The most immediate catalyst for Ravikumar’s disappearance from the director's chair was the release of Lingaa (2014). Starring Rajinikanth, the film was one of the most anticipated releases in Indian cinema. While it performed decently overseas, it met with mixed to negative reviews in India. Critics and audiences felt the script was outdated and the execution lacked the spark of his earlier collaborations with Rajinikanth like Muthu or Padayappa .

K.S. Ravikumar is a talented and experienced filmmaker who has made significant contributions to the Tamil film industry. While he may not be directing as frequently as he used to, his legacy and influence on contemporary Tamil cinema are undeniable. Fans and admirers eagerly await his next project, and it remains to be seen if he will return to directing in the near future.

The backlash was intense. For a director known for delivering sure-shot entertainers, the criticism of Lingaa seemed to shake his confidence. Following the release, Ravikumar became noticeably more reclusive regarding new directorial ventures.