'Lingaa' distributors to 'beg' for compensation

Chennai, Feb 16 (IANS) Distributors of superstar Rajinikanth-starrer "Lingaa", who demanded compensation for the heavy losses incurred while distributing and exhibiting the film, have decided go on a mass begging protest.

The distributors and theatre owners have decided to beg for compensation after their plea for refund of Rs.35 crore was declined by producer Rockline Venkatesh.

"Last month it was decided we will be compensated after extensive accounting of the losses. And for this, Rajini sir had appointed his friend and distributor Tirupur Subramaniam, who ascertained the quantum loss suffered by us. However, the producer is unwilling to pay Rs.35 crore," distributor Singaravadivelan told IANS.

He claims Eros International had bought the theatrical rights of K.S. Ravikumar-directed "Lingaaa at a whopping price of over Rs.100 crore.

"The amount we claim as refund is far less than the salary paid to Rajinikanth. If Eros had paid so much to buy the film, we don't understand why it is difficult for producer Venkatesh to refund us when he had promised us that the film will do better business than 'Enthiran'," he said.

The mass begging protest is expected to start here Tuesday from outside actor Rajinikanth's residence.

"They've made us beg for the refund. And we will do it as we've run out of options. We will beg right outside Rajinikanth's house," he added.

Following the hunger strike last month, producer Venkatesh had agreed to reimburse ten percent of the losses incurred by the distributors, who turned down the offer.