Coolie Movie Preview: Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s explosive union set to ignite the big screen

With just seven days to go, Superstar Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s much-awaited collaboration, Coolie, is gearing up for a massive worldwide release on August 14th. Touted as one of the biggest Indian releases of the year, Coolie has been the center of buzz ever since its inception. Let’s take a look at the incredible journey this film has had so far.

The Beginning: From Thalaivar 171 to Coolie

Initially announced as Thalaivar 171, the film’s official title Coolie was revealed through a powerful announcement video, featuring a reimagined version of Rajinikanth’s iconic “Ranga” dialogue. The phrase “Mudichidlaam ma”, cleverly playing off Kamal Haasan’s “Aarambikalaama” from Vikram, created immediate hype.

Shooting commenced in July 2024, and expectations skyrocketed as a stellar ensemble cast was confirmed – including Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Uppendra, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan. Speculation soon followed that Aamir Khan had joined the project in October 2024, which was unofficially confirmed during the Jaipur schedule in December, where key scenes featuring Aamir and Rajinikanth were filmed. Actor Uppendra later confirmed Aamir’s inclusion in April 2025.

Casting Surprises and Musical Magic

By February, buzz grew around Pooja Hegde performing a special number in the film – which came to life as the electrifying “Monica” track in July. A peppy, high-energy track featuring Pooja Hegde and Soubin Shahir, Monica brings vibrant visuals, infectious beats, and signature dance moves that are set to make it a crowd favorite.

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj wrapped up filming this massive multi-starrer by March, and the release date was officially announced as August 14th in April. The film’s staggering budget was reported by Pinkvilla to be 375 crores, with Rajinikanth’s remuneration at 150 crores and Lokesh’s at 50 crores.

In an interview with Sudhir Srinivasan, Lokesh shared:

“Coolie is the film I worked on with zero pressure. I finalized the release date only after seeing the final edit. Every actor in the film has a role, not a cameo. For example, Soubin Shahir had multiple get-ups and turned down 6-7 films to commit to Coolie.”

Anirudh Ravichander, speaking to the same outlet, added:

“I’ve seen almost the entire film – it’s ominous and superb. It’s a brand-new space for us.”

Admiration for the Superstar

In June, Soubin Shahir spoke about his nervousness sharing screen space with Rajinikanth:

“He uses the caravan only for dress changes and meals — the rest of the time he’s on set, radiating energy.”

At the Kuberaa event, Nagarjuna praised Lokesh’s vision:

“I should thank Lokesh for how he presented me. It’s a whistle-whistle-whistle film throughout!”

Record-Breaking Pre-Release Buzz

By mid-June, Coolie became the biggest overseas buy for a Tamil film, sealing a deal worth 75+ crores.

The first single, “Chikitu”, dropped in late June – a vibrant kuthu party anthem sung and composed by Anirudh, featuring T. Rajendar and lyrics by Arivu. The song gave fans a glimpse of Coolie’s high-energy visuals and vintage Rajinikanth dance moves, reminiscent of his 80s glory.

Anirudh shared:

“Fans will witness Rajini sir’s classic dance style making a spectacular comeback. It was a challenging choreography, but he nailed it.”

Layers of Drama and Action

In early July, Nagarjuna revealed that he plays the main antagonist, setting the stage for a dramatic face-off with Rajinikanth. He also shared that he and Aamir Khan don’t share screen time:

“We’re part of different chapters. You’ll see a new Aamir – and you’ll be shocked!”

The second single, “Monica”, was released in the second week of July, featuring Pooja Hegde and Soubin Shahir. With its infectious energy, dazzling visuals, and peppy choreography, the song promises to be a crowd-puller in theaters.

Lokesh later revealed that after watching the film during dubbing, Rajinikanth emotionally embraced him, saying Coolie reminded him of Thalapathi – a touching moment for the director.

Certifications, Soundtrack & Celebrations

Coolie secured an 8-week theatrical window, ensuring a grand multiplex release in North India.

In late July, the third single “Powerhouse” was released – a tribute to Rajinikanth’s legendary screen presence, packed with Anirudh’s signature energy and visuals that scream celebration.

Sun Pictures then announced the grand pre-release event, “Coolie Unleashed”, held on August 2nd at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai, a spectacular audio-visual experience that wowed fans.

Just before the event, Anirudh told Suriyan FM:

“Coolie isn’t just another mass entertainer – it’s intelligent, layered, and lifted by an exceptional cast. Lokesh’s screenplay will stand out.”

Coolie’s Final Lap: Censor & Trailer Buzz

In a surprise move, Coolie received an ‘A’ certificate, the first in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s career, known for his stylized action and intensity, sending fans into a frenzy.

The final trailer dropped days ago and blew the internet wide open. Clocking in at 3 minutes, it delivered goosebumps with explosive action, emotional depth, and a thrilling ensemble cast, promising a very different Rajinikanth film from what we have seen before.

The Wait is Almost Over

With a confirmed run time of 170 minutes, Coolie is locked, loaded, and ready to storm the screens on August 14th. With everything from mega-star power, a visionary director, powerhouse music, and a gripping narrative – Coolie isn’t just a film; it’s a phenomenon waiting to unfold.

Lokesh Kanagaraj also addressed fan theories, saying, “Everyone thinks Coolie is sci-fi or time travel… but audiences will be surprised when they see the truth.”

With fan theories running wild and Superstar Rajinikanth’s much-talked-about de-aging technology expected to be a major highlight, the countdown to Coolie has well and truly begun.

Click here to read our Coolie Trailer Review

Click here to read our Coolie Songs Review

Click here to read our Coolie Unleashed event highlights

Click here to read all our Coolie write-ups