/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanth-continues-to-shoot-in-Mysore/articleshow/35387471.cms |archive-date= 31 October 2015 |url-status=dead }}Lokesh, Vinay (3 May 2014). {{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Rajinikanth-denied-permission-to-shoot-in-Mysore-Palace/articleshow/34531106.cms |title=Rajinikanth denied permission to shoot in Mysore Palace? |newspaper=The Times of India |access-date=1 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215105807/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Rajinikanth-denied-permission-to-shoot-in-Mysore-Palace/articleshow/34531106.cms |archive-date= 15 December 2014 |url-status=dead }} On 10 May 2014, Sonakshi had completed her portions for the first schedule of the film's shooting.{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sonakshi-sinha-wraps-up-first-shooting-schedule-with-rajinikanth-for-upcoming-tamil-film-lingaa/470912-8-66.html|title=Sonakshi Sinha wraps up first shooting schedule with Rajinikanth for upcoming Tamil film 'Lingaa'|work=IBNLive|date=10 May 2014|access-date=24 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001063808/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sonakshi-sinha-wraps-up-first-shooting-schedule-with-rajinikanth-for-upcoming-tamil-film-lingaa/470912-8-66.html|archive-date=1 October 2014}} On 18 May 2014, Rajinikanth and Sonakshi Sinha shot some scenes dating back to the British era in front of the illuminated residential portion of the palace. Horses were used for the shot. Over 50 policemen and 30 bouncers had been deployed to prevent people from getting near the shooting area in Mysore.{{Cite news|title='Lingaa' shooting goes on at a brisk pace |date=21 May 2014 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Shooting-of-Rajnikanth-starrer-Linga-goes-on-at-brisk-pace/articleshow/35425412.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605000120/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Shooting-of-Rajnikanth-starrer-Linga-goes-on-at-brisk-pace/articleshow/35425412.cms |archive-date= 5 June 2014 |url-status=dead }}

File:Jog Falls, India - August 2006.jpg, one of the two main locations where the climax was filmed.]]

The team then moved to Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad for a two-month schedule, where sequences featuring the entire cast were shot for 50 days.{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/After-Mysore-Rajinikanth-shoots-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/37187115.cms? |title=After Mysore, Rajinikanth shoots in Hyderabad |work=The Times of India |date=25 June 2014 |access-date=9 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920074934/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/After-Mysore-Rajinikanth-shoots-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/37187115.cms |archive-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajnikanth-shoots-for-linga-in-hyderabad-nonstop-news-tamil-ohrqgujedddbf.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717183025/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajnikanth-shoots-for-linga-in-hyderabad-nonstop-news-tamil-ohrqgujedddbf.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2014|title=Rajnikanth shoots for 'Lingaa' in Hyderabad nonstop|work=Sify|date=17 July 2014|access-date=9 August 2014}} A song sequence featuring Rajinikanth and Anushka was shot at Annapurna Studios, wherein the production team had designed a huge set for the song.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajnikanth-finishes-a-duet-with-anushka-news-tamil-ohyq3rgehibhh.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725061524/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajnikanth-finishes-a-duet-with-anushka-news-tamil-ohyq3rgehibhh.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 July 2014|title=Rajnikanth finishes a duet with Anushka|work=Sify|date=24 July 2014|access-date=9 August 2014}} On 13 July 2014, actress Sonakshi Sinha completed her filming schedule in Hyderabad.{{cite news|title = Sonakshi Sinha finishes Hyderabad leg of 'Lingaa' shoot|url = https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140713/entertainment-kollywood/article/sonakshi-sinha-finishes-hyderabad-leg-lingaa-shoot|work = Deccan Chronicle|date = 13 July 2014|access-date = 15 July 2014|archive-date = 14 July 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714144534/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140713/entertainment-kollywood/article/sonakshi-sinha-finishes-hyderabad-leg-lingaa-shoot|url-status = live}} The Hyderabad schedule ended on 30 July 2014.{{cn|date=October 2024}} During the Hyderabad schedule of the film, news circulated that Rajinikanth fainted on the sets while filming a heavy action sequence but Ravikumar denied this, citing that the actor was healthy.{{Cite news|title = Rajinikanth faints on 'Lingaa' sets?|date = 18 July 2014|url = https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140718/entertainment-kollywood/article/rajinikanth-faints-lingaa-sets|work = Deccan Chronicle|author = Subramanian, Anupama|access-date = 6 August 2014|archive-date = 8 August 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140808064128/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140718/entertainment-kollywood/article/rajinikanth-faints-lingaa-sets|url-status = live}}{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanth-hospitalised-is-a-hoax/articleshow/38542039.cms|title=Rajinikanth hospitalised is a hoax|work=The Times of India|date=17 July 2014|access-date=26 August 2014|archive-date=22 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722014809/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanth-hospitalised-is-a-hoax/articleshow/38542039.cms?|url-status=live}}

