Coolie

Plot Summary

Coolie is an action-packed thriller set in a fictionalized version of Chennai. The film follows the journey of a seasoned coolie (port worker) who becomes entangled in a high-stakes conspiracy involving corrupt politicians, underworld figures, and a mysterious artifact. As he navigates this treacherous world, he must confront his own past and make choices that will determine his future and the fate of those he holds dear.

Cast and Characters

• Rajinikanth as Vikram, the titular coolie with a complex past.
• Nagarjuna as Simon, the enigmatic antagonist with hidden motives.
• Upendra as Raghavan, a trusted ally with a personal vendetta.
• Soubin Shahir as Arun, a tech-savvy informant.
• Sathyaraj as Rajasekar, a mentor figure with a secret.
• Shruti Haasan as Anjali, a journalist uncovering the truth.
• Reba Monica John as Priya, a love interest caught in the chaos.
• Junior MGR as Inspector Ravi, a lawman with his own agenda.
• Monisha Blessy as Meera, a mysterious woman with ties to Vikram’s past.

Production Insights

• Development: The script for Coolie was initially written in 2015 by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The project gained momentum when Rajinikanth expressed interest in the story, leading to revisions tailored for his persona. Filming commenced in July 2024, with locations in Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok.
• Filming Challenges: Production faced delays due to unforeseen circumstances, including a fire incident at the Visakhapatnam set. Despite these challenges, the team completed filming by March 2025.
• Visual Style: Rajinikanth’s character features a grey-shaded hairstyle and beard, reminiscent of his look in Kaala (2018), reflecting a more intense and mature persona.

Music and Soundtrack

Anirudh Ravichander returns as the composer, delivering a high-octane soundtrack that complements the film’s intense action sequences. The teaser featured the song “Chikitu Vibe,” which gained popularity among fans.

Marketing and Reception

• Teaser Release: The first look teaser was released on 22 April 2025, showcasing Rajinikanth’s dynamic presence and hinting at the film’s gripping narrative.
• Fan Engagement: The teaser paid homage to Rajinikanth’s iconic roles, with references to his past films, generating excitement among fans.
• Legal Controversy: The teaser faced a legal challenge from composer Ilaiyaraaja for using his song “Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa” without permission. However, the court ruled in favor of the filmmakers, stating that Ilaiyaraaja did not hold exclusive rights to the song

Release Information

• Theatrical Release: Coolie is scheduled to release worldwide on 14 August 2025, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend, and will be available in standard and IMAX formats.
• OTT Release: Following its theatrical run, the film will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Film Overview

• Title: Coolie
• Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
• Producer: Kalanithi Maran (Sun Pictures)
• Starring: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Monisha Blessy
• Music: Anirudh Ravichander
• Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan
• Editing: Philomin Raj
• Language: Tamil
• Budget: ₹280–400 crore
• Release Date: 14 August 2025 (Theatrical, IMAX)
• OTT Rights: Amazon Prime Video
• Satellite Rights: Sun TV Network
• Genres: Action, Thriller, Drama

Conclusion

Coolie promises to be a landmark film in Rajinikanth’s illustrious career, combining his charismatic screen presence with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s compelling storytelling. With a stellar cast, high-octane action, and a gripping narrative, the film is set to captivate audiences worldwide.