Coolie (2025 film)

Coolie (lit. 'Coolie'; transl. Day Labourer) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller film directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran's Sun Pictures. The film stars Rajinikanth, alongside Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR and Monisha Blessy.
The film was officially announced in September 2023 under the tentative title Thalaivar 171 as Rajinikanth's 171st film as a lead actor and the official title was announced in April 2024. Principal photography commenced the following July in Chennai, which was followed by sporadic schedules held at Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur and Bangkok, and wrapped by mid-March 2025. The film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography handled by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj.
Coolie is scheduled to release worldwide on 14 August 2025 in standard and IMAX formats.
During the filming for Master in late 2019, it was reported that director Lokesh Kanagaraj had met Rajinikanth at his residence in Chennai and narrated a script that impressed the actor. The project which would have been Rajinikanth's 169th film, was reported to be funded by Raaj Kamal Films International as Lokesh was already signed by the studio. Production was reportedly set to begin in April 2020, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the actor's commitments to Annaatthe (2021). Though some reports suggested that the project was shelved due to Rajinikanth stating that he would be entering into politics and reports stating that he would enter after completing Annaatthe, others said this was not true. In August 2020, Lokesh neither confirmed nor denied the project, stating that announcing such a project officially was the producer's call. The following month, Lokesh announced a different project with Kamal Haasan, which eventually became Vikram (2022), whereas Rajinikanth's 169th film went on to become Jailer (2023) directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.
In April 2023, reports of a potential collaboration between Lokesh and Rajinikanth resurfaced, and the former conducted a photoshoot with Rajinikanth, the following month. Subsequently, Mysskin and Babu Antony, who starred in Lokesh's directorial Leo (2023) indicated on the possibility between their collaboration. That July, Lokesh confirmed the project which would be tentatively titled Thalaivar 171. On 11 September, Sun Pictures officially announced the venture through their social media platforms. The project signifies Rajinikanth's maiden collaboration with Lokesh and fifth with the production house after Enthiran (2010), Petta (2019), Annaatthe and Jailer. Lokesh and Rajinikanth would reportedly receive ₹60 crore and ₹280 crore as their remuneration respectively.
The film's official title Coolie was announced on 22 April 2024. Lokesh stated that it would be a standalone film, separate from the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), and does not revolve around drugs, unlike his previous films, but instead focuses on gold smuggling.
In an interaction with Baradwaj Rangan, Lokesh stated that the script was written in 2015, when he worked on the post-production of Maanagaram (2017). He further added that, while it was written for one of his friends, after Rajinikanth showed interested in the script, he had to tweak the storyline to suit the actor. Lokesh then worked on the newly modified script in late November 2023. Rathna Kumar, a frequent writer of Lokesh's films, was unable to commit to the project due to scheduling conflicts. Subsequently, Lokesh co-wrote the film's script with Chandhru Anbazhagan, whom he previously worked with on Maanagaram. Rajinikanth was reportedly dissatisfied with the new script and suggested a few changes to Lokesh, which included reducing the violence. It took six months to complete the first half's script.
In late-October 2023, Manoj Paramahamsa was announced as cinematographer. However, he was replaced with Girish Gangadharan, in his second collaboration with Lokesh after Vikram. Anirudh Ravichander would score the music, in his fourth consecutive film with the director. Lokesh further continued to retain most of his norm crew technicians including stunt choreography duo Anbariv, editor Philomin Raj, costume designer Praveen Raja and production designer N. Sathees Kumar.
Lokesh stated that instead of filming with a standard camera and later converting it into IMAX-enhanced formats, they would be filming with an IMAX-certified camera, thus making it as the first time to do so in Tamil cinema. He also planned to use de-aging technology, a technique which Lokesh previously did for Kamal Haasan in Vikram, for showcasing the younger version of Rajinikanth. The team shot and completed filming for the promotional teaser by 9 April 2024. The film was initially intended to begin production in March 2024, but was delayed to June after a large set constructed for the film's first schedule was not finished in time.
For his character, Rajinikanth would sport a grey-shaded hairstyle and beard, reminiscent of his look in Kaala (2018). Lokesh stated that, he wanted to bring the negative shade of Rajinikanth, which he did in his earlier films. Sandy, during an event in March 2024, announced his involvement in the film, reuniting with Lokesh after dance choreographing in Vikram and acting in Leo. However, he did not specify whether he would be dance choreographing or acting. Fahadh Faasil was initially approached to play a prominent role but declined it due to scheduling conflicts.
In May 2024, Sathyaraj was confirmed to play an important role, reuniting with Rajinikanth after a hiatus of thirty-eight years since Mr. Bharath (1986). In July 2024, Nagarjuna was confirmed to play the antagonist. The film would mark his eighth Tamil film, and also his first collaboration with Rajinikanth and Lokesh. Describing his working experience, Nagarjuna was appreciative of Lokesh's "Gen Z"-type filmmaking, and found that playing the role was "very liberating". In August, Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir was cast in a pivotal role, making his Tamil film debut.
Kannada actor Upendra also joined the cast in August 2024. He would make a return to Tamil cinema after Satyam (2008). Upendra described it as a "dream come true" moment on working with Rajinikanth which he felt was "long overdue", and said his role would not be an antagonist. Shruti Haasan, who previously starred with Lokesh in her music video "Inimel", was reported to play a pivotal role in the film. She announced her participation in the film via an Instagram story in July, which she later deleted; her involvement was formally confirmed by the producers in late-August.
