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Coolie (2025 film)

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Coolie
Character poster
Directed byLokesh Kanagaraj
Written byLokesh Kanagaraj
Chandhru Anbazhagan
Produced byKalanithi Maran
Starring
CinematographyGirish Gangadharan
Edited byPhilomin Raj
Music byAnirudh Ravichander
Production
company
Release date
  • 2025 (2025)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Coolie (lit. 'Coolie'; transl. Day Labourer) is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller film[a] directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Sun Pictures. The film stars Rajinikanth in the titular role, alongside Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj and Upendra.

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 Hyderabad along with another schedule held in Chennai which was followed by another schedule held at Visakhapatnam. The film has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, cinematography handled by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj.

Coolie is scheduled to release worldwide in 2025 in standard and IMAX formats.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]
Coolie is the first collaboration of Rajinikanth with Lokesh Kanagaraj.

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 was supposed to be Rajinikanth's 169th film; however, that position instead went to Jailer (2023).[5] Reportedly, Raaj Kamal Films International would fund the project as Lokesh was already signed by the studio.[6][7] Production was reportedly set to begin in April 2020,[8] but it was delayed to the following August due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the actor's commitments to Annaatthe (2021).[9] 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.[10] That August, Lokesh neither confirmed nor denied the project, stating that announcing such a project officially was the producer's call.[11]

In May, Lokesh was reported to have conducted a photoshoot with Rajinikanth for a potential film.[12] Subsequently, in July, Babu Antony confirmed their collaboration,[13] which was followed by Lokesh's own confirmation, for the tentatively titled Thalaivar 171.[14] On 11 September, Sun Pictures officially announced the venture through their social media platforms.[15] 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 for their remuneration respectively.[16][17] Lokesh stated that the film would be a standalone film, not another entry in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).[18] The film's official title Coolie was announced on 22 April 2024.[19] Unlike Lokesh's other films, Coolie does not revolve around drugs but gold smuggling.[20]

Pre-production

[edit]

Lokesh stated that he wrote the script during the post-production of Maanagaram (2017) in 2015.[21] He also stated in December 2023 that he would not collaborate with Rathna Kumar, ending a continuous streak of three films.[22] Subsequently, he co-wrote the film's script with Chandhru Anbazhagan, whom he previously co-wrote Maanagaram with.[23] It took six months to complete the first half's script.[24][25] The team shot and completed filming for the promotional teaser by 9 April.[26]

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.[27][28] Anirudh Ravichander would score the music, in his fourth consecutive film with the director.[29] Lokesh further continued to retain most of his norm crew technicians including stunt choreography duo Anbariv,[30] editor Philomin Raj, costume designer Praveen Raja and production designer N. Sathees Kumar.[31] Lokesh stated that they would be filming with an IMAX-certified camera, rather than filming with an ordinary camera and later converting, thus making it as the first time to do so in Tamil cinema.[32]

Casting

[edit]
Nagarjuna was cast as the main antagonist, marking his eighth Tamil film. Soubin Shahir would make his Tamil debut with this film. The film also marks Shruti Haasan's first collaboration with Rajinikanth.

For his character, Rajinikanth would sport a gray-shaded hairstyle and beard, reminiscent of his look in Kaala (2018).[33][34] Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir was confirmed to be playing an important role, in his Tamil film debut as well as first collaboration with Rajinikanth and Lokesh.[35][36] Telugu actor Nagarjuna was cast as the main antagonist, in his eighth Tamil film, and also first collaboration with Rajinikanth and Lokesh.[37] Shruti Haasan also joined the film in an important role,[38] while Sathyaraj was also cast in an important role.[39] He would reunite with Rajinikanth after a hiatus of thirty-eight years since Mr. Bharath (1986).[40] Kannada actor Upendra was cast in an important role.[41] He would make a return to Tamil cinema after Satyam (2008).[42]

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 act.[43] Fahadh Faasil was approached to play a prominent role, but declined due to scheduling conflicts.[44] The director then approached Soubin for his role.[45]

Filming

[edit]
Coolie commenced filming in Hyderabad.

