The eagerly awaited Tamil film Coolie, starring superstar Rajinikanth, is set to hit theaters on August 14, 2025, creating a wave of excitement among fans. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the movie has been generating considerable buzz, with the filmmakers releasing a special countdown video to mark the 100-day countdown to the film's release. This announcement has further fueled the anticipation, as fans eagerly await the chance to see Rajinikanth in action once again on the big screen.
Released on May 6, 2025, the countdown video showcases brief visuals of the film’s ensemble cast. While the actors are primarily shown from behind, their distinctive silhouettes hint at the characters portrayed by Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra Rao, Soubin Shahir, and Sathyaraj. The video culminates with a striking image of Rajinikanth set against a sunset backdrop, reminiscent of his iconic scene in Thalapathi. This nostalgic nod to his past work has thrilled fans and added an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming release of Coolie.
Rajinikanth takes on a negative role in Coolie, which has intrigued fans given his usual heroic persona. In this action-packed thriller, Rajinikanth plays Deva, a gold smuggler with a dark, layered character. The film also stars an ensemble cast, including Nagarjuna as Simon, Upendra as Kaleesha, Soubin Shahir as Dayal, and Sathyaraj as Rajasekar. Additionally, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan makes a cameo appearance, while Shruti Haasan joins the ensemble as Preethi, showcasing her dance skills in one of the songs. Pooja Hegde's special appearance further adds to the film's allure.
The film's technical team boasts notable talents such as composer Anirudh Ravichander, who has previously worked with Rajinikanth on Jailer, cinematographer Girish Gangadharan, editor Philomin Raj, and stunt choreographers Anbariv. Lokesh Kanagaraj, along with Chandhru Anbazhagan, has crafted the screenplay and dialogues, promising a gripping narrative. While Kanagaraj is renowned for his interconnected Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), Coolie stands apart as a standalone project, delving into the world of gold smuggling with a fresh storyline distinct from Kanagaraj’s previous works.
The film's release has been highly anticipated, especially with the countdown video generating significant excitement and positive responses on social media. Fans have expressed their enthusiasm, with one user noting, "Usually, no one overshadows Rajinikanth. But this time, it's Nag," referring to Nagarjuna’s striking appearance in the video. Nagarjuna's two-second glimpse from the back, dressed in a slick black outfit, has sparked conversations about his underutilization in recent Telugu cinema and has been hailed as "vintage Nagarjuna."
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj is being praised for bringing out new shades in veteran stars, and many fans are excited to see the "old Nag" back on screen.
As the release date approaches, Coolie is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian films of the year. The film will be released in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada, making it accessible to a broader audience. The film is being produced on a grand scale by Sun Pictures, which has a history of backing successful projects.
In addition to its star-studded cast, the film's soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, adds to the excitement surrounding its release. The background score in the teaser has already gone viral, setting high expectations for the film's music. Rajinikanth's character, Deva, has generated much interest, and fans are eager to see how he navigates this darker role.
As the countdown continues, the film's marketing strategies, including the release of the countdown video, have proven effective in keeping fans engaged and excited. The hashtag #CoolieIn100Days is trending on social media, reflecting the high anticipation for Rajinikanth's return to the big screen.
With the film set to clash with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s actioner War 2 at the box office, it remains to be seen how Coolie will perform. However, the buzz surrounding the film suggests that it is poised to make a significant impact upon its release. The combination of Rajinikanth's star power, Lokesh Kanagaraj's directorial prowess, and a compelling storyline centered around gold smuggling creates a promising cinematic experience for audiences.
In summary, Coolie is not just another film; it represents a significant moment in Indian cinema, bringing together some of the biggest names in the industry. As fans count down the days to August 14, the excitement surrounding the film continues to build, making it one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.