In early August 2014, the team shot some scenes near the Radisson Hotel in Chennai, with Anushka Shetty in the frame. In mid-August 2014, the production unit confirmed that 80% of the filming was completed.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} Filming then moved to Thirthahalli and the Jog Falls, where some important scenes were canned for twenty-five days.{{cn|date=October 2024}} For the film's climax, a big statue of Lord Shiva and dam both as set were constructed next to the Jog water-falls.{{Cite news|title = 'Lingaa' climax to be shot in Shimoga?|author = C. R. Sharanya|date = 3 August 2014|url = http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-climax-to-be-shot-in-Shimoga/articleshow/39486388.cms|work = The Times of India|access-date = 3 August 2014|archive-date = 3 August 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140803092743/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-climax-to-be-shot-in-Shimoga/articleshow/39486388.cms|url-status = live}} Shooting also took place at the Linganamakki Dam.{{cite web|url = http://www.deccanherald.com/content/426678/rajinikanth-shoots-039lingaa039-shimoga-dist.html|title = Rajinikanth shoots for 'Lingaa' in Shimoga dist|work = Deccan Herald|date = 20 August 2014|access-date = 22 August 2014|archive-date = 26 August 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120027/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/426678/rajinikanth-shoots-039lingaa039-shimoga-dist.html|url-status = live}} The film's climax requirements accounted for {{INRConvert|10|m}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-08-05/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-climax-to-cost-Rs-1-crore-104126|title=Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' climax to cost Rs 1 crore|work=The Hans India|date=5 August 2014|access-date=30 August 2014|archive-date=3 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903123956/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-08-05/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-climax-to-cost-Rs-1-crore-104126|url-status=live}} In September 2014, the climax portion's filming was allotted ten days, confirming the shoot in Karnataka.{{cite web|url=http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/Rajinikanths_Lingaa_shoot_reaches_climax-442742/ENTERTAINMENT/15|title=Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' shoot reaches climax|work=IANS|date=9 September 2014|access-date=9 September 2014|archive-date=10 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910223846/http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/Rajinikanths_Lingaa_shoot_reaches_climax-442742/ENTERTAINMENT/15|url-status=live}} On 22 September 2014, Whittaker confirmed that the climax portions of the film were completed with a stunt sequence choreographed by him. The film's shooting was wrapped up by 23 September 2014 except filming of two song sequences that were reported to be canned in Chennai and Scotland.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/44166789.cms|title=Scotland banks on Rajnikanth to spike Indian tourist numbers|work=The Times of India|author=Kounteya Sinha|date=3 October 2014|access-date=4 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-team-gears-up-for-final-phase/articleshow/42396365.cms|title=Lingaa team gears up for final phase|work=The Times of India|author=K. R. Manigandan|date=14 September 2014|access-date=14 September 2014|archive-date=14 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914200428/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-team-gears-up-for-final-phase/articleshow/42396365.cms|url-status=live}} Ravikumar stated that the climax scene, which involved a hot air balloon, was inspired by a sequence Armour of God (1986).{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/I-take-responsibility-flaws-in-Lingaa-KS-Ravikumar/articleshow/45585327.cms|title=I take responsibility for the book scene in Lingaa: KS Ravikumar|work=The Times of India|access-date=17 September 2015|archive-date=25 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225122829/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/I-take-responsibility-flaws-in-Lingaa-KS-Ravikumar/articleshow/45585327.cms|url-status=live}}