In October 2023, Lokesh stated that principal photography was intended to begin in March 2024.[46] However, in March Lokesh stated that filming was delayed to June.[47] According to reports, the delay was due to a grand set being erected and not finished in time.[48] Rajinikanth later confirmed that it was scheduled to begin on 10 June in Chennai,[49] but failed to do so, reportedly due to pre-production delays.[50] Filming ultimately began with the first schedule on 5 July at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad.[51][52] The schedule was touted to be going for a month.[53] Rajinikanth, along with Haasan and Mahendran, joined the concurrent schedule.[54] In mid‐July, production moved to Adhityaram Studios in Chennai.[citation needed] The second schedule commenced on 12 August at ERR Studio in Chennai.[citation needed] Soubin began filming his portions on 18 August.[55]

On 20 August, the third schedule began at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. The team shot mostly at Vizag Fishing Harbour during this schedule.[56] On 14 September, filming was halted due to a fire was erupted near the sets of the film from one of the containers at the harbour.[57] A 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).[58] During this schedule, footage of Nagarjuna was leaked to social media platforms. This led to Lokesh requesting people to not share the footage and he stated that two months of people's hardwork were ruined due to the leak.[59] The schedule ended in early October.[60] Following that, Rajinikanth took a hiatus from filming due to health issues. He is expected to resume filming on 16 October.[61]

Music

[edit]
Coolie
Soundtrack album by
Anirudh Ravichander
Released2024
Recorded2023–2024
StudioAlbuquerque Records, Chennai
AM Studios, Chennai
Studio DMI, Las Vegas
GenreFeature film soundtrack
LanguageTamil
LabelSun Pictures
ProducerAnirudh Ravichander
Anirudh Ravichander chronology
Vettaiyan
(2024) 		Coolie
(TBA) 		Love Insurance Kompany
(TBA)
Singles from Coolie
  1. "Coolie Disco"
    Released: 24 April 2024

The music and background score is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in his fifth collaboration with Rajinikanth after Petta (2019), Darbar (2020), Jailer (2023) and Vettaiyan (2024); fourth with Lokesh after Master (2021), Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023).[30] Lokesh revealed that the lyrics for the songs will be written by his assistant director Vishnu Edavan.[62] 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.[63] It features a sample of "Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa", written by Muthulingam and composed by Ilaiyaraaja for Thanga Magan (1983), also starring Rajinikanth.[64][65]

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Coolie Disco"MuthulingamAnirudh Ravichander2:10

Marketing

[edit]

The first look poster was released on 28 March 2024, without any pre-announcement.[66] The film's teaser trailer was released on 22 April, which revealed the film's title.[19]

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

Coolie is scheduled to release worldwide in 2025 in standard and IMAX formats.[32][34] Apart from the original Tamil language, the film is also scheduled to release with dubbed versions in the Hindi, Telugu and Kannada-languages.[67]

Home media

[edit]

The digital streaming rights were reportedly acquired by Amazon Prime Video and the satellite rights by Sun TV.[68]

[edit]

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. Pointed as an offence under the Copyright Act of 1976, the composer demanded the makers to get proper permission or remove the track from the teaser.[69][70] Rajinikanth, when questioned about the issue, stated that it was only between Ilaiyaraaja and the film's producer, Kalanithi Maran.[71] 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.[72] During a hearing in the Madras High Court in late April, the judge said Ilaiyaraaja could not claim exclusive ownership over the song, as the lyrics were written by a different person.[73]

