Nagarjuna Akkineni Was ‘Hooked' To Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie Script
Last Updated:
Nagarjuna Akkineni admitted to calling Lokesh Kanagaraj numerous times to listen to the script.
Nagarjuna Akkineni's one of the most awaited projects remains Coolie, slated to release later this year. Starring Rajinikanth in the lead role, the film also features Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra Rao and Sathyaraj among others. In a recent chat, Nagarjuna recalled his first conversation with Lokesh Kanagaraj, the director of Coolie. During the chat, he admitted to calling the filmmaker numerous times to listen to the script.
Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Nagarjuna Akkineni said, 'I remember how Lokesh came to me and asked, 'Do you mind playing an antagonist?' I just said, Tell me the script, and I will think about it. I am not against it."
Talking further, the actor also recalled, 'He then told me it's okay if I don't like the script, we could have a cup of tea, talk and he would leave as is. Then Lokesh narrated the script, and halfway through, I was hooked. I made him come back 6-7 times to listen to it."
Nagarjuna had more to say about his experience of working in Coolie. Reflecting on how he felt while filming for the most anticipated film, the actor admitted that it was 'very liberating."
As for Coolie, the action entertainer will also see a cameo from Aamir Khan towards the end of the film. Interestingly, there would also be a special dance cameo by Pooja Hegde. The much-awaited movie is scheduled to hit the theatres on August 14, and will witness a clash with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR's War 2.
Before Coolie, Nagarjuna Akkineni has another film in his kitty set to release this month. Directed by Sekhar Kammula, the social thriller has Nagarjuna Akkineni and Dhanush as the lead actors. Joining them are a bunch of talented stars, including Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh and Dilip Tahil among others.
The makers recently released the trailer of the film, which introduced Dhanush in an unexpected avatar – a beggar whose life seems far more layered than it first appears. Nagarjuna, on the other hand, plays his mentor, who believes money and power run the world.
Reports suggest that Nagarjuna might also be seen in Rajinikanth's Jailer 2. However, an official confirmation is yet to be made.
First Published:
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Kuberaa' trimmed version: 19 scenes deleted from Dhanush starrer; deets inside
The much-awaited social thriller 'Kuberaa,' starring Dhanush and directed by Sekhar Kammula , is taking shape as a compelling cinematic ride. With a contingent of actors like Nagarjuna Akkineni , Rashmika Mandanna , and Jim Sarbh , the film has promised a recreational story with a collective appeal. However, even before its release, the film has seen several changes after undergoing scrutiny by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Certified UA 13+, 'Kuberaa' had nearly 13 minutes of content trimmed—19 scenes in total, mostly centered around Dhanush, Rashmika Madanna, and Nagarjuna Akkineni. Decision to impress audience According to the Andhra box office, scenes featuring Dhanush's character Deva and Rashmika's Sameera were among those shortened, including a cab sequence with Nagarjuna's Deepak and a few intense moments involving Jim Sarbh's character, Neeraj. While the decision to delete these scenes was made to tighten the narrative, fans are curious if the final version will retain the same emotional depth. Despite this, the trailer has already hit a raga with the audience, which teases an intense journey of Deva's transformation from a downtrodden figure to a powerful presence. 'Kuberaa' reservations going strong As expectation peaks, the ticket sales of 'Kuberaa' have closed with dynamic pricing in Hyderabad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025: Steel Suppliers From Mexico At Lowest Prices (Take A Look) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo Single-screen theaters cost the tickets between ₹ 150 and ₹ 175, while multiplexes are presenting them in the ₹ 250-295 range. This pricing reflects the promotion of the film, especially the fact that Bow and Nagarjuna formed a team in this serious story of ambition, existence, and moral dilemmas for the first time. Makers revealed a 10 crore threat from an OTT partner On the OTT front, the makers of 'Kuberaa' earlier opened up about pressure from Amazon Prime Video, which has acquired its streaming rights. According to the makers, the platform threatened to slash ₹10 crore from the deal if the film didn't stick to its scheduled theatrical release on June 20. With stakes this high, 'Kuberaa' is more than just a film; it's a test of timelines, expectations, and artistic integrity.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Dhanush's Powerful Transformation In Kuberaa's New Poster Leaves Fans Excited