During the Hyderabad schedule of the film, some villagers of Anajpur village in Rangareddy district in Telangana had tried to halt the shooting of Lingaa, stating that some chemicals were mixed in the nearby lake during shoots, polluting local water. But the crew members stated that they had sought the permission of the irrigation department and the village Panchayat for shooting.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-07-04/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-shoot-stopped-by-Anajpur-villagers--100637|title=Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' shoot stopped by Anajpur villagers|work=The Hans India|date=4 July 2014|access-date=24 August 2014|archive-date=26 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120711/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/2014-07-04/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-shoot-stopped-by-Anajpur-villagers--100637|url-status=live}} The crew members also dismissed allegations of chemicals in the lake.{{Cite news|title = Villagers stop Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' shoot|url = https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140703/entertainment-kollywood/article/villagers-stop-lingaa-shoot|work = Deccan Chronicle|date = 4 July 2014|access-date = 12 July 2014|archive-date = 7 July 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140707015718/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140703/entertainment-kollywood/article/villagers-stop-lingaa-shoot|url-status = live}} During the shooting of the climax portions near the Linganamakki Dam, environmental organisations opposed the permission granted to the production unit for shooting, suggesting a threat to the location as public entry to the dam was prohibited.{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/427746/permission-039lingaa039-shooting-opposed.html|title=Permission for 'Lingaa' shooting opposed|work=Deccan Herald|date=26 August 2014|access-date=28 August 2014|archive-date=31 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831212911/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/427746/permission-039lingaa039-shooting-opposed.html|url-status=live}} The organisations also had sent a petition to both the Deputy Collector's office and the Deputy Commissioner's office, who in turn, sent the petition to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, for scrutinity.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-in-trouble-now/articleshow/41073535.cms|title=Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' in trouble now?|newspaper=The Times of India|date=28 August 2014|access-date=28 August 2014|archive-date=28 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828145428/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-in-trouble-now/articleshow/41073535.cms|url-status=live}} Regarding the same issue, officials of the Karnataka State Police Board also sent a letter to the Chief Minister asking him to end the shooting of the portions of the film there, citing that the bio-diversity and life in and around the dam would be affected.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-shoot-in-trouble/articleshow/41018080.cms|title=Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' shoot in trouble?|newspaper=The Times of India|date=28 August 2014|access-date=28 August 2014|archive-date=28 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828215243/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-shoot-in-trouble/articleshow/41018080.cms|url-status=live}} The elephants featured in the film were constructed through CGI, and a disclaimer was issued for this at the beginning of the film.{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lingaa-review-because-two-rajinikanths-are-always-better-than-one/517835-8-68.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224192514/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lingaa-review-because-two-rajinikanths-are-always-better-than-one/517835-8-68.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2014|title='Lingaa' review: Because two Rajinikanths are always better than one|work=IBNLive|access-date=30 January 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/lingaa-movie-review-1067|title=Lingaa Movie Review|work=NDTVMovies.com|access-date=30 January 2015|archive-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216163034/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/lingaa-movie-review-1067|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|date=22 December 2014|title=Above and Beyond: The KS Ravikumar Interview|url=https://silverscreen.in/tamil/features/above-and-beyond-the-ks-ravikumar-interview/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180102150942/https://silverscreen.in/tamil/features/above-and-beyond-the-ks-ravikumar-interview/|archive-date=2 January 2018|access-date=4 June 2015|website=Silverscreen.in|publisher=}}

{{Main|Lingaa (soundtrack)}}

The soundtrack album consisting of five songs, were composed by A. R. Rahman. The album of the original version was released on 5 November 2014, at a promotional event held at Chennai, with Rajinikanth, K. S. Ravikumar and the cast and crew attending the event, except Rahman where he spoke in a video about the making of the film.{{cite web|last=Naig|first=Udhav|date=5 November 2014|title=Lingaa audio launch: A touch of the Superstar magic|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/lingaa-audio-launch-a-touch-of-the-superstar-rajinikanth-magic/article6605571.ece|access-date=8 December 2014|work=The Hindu|archive-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205172428/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/lingaa-audio-launch-a-touch-of-the-superstar-rajinikanth-magic/article6605571.ece|url-status=live}} The Telugu version was released on 8 November 2014, at a curtain raiser, event held at Hyderabad, where Chiranjeevi and K. Viswanath attended as the chief guest.{{cite web|date=8 November 2014|title=T-wood personalities grace Lingaa Telugu audio|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/T-wood-personalities-grace-Lingaa-Telugu-audio/articleshow/45415732.cms|access-date=24 November 2014|work=The Times of India|archive-date=13 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113225736/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/T-wood-personalities-grace-Lingaa-Telugu-audio/articleshow/45415732.cms|url-status=live}} The Hindi version was released on 26 November 2014.

