Lokesh Kanagaraj Reveals Why Fahadh Faasil Didn't Join Rajinikanth's Coolie
Rajinikanth's Coolie has been grabbing attention for a long time. Many actors, including Aamir Khan, are part of this action drama. However, in a recent revelation that has taken fans by surprise, director Lokesh Kanagaraj confirmed that acclaimed actor Fahadh Faasil was almost roped in for a key role in Coolie. However, despite initial discussions, the collaboration couldn't materialize.
In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Lokesh revealed that Soubin's character was originally written for Fahadh Faasil, and also approached him. However, due to Fahadh's prior commitments, the collaboration couldn't happen. Lokesh mentioned that he had developed the character over six months before eventually casting Soubin in the role. Although Fahadh couldn't be part of Coolie, he previously worked with Rajinikanth in Vettaiyan.
The action thriller is already being called one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2025. This marks the first-ever collaboration between Rajinikanth and Lokesh, and the cast is packed with big names—Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan all feature, while Bollywood icon Aamir Khan makes a cameo.
As Lokesh wraps up the final stages of post-production, he shared an emotional moment that followed a recent screening of the film with Rajinikanth.
'After watching the film in the dubbing studio, he (Rajinikanth) hugged me and said, 'It looked like Thalapathi for me!' That made my day, and that was the night I slept very peacefully after many months. That is what I was telling my friends, too. If at all, I am doing a film with Rajini sir, it has to be somewhere close to Thalapathi. I cannot write a film on par with Mani sir's quality, as his film and writing is unmatched… But I get a little satisfaction when we compare that film with this one. Listening to the same words from Rajini sir was an achievement," she shared during a chat with The Hollywood Reporter India.
Lokesh said Thalapathi has always been his favourite Rajinikanth film, and he wanted Coolie to carry a similar balance of style and substance. He also spoke about the original idea he had pitched to Rajinikanth before Coolie took shape.
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