Last Updated: Kuberaa, releasing on June 20, also stars Rashmika Mandanna, Nagarjuna among others. Dhanush has once again sent his fans into a frenzy with the release of the latest poster from his upcoming film Kuberaa. The new look features his powerful transformation from a beggar's look into an intense avatar film. The poster dropped online received a positive response, with fans praising the actor's dramatic appearance. The film is releasing on June 20. Taking to their Instagram handle, the makers dropped a poster and wrote, '3 days to witness the rise and rage of Deva, Book your tickets now: #Kuberaa in cinemas June 20, 2025." In the newly unveiled poster, Dhanush can be seen with unkempt hair, a heavy beard, and an intense expression that instantly grabs attention. Dressed in worn-out clothes and framed in a shadowy, dimly lit setting, the actor's look is far removed from his previous roles, suggesting a raw and emotional performance in the making. Fans dropped fire emojis in the comment section. Take a look here: Recently, the trailer was released. It kicks off with Dhanush's character, a beggar, musing about the meaning of crores. In contrast, Nagarjuna's character declares, 'In this country, money and power work, not ethics or justice," suggesting a complex role that teeters between right and wrong. Rashmika Mandanna's character appears to have Dhanush's trust, though she warns him that the world will always be ruled by the powerful. There's also a striking moment where a character wonders aloud, 'How did a beggar throw a whole government into risk?" The trailer wraps up on a powerful note, with Dhanush challenging the system itself. Spanning over two and a half minutes, the trailer teases an intense drama that revolves around wealth, influence, and the human cost behind it. Dhanush's character is driven and fierce, while Nagarjuna's Deva stands against violence — setting up a gripping dynamic. Meanwhile, Rashmika plays Dhanush's love interest, and glimpses of action-packed sequences promise a story full of conflict and ambition. With music by Devi Sri Prasad and cinematography by Niketh Bommi, Kuberaa marks Dhanush's first collaboration with National Award-winning director Sekhar Kammula. The film's production design is helmed by Ramakrishna Sabbani and Monika Nigotre, while Chaithanya Pingali has co-written the script. Kavya Sriram and Poorvaa Jain have styled the looks, and the film is backed by Suniel Narang and Puskur Ram Mohan Rao under the banner of Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP. First Published: June 18, 2025, 12:59 IST
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
‘Harold & Kumar 4' in development; John Cho and Kal Penn expected to return
Harold and Kumar are back! Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, the writers of the Harold & Kumar films and the directors of 2008's Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, have closed a deal to write and direct a fourth instalment of the popular buddy stoner comedy movie series. They will be joined by Josh Heald, with whom they collaborated on Netflix's martial arts comedy series Cobra Kai. According to The Hollywood Reporter, actors John Cho and Kal Penn, who played the titular roles, are expected to return for the fourth film, though no deals have been closed so far with the actors. 'We're fired up to bring Harold and Kumar back in a return to the unapologetically R-rated, smoke-filled chaos that started it all. It's high time they puff and pass their wisdom onto a new generation. Just don't tell their kids,' said Hurwitz and Schlossberg in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. The first Harold & Kumar film, titled Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and directed by Danny Leiner, followed Cho's Harold Lee, a Korean American, and Penn's Kumar Patel, an Indian American, as they take a rather adventurous road trip to a burger joint named White Castle to satiate their munchies. The success of the 2004 film led to two sequels, 2008's Escape from Guantanamo Bay and 2011's A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, both directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson Interestingly, all the three films also featured popular actor Neil Patrick Harris appearing in a cameo as himself. It remains unknown if the actor will return for the fourth instalment. Hurwitz, Schlossberg and Heald will also produce the film under their Counterbalance Entertainment banner. Greg Shapiro, the producer of the Harold & Kumar films, also produces.