The motion poster of the film was released on Ganesh Chaturthi, on 29 August 2014.{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/First-look-of-Rajinikanths-Lingaa-to-be-revealed-tomorrow/articleshow/41018528.cms|title=First look of Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' to be revealed tomorrow|work=The Times of India|date=28 August 2014|access-date=28 August 2014|archive-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901201533/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/First-look-of-Rajinikanths-Lingaa-to-be-revealed-tomorrow/articleshow/41018528.cms|url-status=live}} The first poster featured Rajinikanth walking with a temple being shown in the poster's backdrop.{{cn|date=October 2024}} The official teaser was released on 22 October 2014, coinciding with Diwali.{{cite news|date=22 October 2014|title='Rajinikanth's Lingaa teaser'|newspaper=The Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-teaser/articleshow/45004436.cms|access-date=24 October 2014|archive-date=2 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102040908/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-teaser/articleshow/45004436.cms|url-status=live}} The trailer was released on 5 November 2014 at the audio launch of the film.{{Cite news|title=Trailer watch: Rajinikanth's Lingaa|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Trailer-watch-Rajinikanths-Lingaa/articleshow/45165408.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=15 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=9 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109024113/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/trailer-watch-rajinikanths-lingaa/articleshow/45165408.cms|url-status=live}} A 40-second song teaser of "Mona Gasolina" featuring Rajinikanth and Anushka Shetty was released on 7 November 2014.{{cn|date=October 2024}} Another 40-second song teaser1 was released on 8 November 2014 of the song "En Mannavva" featuring Rajinikanth and Sonakshi Sinha.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

While the original duration of the film lasts about 175 minutes, the makers trimmed the original version from 166 minutes,{{Cite news|title=Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' trimmed|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-trimmed/articleshow/45531209.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812040501/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-trimmed/articleshow/45531209.cms|url-status=live}} and the Hindi version was reduced to 148 minutes, due to mixed reviews.{{Cite news|title=Hindi version of Lingaa is being trimmed|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Hindi-version-of-Lingaa-is-being-trimmed/articleshow/45636893.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=25 December 2014|language=en|archive-date=9 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109024108/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/hindi-version-of-lingaa-is-being-trimmed/articleshow/45636893.cms|url-status=live}} The makers unveiled few deleted scenes from the film post-release.{{Cite news|title=Deleted scenes from Rajinikanth's Lingaa|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Deleted-scenes-from-Rajinikanths-Lingaa/articleshow/45591858.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=15 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715143459/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Deleted-scenes-from-Rajinikanths-Lingaa/articleshow/45591858.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Rajinikanth's Lingaa deleted scenes|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-deleted-scenes/articleshow/45559046.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=9 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109024110/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-lingaa-deleted-scenes/articleshow/45559046.cms|url-status=live}}

Eros International had bought the film from Rockline Venkatesh for approximately {{INRConvert|135|c}}, which includes theatrical, overseas distribution and music rights for all languages.{{cn|date=October 2024}} The film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification on 24 November 2014.{{Cite news|title=Rajinikanth's Lingaa to be censored on Monday|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-to-be-censored-on-Monday/articleshow/45246568.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=15 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=9 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109024114/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rajinikanths-lingaa-to-be-censored-on-monday/articleshow/45246568.cms|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Lingaa all set for censors|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-all-set-for-censors/articleshow/45239989.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=1 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701173218/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-all-set-for-censors/articleshow/45239989.cms|url-status=live}} Lingaa was released worldwide on 12 December 2014, which coincided with Rajinikanth's birthday,{{Cite news|title=Rajinikanth's Lingaa to release on Dec 12|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Rajinikanths-Lingaa-to-release-on-Dec-12/articleshow/45177325.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=15 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=9 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221109024059/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/rajinikanths-lingaa-to-release-on-dec-12/articleshow/45177325.cms|url-status=live}} and it is the first time in Rajinikanth's career, to have his film released on his birthday.{{Cite news|title=Rajinikanth's first time ever in 40 years!|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-first-time-ever-in-40-years/articleshow/45280423.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702200722/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajinikanths-first-time-ever-in-40-years/articleshow/45280423.cms|url-status=live}} The reservations for the film kickstarted on 10 December 2014.{{Cite news|title=Lingaa reservations kick-start tomorrow|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-reservations-kick-start-tomorrow/articleshow/45428163.cms|access-date=1 July 2020|website=The Times of India|date=16 January 2017|language=en|archive-date=12 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812031932/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-reservations-kick-start-tomorrow/articleshow/45428163.cms|url-status=live}} The film was released on an estimated 5500 screens.{{cite news|url = http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-rajinikanth-s-lingaa-beats-aamir-khan-s-pk-here-s-how-2040298|title = Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' beats Aamir Khan's 'PK'- Here's how!|date = 2 December 2014|access-date = 3 December 2014|newspaper = DNA India|archive-date = 15 December 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141215032659/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-rajinikanth-s-lingaa-beats-aamir-khan-s-pk-here-s-how-2040298|url-status = live}}

