Rajinikanth Body Shames Soubin Shahir? But Fans Call It ‘Karma Hitting Back’
Superstar Rajinikanth’s speech at the audio launch of his 171st film Coolie, on August 2, continues to stir up debates online. A celebratory moment turned into a controversy after Rajinikanth’s choice of words about his co-stars Aamir Khan and Soubin Shahir was perceived as “body shaming” by a section of the Internet.
During his address, the veteran actor recalled how director Lokesh Kanagaraj had introduced him to Soubin Shahir. Initially unfamiliar with the Malayalam star’s work, Rajinikanth admitted that he was unsure about working with him.
“I asked Lokesh, ‘Who is Soubin? Which films has he acted in?’ He mentioned Manjummel Boys, where Soubin played a key role. When I finally arrived on set and saw his performance, I was blown away. What an actor! Hats off!” he said, praising Soubin’s talent.
But alongside this compliment came a remark that drew flak. Rajinikanth referred to Soubin as “bald” on stage, a comment that some found unnecessary and disrespectful. Similarly, while lauding Aamir Khan as a “legend,” Rajinikanth described him as “short,” which again rubbed certain fans the wrong way.
Social media was quick to respond. One X user commented: “Imagine if words like these came from Chiranjeevi, Mohanlal, or Amitabh Bachchan. Entire cinephiles would’ve roasted them for at least a week. The privilege Rajini enjoys is definitely something else.”
Read also | Is Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ A Below-Average Movie? Social Media Reacts
Another remarked, “Saying Soubin is bald… imagine if this were said by someone else to Rajini himself. Yesterday’s speech was the worst of all.”
Some fans even found irony in Rajinikanth’s statement. A user pointed out that the superstar himself admitted the role was initially offered to Fahadh Faasil before going to Soubin — yet he ended up joking about Soubin’s appearance.
However, in Kerala, many fans framed the controversy in a completely different way. Some Malayalees are calling Rajinikanth’s “bald” remark a case of karma hitting back at Soubin Shahir.
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Because in an earlier interview during the promotions of one of his Malayalam films, Soubin himself had reportedly body-shamed a co-actor. He joked that the co-actor would look so frightening as a ghost that “people would die on the spot seeing him.” At the time, this casual remark drew criticism for being insensitive.
Read also | Coolie Review: Lokesh Kanagaraj – Rajinikanth Film Is Cinema With Some Good Elements
Now, with Rajinikanth’s words sparking outrage, Malayalee cinephiles argue that Soubin is “getting a taste of his own medicine.” As one social media post put it: “Soubin once body shamed others in interviews. Now Rajini did the same to him. Karma is quick.”
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie is Rajinikanth’s 171st film and boasts a powerhouse cast including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and Soubin Shahir, with Aamir Khan appearing in a cameo.
The film is produced by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures and released worldwide on August 14, clashing with War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR.
Soubin, who is making his Tamil debut with Coolie, recently went viral for his energetic dance moves in the song Monica, where he shared the screen with Pooja Hegde. His performance in Coolie is now being appreciated online.