Notes

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  1. ^ Attributed to multiple references:[1][2][3]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "'Thalaivar 171': Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj team up for action-thriller". The Hindu. 11 September 2023.
  2. ^ "Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 171 is an action thriller". Filmfare. 19 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Thalaivar 171: Rajinikanth Is All Things Bling in FIRST Look; Fans Suspect Rolex Connection". News18. 29 March 2024.
  4. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Aamir Khan discussing a 'Superhero Film' with Lokesh Kanagaraj; Contemplating on Ghajini 2 too". Pinkvilla. 14 October 2024.
  5. ^ Kumar, Karthik (7 December 2019). "Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan may join hands for a project after three decades". Hindustan Times.
  6. ^ "Rajini's next with Lokesh to be produced by Kamal". DT Next. 23 January 2020.
  7. ^ "Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan to join hands for a film after 35 years?". India Today. 6 December 2019.
  8. ^ Kumar, Karthik (7 March 2020). "Lokesh Kanagaraj's film with Rajinikanth to be launched in April". Hindustan Times.
  9. ^ "Rajinikanth's film with Lokesh Kanagaraj and Kamal Haasan to commence in August?". India Today. 11 April 2020.
  10. ^ "Rajinikanth's project with Kamal Haasan is not shelved, reveals source". India Today. 6 July 2020.
  11. ^ "Here's what Lokesh Kanagaraj has to say about his next with Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan". The Times of India. 16 August 2020.
  12. ^ "Photoshoot of Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar 171' with Lokesh Kanagaraj done". The Times of India. 6 May 2023.
  13. ^ "Babu Antony confirms Lokesh Kanagaraj's next is with Rajinikanth". The Times of India. 17 July 2023.
  14. ^ "Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms his next is 'Thalaivar 171'". The Times of India. 19 July 2023.
  15. ^ "Thalaivar 171: Sun Pictures confirms Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj film". The Indian Express. 11 September 2023.
  16. ^ "Is Lokesh Kanagraj offered Rs. 60 crore for 'Thalaivar 171'?". The Times of India. 1 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Coolie: Rajinikanth Charges Rs 280 Cr Fee for Lokesh Kanagaraj's Thalaivar 171? Here's What We Know". News18. 23 April 2024.
  18. ^ "Lokesh Kanagaraj on plans for LCU: 'New characters will come in; Vijay Sethupathi's Sandhanam will be replaced'". The Indian Express. 1 November 2023.
  19. ^ a b "Rajinikanth starrer Thalaivar 171 titled 'Coolie'". DT Next. 22 April 2024.
  20. ^ "Lokesh Kanagaraj confirms 'Coolie' will be about gold smuggling". The Times of India. 12 July 2024.
  21. ^ Rangan, Baradwaj (7 October 2023). Lokesh Kanagaraj Interview With Baradwaj Rangan | #Leo | #thalapathyvijay | #galattaplus. Galatta Plus – via YouTube.
  22. ^ Bala, Ramesh [@rameshlaus] (16 December 2023). "Since Director #RathnaKumar is busy with his next directorial venture, he will not be part of Dir #LokeshKanagaraj 's next #Thalaivar171" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 5 June 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2024 – via Twitter.
  23. ^ Manu, Hridyambika A (24 March 2024). "Thalaivar 171 update – Maanagaram writer to pen dialogues for Rajinikanth-starrer? Here's what we know". OTTPlay.
  24. ^ "Lokesh Kanagaraj starts work on 'Thalaivar 171', delays his acting debut!". The Times of India. 14 September 2023.
  25. ^ "'Coolie' first half script locked; writer Chandru Anbazhagan reveals". The Times of India. 6 May 2024.
  26. ^ "'Thalaivar 171' title teaser shoot completed; reveals 'Animal' director Sandeep Reddy Vanga". The Times of India. 9 April 2024.
  27. ^ "Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 171 is a bigger experiment than Leo, reveals cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa". OTTPlay. 24 October 2023.
  28. ^ Menon, Akhila (8 April 2024). "Thalaivar 171 – Lokesh Kanagaraj to reunite with THIS cinematographer for Rajinikanth's film?". OTTPlay.
  29. ^ "It's official! Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj to collaborate for 'Thalaivar 171'". India Today. 11 September 2023.
  30. ^ a b "It's Official: Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar 171' with Lokesh Kanagaraj". The Times of India. 11 September 2023.
  31. ^ "Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj film titled 'Coolie'". The New Indian Express. 1 April 2024.
  32. ^ a b "തമിഴ് സിനിമയില്‍ ഇത് ആദ്യമായി! ലോകേഷും രജനിയും ആദ്യമായി ഒന്നിക്കുന്ന ചിത്രത്തിന്‍റെ പ്രത്യേകത". Asianet News (in Malayalam). 11 October 2023.
  33. ^ Sundar, Anusha (27 June 2024). "Coolie update: Lokesh Kanagaraj drops surprise details about the Rajinikanth film". OTTPlay.
  34. ^ a b "Rajinikanth's stunning look from Coolie unveiled by director Lokesh Kanagaraj. See". The Indian Express. 27 June 2024.