The satellite rights of the film were purchased by Jaya TV for {{INRConvert|32|c}}.{{cite news|date=30 September 2014|title='Lingaa' follows 'I' and 'Kaththi'|newspaper=The Times of India|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Lingaa-follows-I-and-Kaththi/articleshow/43890382.cms|url-status=dead|access-date=1 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001001810/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Lingaa-follows-I-and-Kaththi/articleshow/43890382.cms|archive-date=1 October 2014}}

Lingaa earned {{INRConvert|22|c}} in India and grossed {{INRConvert|37|c}} worldwide on the opening day.{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/box-office-lingaa-creates-worldwide-record-news-telugu-ompiCqefiidid.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215063447/http://www.sify.com/movies/box-office-lingaa-creates-worldwide-record-news-telugu-ompiCqefiidid.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 December 2014|title=Box Office: 'Lingaa' creates worldwide record!

|website=Sify|date=15 December 2014}} It earned {{INRConvert|51.5|c}} nett in India and grossed {{INRConvert|89|c}} worldwide in 3 days.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

M Suganth of The Times of India gave 2.5 out of 5 and wrote, "The scale of the production, some of Santhanam's one-liners and the charisma of Rajinikanth somewhat make it bearable but they aren't enough."[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Lingaa/movie-review/45493724.cms "Lingaa"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301043737/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/Lingaa/movie-review/45493724.cms |date=1 March 2015 }}. The Times of India. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2014. {{Rating|2.5|5}} Rediff rated 3 out of 5 and felt that "Lingaa is buffoonery at its most old-school".{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-lingaa-is-buffoonery-at-its-most-old-school/20141212.htm|title=Review: Lingaa is buffoonery at its most old-school|date=12 December 2014|work=Rediff|access-date=17 September 2015|archive-date=17 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517225049/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-lingaa-is-buffoonery-at-its-most-old-school/20141212.htm|url-status=live}} Sify called Lingaa "a mixed bag. The star charisma of Rajinikanth is intact but the film is long with a weak storyline that flounders with a long drawn out climax."{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/lingaa-review-tamil-15058734.html |title=Movie Review : Lingaa |website=Sify |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213035319/http://www.sify.com/movies/lingaa-review-tamil-15058734.html |archive-date=13 December 2014 |url-status=dead}} The Hindustan Times said "Lingaa offers nothing new despite being one of Rajinikanth's better works in the recent past."{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/reviews/lingaa-review-rajinikanth-s-new-film-is-political-to-the-core/article1-1295871.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212130925/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/reviews/lingaa-review-rajinikanth-s-new-film-is-political-to-the-core/article1-1295871.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 December 2014|title=Lingaa review: How much of 'Rajinikanth mannerisms' can one take?|work=hindustantimes.com/|access-date=17 September 2015}} CNN-IBN also rated it 3 out of 5, commenting "Because two Rajinikanths are always better than one".{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lingaa-review-because-two-rajinikanths-are-always-better-than-one/517835-8-68.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224192514/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lingaa-review-because-two-rajinikanths-are-always-better-than-one/517835-8-68.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 December 2014|title='Lingaa' review: Because two Rajinikanths are always better than one|work=IBNLive|access-date=17 September 2015}}

