Tamil cinema’s legendary superstar Rajinikanth is all set to light up the big screen once again with Coolie, an upcoming action-packed thriller directed by hitmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Slated for a global theatrical release on August 14, 2025, the film is expected to be a major box office draw, aligning strategically with India’s Independence Day weekend.
A First-Time Power Duo
Coolie marks the much-awaited first collaboration between Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj, the director known for blockbusters like Master, Vikram, and Leo. Backed by Sun Pictures and producer Kalanithi Maran, the film brings together a formidable ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan. Adding to the star power, Bollywood icon Aamir Khan is rumored to appear in a special cameo.
Underworld Thriller with a Golden Twist
While plot specifics remain under wraps, Coolie is billed as a high-octane action thriller delving into the dangerous underworld of gold smuggling. Rajinikanth takes on the role of Deva, a nod to his beloved character from Thalapathi (1991). Despite its stylistic similarities to Lokesh’s previous films, Coolie is a standalone project, unaffiliated with his expanding cinematic universe.
Filmed in IMAX, Shot Across Continents
Production began in July 2024 and wrapped by March 2025, with filming spanning multiple cities including Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok. Notably, Coolie is the first Tamil film to utilize IMAX-certified cameras, promising a visually immersive cinematic experience on a grand scale.
Soundtrack and Craftsmanship
Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his fifth outing with Rajinikanth and fourth with Kanagaraj. Early buzz surrounds two tracks: “Coolie Disco,” a retro-modern blend sampling Thanga Magan’s classic “Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa,” and the upbeat teaser “Chikitu Vibe,” unveiled on Rajinikanth’s 74th birthday.
Behind the lens is cinematographer Girish Gangadharan, while editing is handled by Philomin Raj. The film is reportedly mounted on a lavish ₹280–400 crore budget, placing it among the most expensive productions in South Indian cinema history.
Massive Buzz and Box Office Showdown
Coolie will be released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada, targeting pan-Indian viewership. The film’s arrival sets up a major box office face-off with Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR’s War 2, intensifying anticipation among fans and trade circles alike.
The hype surrounding Coolie is already translating into staggering pre-release numbers. Theatrical rights in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are reportedly valued at ₹50 crore, while Rajinikanth’s fee for the film stands at an astounding ₹280 crore, making him one of Asia’s highest-paid actors.
A Cinematic Juggernaut in the Making
With its electrifying cast, cutting-edge visuals, and a director-actor combo fans have long waited for, Coolie is primed to be one of 2025’s most talked-about cinematic events. It not only marks a new chapter in Rajinikanth’s illustrious career but also reinforces Tamil cinema’s growing dominance on the global stage.