  35. ^ "Actor Soubin Shahir joins Rajinikanth's 'Coolie', Lokesh Kanagaraj shares new poster". India Today. 28 August 2024.
  36. ^ "Malayalam actor Soubin is Dayal in Rajinikanth's Coolie". DT Next. 28 August 2024.
  37. ^ "Nagarjuna to join 'Coolie' as antagonist". The Times of India. 24 July 2024.
  38. ^ "Shruti Haasan confirms being part of Rajinikanth's Coolie in Instagram story, deletes it later". The Indian Express. 5 July 2024.
  39. ^ "Sathyaraj joins Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Coolie'". The Hindu. 29 May 2024.
  40. ^ "Sathyaraj-Rajinikanth end feud, join forces for Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Coolie'". India Today. 27 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Upendra joins Rajinikanth in his next Tamil film Coolie". The Times of India. 25 August 2024.
  42. ^ "OFFICIAL: Kannada star Upendra Rao joins cast of Rajinikanth starrer Coolie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj; see PIC". Pinkvilla. 24 August 2024.
  43. ^ "'தலைவர் 171' படத்தில் லியோ பட நடிகர்". Dina Thanthi (in Tamil). 3 April 2024.
  44. ^ "After Vettaiyan, Fahadh Faasil approached for Rajinikanth's Coolie? Here's what we know". Hindustan Times. 7 July 2024.
  45. ^ Menon, Akhila (20 July 2024). "Coolie: Manjummel Boys actor Soubin Shahir joins the Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj project?". OTTPlay.
  46. ^ "Lokesh Kanagaraj to begin 'Thalaivar 171' in March 2024". The Times of India. 17 October 2023.
  47. ^ "Lokesh Kanagaraj talks about his plans for Thalaivar 171 starring Rajinikanth". Pinkvilla. 25 March 2024.
  48. ^ "Dhanush reacts to Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' title teaser, calls it "Mass"". The Times of India. 23 April 2024.
  49. ^ "Rajinikanth returns to Chennai after spiritual tour, to begin 'Coolie' on June 10". India Today. 4 June 2024.
  50. ^ "Rajinikanth To Begin Shooting For Coolie From July 1". Times Now. 12 June 2024.
  51. ^ "Shooting Of Rajinikanth's Coolie Begins". Times Now. 5 July 2024.
  52. ^ "Rajinikanth and Shruti Haasan begin 'Coolie' shooting". Telugucinema.com. 5 July 2024.
  53. ^ "Mohan Babu receives Rajinikanth at the Hyderabad airport as the 'Jailer' actor arrives for the 'Coolie' shoot". The Times of India. 4 July 2024.
  54. ^ "Mahendran joins with Lokesh Kanagaraj again for Rajinikanth's 'Coolie'?". The Times of India. 6 July 2024.
  55. ^ "Soubin starts filming for Rajinikanth's Coolie". The Times of India. 30 August 2024.
  56. ^ "Rajinikanth's Coolie Begins New Schedule in Vizag, Set for Pongal Release". ConnectMyIndia. 23 August 2024.
  57. ^ "Fire erupts near Rajinikanth-starring 'Coolie' movie set at Visakhapatnam Container Terminal". Yo! Vizag. 14 September 2024.
  58. ^ "Rajinikanth's Onam celebration on Coolie set has a Vettaiyan twist. Watch". The Indian Express. 15 September 2024.
  59. ^ "Two months of hard work gone in vain: Lokesh Kanagaraj on Nagarjuna's leaked Coolie scene". India Today. 18 September 2024.
  60. ^ "It's a schedule wrap for Rajinikanth's Coolie". The Times of India. 5 October 2024.
  61. ^ "Rajinikanth to resume 'Coolie' shooting on Oct 16, confirms Lokesh Kanagaraj". The Times of India. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  62. ^ Lokesh: "இது யார் பொண்ணு தெரியுமா?"😱LEO's Kutty Trisha மாறியே இருக்காங்க!😍Part 4 (in Tamil). BehindwoodsTV. 8 October 2023. Event occurs at 9:45 – via YouTube.
  63. ^ "Coolie Disco (from "Coolie")". Spotify. Archived from the original on 24 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  64. ^ COOLIE - #Thalaivar171 Title Teaser | Superstar Rajinikanth| Sun Pictures| Lokesh Kanagaraj| Anirudh (in Tamil). Sun TV. 22 April 2024 – via YouTube.
  65. ^ பாரதிராஜா, மை. (23 April 2024). "Coolie: 'டிஸ்கோ டிஸ்கோ' ரீமிக்ஸ் தெரியும்; இதன் ஒரிஜினல் 'தங்க மகன்' வெர்ஷன் தெரியுமா?". Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil).
  66. ^ "Thalaivar 171: Rajinikanth is ultra stylish in Lokesh Kanagaraj's next". The Indian Express. 28 March 2024.
  67. ^ "Rajinikanth to sport Kaala-style look in 'Coolie'". Onmanorama. 5 July 2024.
  68. ^ "Coolie OTT partner revealed! Digital rights to Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj's film sold for a massive amount". Desimartini. 15 June 2024.
  69. ^ "Ilaiyaraaja sends a copyright notice to Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' team". The Times of India. 1 May 2024.
  70. ^ "Ilaiyaraaja issues copyright notice to Sun Pictures for using his song in Rajinikanth's Coolie promo". Cinema Express. 1 May 2024.
  71. ^ "Rajinikanth reacts to 'Coolie' audio rights issue". The Times of India. 5 May 2024.
  72. ^ "Ilaiyaraaja doesn't hold the copyright for the song 'Va Va Pakkam Va' featured in the 'Coolie' teaser- deets inside". The Times of India. 3 May 2024.
  73. ^ "Ilaiyaraaja fights for rights of his music being used for Rajinikanth-starrer Coolie, but what do copyright laws say?". Hindustan Times. 15 May 2024.
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