Coolie starring Superstar Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj is one of the most awaited films of the year. The pan-Indian action drama is set to release worldwide on August 14. The bookings, which began a week ago, have been completely sold out in major cities of Tamil Nadu within hours. With bookings of over Rs 50 crore worldwide, trade sources are confident that it will earn over Rs 150 crore on the first day. The Independence Day holiday and the long weekend are making ‘Coolie’ even stronger.
Star-Studded Cast: Apart from Rajinikanth, the film brings together a diverse and popular cast from across Indian cinema, including Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan and Veteran actor like Sathyaraj. Aamir Khan also has a special cameo, which has further heightened the expectations.
Story: Main character is a man named Deva (Rajinikanth), an old gold smuggler. The story is said to follow Deva’s attempts to reclaim his past glory and reunite his old mafia gang. To achieve this goal, he uses stolen technology hidden in a vintage gold watch. However, his plan turns into a chaotic journey of crime and greed, hinting at a larger narrative that may involve elements of a new universe or even time warping.
Another interpretation of the story suggests a more personal motive: Deva’s relentless quest for revenge to right the wrongs he faced in his youth. This adds an emotional layer to the action, as his journey is driven by a need for justice. The film has also been described as the story of a “mysterious man” who stands up to a corrupt syndicate that exploits dock workers.
Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU): A major point of discussion is whether “Coolie” is part of the LCU, which includes films like Kaithi, Vikram and Leo. Lokesh Kanagaraj has said that “Coolie” is a standalone film separate from the LCU. However, fans continue to speculate about a possible subtle connection.
The film’s trailer and promotional material have praised Rajinikanth for his iconic swag, style and dialogue delivery, which are reminiscent of his films from the 1980s and 90s. The film is expected to be a mass entertainer that pays homage to the superstar’s cinematic legacy.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was present at a special screening, called it a “powerful mass entertainer”. Rajinikanth’s wife Latha also reportedly praised the film, calling it one of his best.
Earlier, the trailer of Coolie was praised, with Anirudh Ravichander’s music also being highlighted as a major strength.
Box Office: Advance bookings for “Coolie” have been exceptionally strong, with reports suggesting it is on track to reach a record-breaking opening day. While the final critical reception is yet to be seen, early indicators and fan excitement point to a blockbuster opening for “Coolie”.