With exactly one month to go for its worldwide release, “Coolie” - the much-awaited action movie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and headlined by Superstar Rajinikanth is already creating waves of excitement across the globe.
Marking the first-ever collaboration between the iconic star and one of Indian cinema’s most sought-after directors, Coolie promises a power-packed cinematic experience that brings together artistic finesse and mass appeal. The film also boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan, with a special cameo by Bollywood legend Aamir Khan, raising expectations to sky-high levels.
As Lokesh puts the final touches on the film, a heartwarming moment between him and Rajinikanth has set the tone for the film’s emotional depth. After watching a preview at the dubbing studio, Rajinikanth hugged the director and said,
“It looked like Thalapathi for me!”
For Lokesh, this was not just praise , it was a personal milestone. The director has long admired Mani Ratnam’s cult classic Thalapathi (1991), calling it his all-time favourite Rajinikanth film. His goal with Coolie was to replicate the same balance of intensity, emotional gravitas, and commercial appeal, and to hear such words from Rajinikanth himself was, in his own words, an unforgettable moment of validation:
“That night, I slept peacefully after many months. If I am making a film with Rajini sir, it had to be somewhere close to Thalapathi. I can’t match Mani sir’s writing, but that comparison, coming from Rajini sir, was an achievement.”
Originally conceived as a fantasy film, Coolie evolved into a full-throttle action entertainer with elements that showcase the full magnitude of Rajinikanth’s legendary screen presence.
“You can write anything for Rajini sir, because he is larger than life,” Lokesh added. “Even though I’ve tried new techniques and styles, this will still be a full-fledged Rajini sir film and I never wanted to change that.”
Dayum, can’t wait for the magic that he does to the film.
Source / Image Credit : The Indian Express