The movie received mixed reviews from critics but performed well at the box office. Despite the mixed reviews, Lingaa has become a cult classic among Tamil cinema enthusiasts. The film's success can be attributed to Rajinikanth's charisma and the movie's engaging storyline.

Lingaa released on December 12, 2014, coinciding with Rajinikanth’s birthday. The hype was unprecedented. Advance bookings were sold out weeks in advance, and fans celebrated the release with milk abhishekams (a traditional ritual) at theaters playing Rajini’s old films.