Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ promises a blockbuster mix of nostalgia, swagger, and action

Dubai: Superstar Rajinikanth returns to the big screen in style with Coolie, the highly anticipated Tamil-language action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.

Slated for release on August 14, 2025, the film is already making waves, and not just for its megastar lead.

In Coolie, Rajinikanth plays Deva, a character that seems tailor-made to channel the actor’s trademark charisma and larger-than-life persona.

The teaser, released to mark the 100-day countdown, gave fans a healthy dose of nostalgia as it recreated an iconic visual from the 1991 classic Thalapathi—Rajinikanth framed against a setting sun, exuding quiet menace and majesty.

But Coolie isn't just banking on past glories. The teaser hints at a gold smuggling backdrop, promising a gritty, action-heavy storyline set in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature cinematic universe.

The film has already seen its share of drama off-screen.

The teaser used Ilaiyaraaja’s iconic track "Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa" from the 1983 film Thanga Magan, prompting a copyright claim from the legendary composer. However, the court ruled that Ilaiyaraaja did not hold exclusive rights to the song, as the lyrics belonged to another writer and rights had already been obtained by Sun Pictures.

Alongside Rajinikanth, Coolie features a stellar ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his fifth collaboration with the superstar—a partnership that has consistently delivered chart-topping scores.

Shot across diverse locations like Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, and Bangkok, Coolie looks set to be both a visual spectacle and a high-octane entertainer.

With its blend of fan service, legal intrigue, and a heavyweight cast, Coolie is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most talked-about releases. Rajinikanth’s reign, it seems, is far from over.