On 2 November 2014, the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court bench's Justice M. Venugopal ordered a notice to producer 'Rockline' Venkatesh, script writer Pon Kumaran and director K.S. Ravikumar on account of accusations by the film maker K.R. Ravi Rathinam of the Tamil Nadu Housing Board colony who claimed that script of Lingaa was actually the one he had written for directing a film titled Mullai Vanam 999 based on the construction of the Mullaperiyar dam by John Pennycuick. Further, actor Rajinikanth who wasn't involved in the film script larceny was issued notice as he had distribution rights for the film. However, Justice M. Venugopal refused to pass any interim orders to hold audio release that is scheduled on 5 November 2014.{{Cite web|url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-high-court-orders-notice-to-dgp-rajinikanth/article6592260.ece|title = HC orders notice to DGP, Rajinikanth|date = 13 November 2014|access-date = 13 November 2014|work = Deccan Chronicle|location = Madurai|archive-date = 25 May 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210525013605/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-high-court-orders-notice-to-dgp-rajinikanth/article6592260.ece|url-status = live}}

On 3 December 2014, the court dismissed a writ petition filed by Ravi Rathinam. Justice Venugopal claimed the dispute to be private and it could have been solved only by initiating civil or criminal proceedings and not by invoking the writ jurisdiction of the High Court.

{{main|Lingaa loss issue}}

The film's worldwide distribution rights were sold for {{INRConvert|135|c}}.{{cn|date=October 2024}} The distributors of Tamil Nadu suffered large losses and asked for their money back.{{Cite web|url = http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/distributors-ask-rajinikanth-to-refund-loss-after-lingaa-flops-at-box-office-2036703.html|title = Distributors ask Rajinikanth to refund loss after Lingaa flops at box office|date = 8 January 2015|access-date = 8 January 2015|website = Firstpost|archive-date = 8 January 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150108151618/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/distributors-ask-rajinikanth-to-refund-loss-after-lingaa-flops-at-box-office-2036703.html|url-status = live}} A distributor under the banner Marina stated that it suffered losses in Trichy and Thanjavur areas and submitted a petition to go on a hunger strike. Vijayabhargavi Entertainers stated that they suffered losses in Chengalpet region. Capricorn Pictures incurred losses in North Arcot and South Arcot (Cuddalore-Villupuram) circles. Sukra Films and Chandrakala Movies lost money in Coimbatore and Tirunelveli-Tuticorin respectively. The distributors claimed that after 25 days of its release, Lingaa recovered only 30 percent of the down payment. Some theatre owners received settlements for their losses.{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-makers-agree-to-settle-loss/articleshow/46002679.cms | title=Lingaa makers agree to settle loss | publisher=The Times of India | work=Manigandan K R | date=25 January 2015 | access-date=25 January 2015 | archive-date=28 January 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128070941/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Lingaa-makers-agree-to-settle-loss/articleshow/46002679.cms | url-status=live }} Rajinikanth later refunded one-third of the {{INRConvert|33|c}} loss reportedly incurred by distributors and exhibitors. He decided to pay them {{INRConvert|10|c}} 'on a humanitarian basis', who demanded a full refund and had threatened a 'begging protest' in front of the actor's residence.{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/lingaa-distributors-get-rs-10-cr/article7017434.ece?ref=tpnews|title=Lingaa distributors get Rs. 10 cr.|author=Udhav Naig|work=The Hindu|date=20 March 2015|access-date=17 September 2015|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609054341/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/lingaa-distributors-get-rs-10-cr/article7017434.ece|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Lingaa}}

• {{IMDb title|4020624}}

{{K. S. Ravikumar}}

{{authority control}}

Category:2010s Tamil-language films

Category:Indian historical drama films

Category:Films shot in Karnataka

Category:Films shot in Telangana

Category:Films directed by K. S. Ravikumar

Category:2014 films

Category:2010s masala films

Category:Films scored by A. R. Rahman

Category:Indian action drama films

Category:Rockline Entertainments films

Category:Films shot in Mysore

Category:Films involved in plagiarism controversies

Category:2014 action drama films

Category:2010s historical drama films

Category:Films with screenplays by K. S. Ravikumar