Superstar Rajinikanth returns to the silver screen with ‘Coolie,’ his 171st film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film is scheduled for a global release on August 14, 2025. It is poised to be one of the most ambitious projects in Tamil cinema. The release date sets up a box office clash with ‘War 2,’ starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR.
‘Coolie’ boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Upendra, and Pooja Hegde. With Rajinikanth leading, he has reportedly received an unprecedented fee of ₹150 crore. It is one of the highest amounts ever paid to an Indian actor upfront.
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has earned a record-breaking ₹50 crore. This reflects his status as one of the most sought-after names in the industry. The production expenses are ₹150 crore. Other cast-related expenses add to this figure. As a result, ‘Coolie’s’ overall budget has already touched ₹350 crore, excluding print and marketing costs. An additional ₹25 crore is set aside for distribution. Publicity also receives part of this sum, raising the film’s estimated total budget to an astounding ₹375 crore.
A GLOBAL PRODUCTION ENDEAVOR
Filming for ‘Coolie’ commenced in July 2024 and concluded in mid-March 2025. For Rajinikanth, this production spanned multiple locations, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok, showcasing the film’s global scope.
Produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner, the film also features performances by Monisha Blessy, Reba Monica John, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan. Aamir Khan is set to make a brief but significant appearance.
MUSICAL BRILLIANCE AND TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
The film’s music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, known for his dynamic scores. Rajinikanth fans have already embraced the soundtrack, which includes the upbeat track “Coolie Powerhouse,” garnering attention online. The screenplay and dialogues are crafted by Lokesh Kanagaraj and Chandhru Anbazhagan, promising a compelling narrative.
Cinematography is handled by Girish Gangadharan, and editing by Philomin Raj, ensuring a high-quality cinematic experience.The Times of IndiaWikipedia
ANTICIPATION BUILDS AMONG FANS
The announcement of ‘Coolie’ has generated significant buzz among fans and industry insiders. A behind-the-scenes video featuring Rajinikanth in a lively mood during filming has quickly gained attention online, emphasizing the superstar’s enduring mass appeal. With its grand scale, star-studded cast, and substantial investment, ‘Coolie’ is poised to be a landmark film in Indian cinema.