Box Office: 'Lingaa' is 2014's Highest Grossing South Film Worldwide, But Yet to Beat 'Kaththi' Collections in TN

Rajinikanth-starrer "Lingaa" has minted approximately ₹148.75 crore at the worldwide box office, according to Andhraboxoffice (ABO).

The action drama has emerged as the highest grossing south Indian film (including Tamil and Telugu versions) of 2014. The film has comfortably surpassed "Kaththi" worldwide collections (Tamil version alone), which amount to approximately ₹124.5 crore. However, "Lingaa" is yet to beat "Kaththi" collections in Tamil Nadu where the Vijay starrer has raked in ₹66.9 crore, while Rajini's film has raked in ₹63 crore.

Even as the film has emerged as the biggest grosser among south films this year, "Lingaa" has still not emerged as a profitable venture. The film's estimated distributor share stands at ₹78.5 crore, while worldwide theatricals is estimated at over ₹135 crore including the Hindi version, reported ABO.

With the film witnessing drops in its collections, it might not turn out to be a profitable project.

"Lingaa" Tamil version has done average business, while the Telugu and the Hindi versions have been disasters. The film is holding well in Tamil Nadu, while it has failed to sustain its momentum in AP/Nizam box office. The Hindi version of "Lingaa," which hit screens on 25 December, could not even grab enough number of screens owing to "PK" release.

Mixed reviews and release of Aamir Khan's "PK" has affected film's business in overseas markets. While the Aamir starrer is dominating key foreign markets like the US and UK, "Lingaa" has continued to outperform the Hindi film in Malaysia, where the Rajini-starrer continues to dominate over other new Indian releases.

It needs to be seen as to how the film fares during the New Year long weekend. The string of Christmas releases including "Meaghamann," "Kayal," "Kappal" and "Vellakara Durai" might play spoilsport and affect the business of "Lingaa."

The year 2014 has been a forgettable one for Rajinikanth as both the films of the actor haven't fared well at the box office. The superstar's "Kochadaiiyaan," deemed as India's first 3D film using motion capturing techniques, failed to set the cash registers ringing as the film received average reviews from critics and audience alike. "Lingaa," a commercial entertainer directed by KS Ravi Kumar, has also not fared as expected.