Overview & Premise
Coolie is an upcoming Tamil-language action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran under the banner of Sun Pictures WikipediaFilmiBeat. Slated for a wide theatrical release on 14 August 2025, right before India’s Independence Day, the film is poised to be a major cinematic event WikipediaThe Economic Times.
The storyline follows a mysterious man (played by Rajinikanth) who challenges a corrupt syndicate exploiting coolies in a coastal port town WikipediaIMDb. Promotional material adds layers of intrigue: Rajini’s character Deva is portrayed as an aging gold smuggler who uses vintage watches concealing stolen tech to resurrect his old mafia crew—a plotline blending crime, nostalgia, and ambition Hindustan Times.
Star-Studded Cast & Crew
The film features an impressive ensemble including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan in key roles WikipediaLetterboxd.
- Pooja Hegde appears in a high-energy dance number titled “Monica,” channeling an elegant vibe WikipediaCinema ExpressHindustan Times.
- Notably, Aamir Khan makes a special appearance as “Dahaa” — a reunion with Rajinikanth after decades, accepting the role purely out of admiration, without reading the script WikipediaThe Times of India.
- Soubin Shahir debuts in Tamil cinema with this film, impressing Rajinikanth himself, who was initially skeptical but later “blown away” WikipediaThe Times of India.
Technical Craftsmanship
The film’s cinematography is by Girish Gangadharan, with Philomin Raj editing, and a musical score by Anirudh Ravichander Wikipedia+1. The soundtrack, featuring eight tracks, was released on 2 August 2025 during an audio launch event in Chennai Wikipedia.
Kanagaraj’s screenplay, rooted in a draft from as early as 2015, was refined specifically for Rajinikanth’s persona, with careful adjustments to the film’s level of violence Wikipedia.
Pre-Release Frenzy & Box Office Buzz
Early Successes
- Global advance ticket sales for Coolie have surpassed ₹51 crore, with ₹37 crore from international markets and ₹14 crore domestically—reflecting its massive anticipation Indiatimes.
- In North America, premiere bookings are approaching USD 1.86 million, setting sights on surpassing the record set by Kabali—and aiming to break Lokesh’s own Leo record The Times of India+1.
Certification & Distribution
- The film received an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate from the CBFC—the first one for Rajinikanth since 1989, signaling its intense, mature tone WikipediaThe Times of India.
- Distribution deals include record sales: Telugu rights alone fetched ₹53 crore, and overseas rights were reportedly sold for around ₹80 crore, potentially setting a Tamil cinema pre-release record Wikipedia+1.
Director’s Reflections
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj expressed pride in the team, sharing a heartfelt “Proud of you boys” sentiment. He also sought spiritual blessings at the Annamalaiyar temple before the film’s release launch The Times of India.
Promotional Highlights
- A striking logo poster introduced Rajinikanth as Deva—a teaser that sparked excitement online The Times of India.
- Additionally, Rajinikanth recently revealed a touching anecdote: his own father once made him work as a coolie, prompting him to cry for the first time. This personal history resonates emotionally with the film’s themes of struggle and dignity The Times of India.
Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Coolie (2025) |
| Director / Producer | Lokesh Kanagaraj / Kalanithi Maran (Sun Pictures) |
| Release Date | 14 August 2025 |
| Genre / Runtime | Action Thriller / ~170 minutes |
| Lead & Cast | Rajinikanth (Deva), Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj |
| Music & Crew | Anirudh Ravichander (Music), Girish Gangadharan (Cinematography), Philomin Raj (Editing) |
| Plot Premise | A smuggler leverages tech-laden vintage watches to revive his gang in a corrupt port setting |
| Certification | ‘A’ rating (first in 36 years for Rajini) |
| Pre-Sales Highlights | ₹51 crore global tickets, USD 1.86M North American pre-sales |
| Notable Moments | Trailer launch on 2 August, director’s temple visit, Rajini’s personal storytelling |
In summary, Coolie (2025) isn’t just another Rajinikanth movie—it’s shaping up to be a monumental cinematic occasion. A powerhouse of talent both in front of and behind the camera, it merges personal emotion, high-octane action, and box office swagger. From its gritty narrative and production craft to its record-breaking pre-sales and emotional resonance, Coolie is poised to leave a lasting impact.
Let me know if you’d like analysis on specific aspects—the music, character arcs, or how this compares to Rajini’s classic films.