Pirated Versions of Rajinikanth's Coolie Blocked By Madras High Court
In recent years, numerous big-ticket films across languages have fallen prey to piracy within hours of release, with leaked copies flooding torrent sites and illegal streaming platforms. Such piracy not only slashes box office revenue but also undermines the hard work of hundreds involved in filmmaking. Now, with Rajinikanth's upcoming Coolie just days from release, the Madras High Court has stepped in to ensure the highly anticipated project doesn't meet the same fate.
The court has directed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and cable networks to block any pirated versions of Coolie from being streamed online, warning that the producers could suffer 'irreparable injury" if piracy is not curbed. The decision is intended to protect both the film's commercial prospects and the larger entertainment industry's economic health.
Under the ruling, ISPs must block access to all websites, existing and future, that might host or stream illegal copies of the film. The order plays a crucial role ISPs play in preventing digital piracy and enforcing intellectual property rights. By stopping unauthorised online distribution, the court aims to ensure that Coolie's performance depends on legitimate ticket sales rather than illegal streaming traffic.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie is set to hit theatres on August 14. The film boasts a high-profile cast including Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Nagarjuna Akkineni, and Aamir Khan. It also marks Rajinikanth's first collaboration with Kanagaraj.
Coolie has triggered an unexpected surge in ticket prices, particularly for the first-day, first-show (FDFS) screenings. In Chennai, reports reveal that black market scalpers are selling these coveted tickets for as much as Rs 4,500. Advance bookings for Coolie have seen unprecedented enthusiasm not only in Tamil Nadu but also across other Indian states and international markets. This overwhelming demand has unfortunately led to widespread black marketing. Single-screen cinemas and fan clubs have allegedly violated Tamil Nadu government regulations by inflating ticket prices.
Set in a bustling coastal port town, the story follows a mysterious protagonist who takes on a powerful and corrupt syndicate exploiting the labour of local coolies. Initially announced in September 2023 as Thalaivar 171, marking Rajinikanth's 171st lead role, the project received its official title in April 2024. Filming began in July 2024 in Chennai, before moving through multiple schedules in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok. Production concluded by mid-March 2025. The film features music by Anirudh Ravichander, with cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj.
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