Rajinikanth’s Coolie: 12 Big Facts You Need To Know Before The Storm Hits Theatres
In just a few days, the box office will witness a tidal wave. Superstar Rajinikanth is back, this time in Coolie, a pan-Indian action drama directed by the genre’s modern game-changer, Lokesh Kanagaraj.
The film promises a cocktail of vintage Thalaivar swag, cutting-edge stunt choreography, powerhouse performances, and a storyline with bite. Before the whistle-worthy mayhem begins, here’s everything you need to know about Coolie, a film that could very well redefine opening day records in Kollywood.
1. The Lokesh–Rajinikanth Dream Team Finally Happens
Fans have been buzzing about a Lokesh–Rajini collaboration since 2019. It almost happened before Annaatthe (2021), but was delayed due to the pandemic and scheduling.
Now, that long-awaited pairing is here, with Lokesh crafting a standalone story outside his famous Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), a deliberate move to keep Coolie fresh and unpredictable.
2. A Powerhouse Ensemble Cast
This isn’t just Rajinikanth’s show — it’s a festival of top-tier talent. Alongside him are:
-
Nagarjuna as the icy antagonist, Simon
-
Aamir Khan in a stylish extended cameo after 30 years since Aatank Hi Aatank with Rajini
-
Soubin Shahir is making his Tamil debut
-
Upendra is returning to Tamil cinema after 16 years
-
Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Kaali Venkat, Charle, and a special appearance by Pooja Hegde in the viral song Monica.
3. Premise with Punch
Set in a coastal port town, Coolie follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a mysterious figure who stands up against a corrupt gold-smuggling syndicate exploiting dockworkers. Lokesh reportedly toned down graphic violence but kept the high-tension storytelling intact, shaping the role to match Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life screen image.
Also, read| National Film Awards 2025 Winners: Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, Rani Mukerji Shine | Full List
4. Lokesh’s Emotional Tribute to Anbariv
On social media, Lokesh called stunt duo Anbariv the “pillars” of his career, thanking them for being part of all his successes. Their signature, bone-crunching, yet cinematic action style has been seen in Vikram and Leo, and Coolie is set to take it to a whole new level.
5. Action Like Never Before
Expect IMAX-certified camera work (a first for Tamil cinema) and digital de-ageing technology for Rajinikanth’s flashback sequences. One fight scene in Jaipur involving Aamir Khan has already been described as a “standout set piece” — and that’s just one of many.
6. A Musical Triple Shot
Anirudh Ravichander returns for his fourth Lokesh film and fifth Rajini outing.
-
Chikitu brought the festival beats
-
Monica went viral for her hook step, flooding social media with dance challenges
-
Powerhouse revved up the mass hype ahead of release.
The audio launch on August 2 packed stadium-level energy.
7. Monumental Pre-Sales
Also, read|Praise For Brave Storyline, Sharp Writing, Performances: How Social Media Reacts To Dhadak 2
From North America to Chennai, ticket counters are on fire. Pre-sales have already crossed ₹8.5 crore overseas, with some cities selling out in minutes. Trade analysts are predicting a ₹150 crore+ global opening day, making it a strong contender for 2025’s biggest blockbuster.
8. Clash with War 2
View this post on Instagram
The film releases August 14, a day before Independence Day, clashing with War 2. Exhibitors expect this to create one of the largest combined holiday box office weekends in Indian cinema history.
9. Behind the Scenes Brilliance
Key crew includes:
-
Cinematography – Girish Gangadharan (Vikram, Jallikattu)
-
Editing – Philomin Raj
-
Costume Design – Praveen Raja
-
Production Design – N. Sathees Kumar
-
VFX – Makuta VFX (Baahubali, RRR)
10. The IMAX Controversy
Despite Sun Pictures announcing an IMAX release, War 2’s pre-existing IMAX deal means Coolie will not screen in IMAX in North America and certain territories. But the film will still be available in 4DX and D-Box formats for a heightened action experience.
11. A Tribute to 50 Years of Rajinikanth
The final cut features a 25-second homage card celebrating Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee in cinema — a nod to his journey from Apoorva Raagangal (1975) to today.
12. The Festival Is About to Begin
Coolie is positioned to bring back the “first-day-first-show-at-4 am” energy, with fans drumming, dancing, and turning theatres into mini-carnivals.
As Lokesh himself said, Coolie is ‘a different kind of experience.” Come August 14, the storm will hit, and it’s wearing a pair of dark glasses, carrying a swagger, and answering only to the name Dev.