Reba Monica John was also involved in the Hyderabad schedule, although her participation was not confirmed until early December 2024. Mahendran was reported to be a part of the cast, owing to his presence in the same schedule in Hyderabad. In October 2024, Pinkvilla reported that Aamir Khan was cast for a cameo appearance, reuniting with Rajinikanth after Aatank Hi Aatank (1995), and also marking his maiden foray into South Indian cinema; his involvement was confirmed only after his presence at the Jaipur schedule in December. Junior MGR joined the cast in late December and shed 23 kilograms for his role. Pooja Hegde reportedly joined the cast in mid-February 2025. Her inclusion was confirmed by the makers on 27 February. Monisha Blessy was cast in a prominent role after Lokesh was impressed by her performance in Maaveeran (2023).
Principal photography was intended to begin with the first schedule on 10 June 2024, but the pre-production delays deferred its commencement. Filming ultimately began with the first schedule on 5 July at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. With around 12 days of filming, the schedule was completed by 18 July. The concurrent schedule began in late-August at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where the team shot major portions at the Vizag Fishing Harbour during this schedule. On 14 September, filming was halted due to a fire that erupted near the sets of the film from one of the containers at the harbour. An Onam celebration was held at the film's sets on 15 September, with the makers sharing a footage of the team dancing to "Manasilaayo" from Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan (2024). During this schedule, an action sequence featuring Nagarjuna was leaked to social media platforms, which led to Lokesh requesting people not to share the leaked footage. The schedule ended in early October.
Rajinikanth completed his part in the schedule on 28 September and returned to Chennai the next day for health reasons. He was expected to resume filming on 16 October, this schedule taking place in Chennai, but instead did so a week later. The extended schedule took place for a month which had major action sequences being filmed with Rajinikanth and other principal characters. A grand set was erected at the Adityaram Studios in East Coast Road, Chennai for this schedule. After the Chennai schedule being completed, Rajinikanth and his team left to Jaipur for filming primary sequences. This schedule began on 10 December, with sequences featuring Rajinikanth, Upendra and Khan being shot. An action sequence featuring Rajinikanth and Khan was also shot in this schedule which he described as exhilarating from the rest of the action sequences with the other stars. This schedule was completed by early January. Rajinikanth further revealed that 70 percent of the film had been shot.
In mid-January, the team left to Bangkok for the concurrent schedule which was filmed for 15 days. The schedule was completed by 28 January. The team then returned to Chennai for the final phase of filming. On 9 February, Lokesh began shooting key sequences at the Chennai International Airport with Rajinikanth and other supporting cast members. A dance song featuring Pooja Hegde was filmed in late-February 2025. It was further reported that the final schedule will resume in Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad. Rajinikanth completed filming his portions by 10 March and began working on Jailer 2, while principal photography wrapped by 17 March.
The soundtrack is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in his fourth collaboration with Lokesh after Master, Vikram and Leo; fifth with Rajinikanth after Petta, Darbar (2020), Jailer and Vettaiyan. Lokesh revealed that the lyrics for the songs will be written by his assistant director Vishnu Edavan. The audio rights were acquired by Sun Pictures's own company. "Coolie Disco" was the track featured on the teaser trailer that released on 22 April 2024. It features a sample of "Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa", written by Muthulingam and composed by Ilaiyaraaja for Thanga Magan (1983), also starring Rajinikanth. Another song, "Chikitu Vibe", was teased on 12 December 2024, Rajinikanth's birthday.
The first look poster was released on 28 March 2024, without any pre-announcement. The film's teaser trailer was released on 22 April, which revealed the film's title. Hardika Gupta of NDTV noted that the teaser paid homage to Rajinikanth's iconic roles as a coolie in Mullum Malarum (1978), Mannan (1992) and Uzhaippali (1993); whereas Manoj Kumar R of OTTPlay noted the use of easter eggs from Rajinikanth's filmography, which included Rajinikanth singing "Sambo Siva Sambo" from Ninaithale Inikkum (1979), and the popular dialogue "Appavum Thaathavum", which itself is based on the lyric from the aforementioned song, from Ranga (1982). A 59-second glimpse that teased the song "Chikitu Vibe" was released on Rajinikanth's birthday, 12 December 2024.
Coolie is scheduled to release theatrically on 14 August 2025, a day before Independence Day, in standard and IMAX formats. Apart from the original Tamil language, the film is also scheduled to release with dubbed versions in the Telugu, Hindi and Kannada-languages.
The post-theatrical streaming rights of Coolie were reportedly acquired by Amazon Prime Video for ₹110 crore (US$13 million). Sun TV Network acquired the film's satellite rights.
A week after the teaser's release, Ilaiyaraaja sent a notice to the makers for using "Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa" in the teaser without his permission. Calling it an offence under the Copyright Act of 1957, he demanded the makers attain proper permission or remove the track from the teaser. Rajinikanth, when questioned about the issue, stated that it was only between Ilaiyaraaja and the film's producer, Kalanithi Maran. However, according to critic Sathish Kumar, Ilaiyaraaja does not hold the copyright to the song as Echo, the record label of the song, had their entire catalogue acquired by Sony Music South who later sold this song's rights to Sun Pictures. During a hearing in the Madras High Court in late April, the judge stated Ilaiyaraaja could not claim exclusive ownership over the song, as the lyrics were written by a different person.