Overview
Coolie is one of the most awaited Tamil films of 2025. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth, the movie blends mass action, emotional drama, and powerful performances. Backed by Sun Pictures, Coolie is set for a grand Independence Day release.
Table of Contents
Coolie Release Date
| Region | Release Date |
|---|---|
| India | 14 August 2025 |
| Global | 14 August 2025 |
Coolie Cast
| Actor/Actress | Role/Description |
|---|---|
| Rajinikanth | Title role (Coolie) |
| Nagarjuna Akkineni | Key supporting role |
| Upendra | Main antagonist |
| Shruti Haasan | Female lead |
| Soubin Shahir | Comic + support role |
| Sathyaraj | Rajini’s mentor figure |
| Aamir Khan | Special appearance |
| Pooja Hegde | Guest appearance |
| Reba Monica John | Parallel role |
| Kaali Venkat | Supporting cast |
Coolie Songs List
| Song Name | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Coolie Disco | Mass Intro Track | Teaser featured |
| Chikitu | Dance Number | Released June 2025 |
| Powerhouse Coolie | Background Theme | Promo launched |
Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
Coolie Film Overview
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Director | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| Producer | Kalanithi Maran (Sun Pictures) |
| Language | Tamil (also in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada) |
| Hindi Title | Majdoor |
| Genre | Action Thriller |
| Budget Estimate | ₹350–375 crore |
Coolie Teaser & Promotion
- First teaser released on April 22, 2024
- 100-day countdown teaser launched on May 7, 2025
- Songs and BTS videos gaining traction online
- Teasers recreated iconic Rajinikanth looks from Thalapathi
Who is Coolie Director?
The film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his work on Kaithi, Master, and Vikram. This is his first collaboration with Rajinikanth. Interestingly, Coolie is not connected to Lokesh’s cinematic universe, which makes it a standalone action entertainer.
Lokesh has stated that Coolie is a tribute to the working class, focusing on dignity, resistance, and pride.
Why is Coolie Offensive?
The title Coolie has drawn some mixed reactions. Here’s why the term may be seen as controversial:
- Historically, “coolie” referred to unskilled laborers, often used during the colonial period to describe workers from South and East Asia.
- In some countries, especially in the West, the term has been considered derogatory due to its association with exploitation and racism.
- In the Indian context, however, the term commonly refers to railway porters, and is not always seen as offensive.
- Director Lokesh Kanagaraj clarified that the title is meant to represent strength, pride, and resistance, not insult. The film aims to highlight the dignity of labor, not degrade it.
Will Coolie Hit ₹1000 Crore at the Box Office?
The big question on everyone’s mind is whether Coolie can cross the ₹1000 crore mark globally.
Here’s what works in its favor:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Rajinikanth’s Massive Fanbase | Ensures huge opening across regions |
| Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Direction | Known for successful mass entertainers |
| Pan-India Cast | Includes stars like Nagarjuna & Upendra |
| Holiday Release (Aug 15 Week) | Boosts initial box office collections |
| Hype Around Songs & Teasers | Social media engagement is very high |
While it is too early to predict final numbers, the combination of Rajinikanth’s star power, Lokesh’s storytelling, and a festival-weekend release gives Coolie strong potential to join the ₹1000 crore club, provided it connects with audiences across languages.
Filming Timeline & Locations
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement | September 2023 (Thalaivar 171) |
| Title Reveal | April 2024 (Coolie) |
| Filming Started | July 2024 |
| Wrap-Up | March 2025 |
| Locations | Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Vizag, Bangkok |
Summary Table
| Feature | Status |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 14 August 2025 |
| Director | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| Lead Actor | Rajinikanth |
| Supporting Cast | Nagarjuna, Upendra, etc. |
| Highlight Song | “Chikitu” |
| Teaser Released | Yes (April 2025) |
| Budget | ₹350–375 Cr |