'Coolie': Director Lokesh Kanagaraj explains inclusion of song 'Monica' in the film; says it was added for business
Superstar
Rajinikanth
will be seen in the upcoming drama thriller 'Coolie' directed by
Lokesh Kanagaraj
. The movie features a chartbuster 'Monica' ft
Pooja Hegde
and Soubin Shahir. Known for his gritty and intense narratives, the director recently shared why he included the special number.
Not his style
According to a report by 123Telugu, during a promotional event, the director shared that the song 'Monica' was only included for business purposes and his movies don't usually have special numbers.
The director referenced that in the 2023 blockbuster 'Jailer' directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, where 'Kaavaalaa' became a viral hit. In that case, there was scope for Rajinikanth to be involved in the dance, making it blend seamlessly with the story.
But 'Coolie', he says, didn't offer that kind of opportunity. "In Jailer, the 'Kaavaalaa' song had scope for Rajinikanth sir to dance, but in Coolie, there was no such scope.
Soubin was the reason for placing it," he explained.
Known for hits like 'Kaithi', 'Vikram', and 'Master', Lokesh has built a reputation for tightly-knit storytelling and strong character arcs.
Coolie received 'A' certificate
'Coolie' has received an 'A' certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), indicating its mature content aligned with the intense drama and action sequences.
The official trailer is set to launch on August 2, 2025, at a grand event titled Coolie Unleashed.
About the film
'Coolie' is a gripping story of an ageing smuggler, played by Rajinikanth, who reforms his gang to take down a powerful gold smuggling empire. The film is expected to be a hard-hitting action entertainer packed with stars including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra Rao, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and others. Apart from the main cast, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan will also be seen playing a cameo role.
The movie is set to release on August 14, during the Independence Day window. The film will clash at the box office with 'War 2'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
12 hours ago
- News18
Rajinikanth Spotted At Hyderabad Airport, Poses With Fans For Pics
Last Updated: Rajinikanth was seen at Hyderabad airport, charming fans with humble interactions and posing for photos. A trending video shows fans praising his effortless coolness and grace. When Rajinikanth enters a room, or in this case, an airport, you feel it before you even see him. The superstar was spotted at the Hyderabad airport earlier today, and as always, his effortless charm lit up the terminal. Clad in his signature simple style, Rajinikanth made his way through the airport while fans eagerly gathered around him. Thalaivaa didn't disappoint as he paused, smiled, and posed for photos with fans who were clearly over the moon to spot him in person. A video capturing the moment is doing the rounds online, and we can't help but smile watching him interact so humbly with everyone. Take a look: Fans took to social media to gush about the encounter, with one user writing, 'Only Rajinikanth can look this cool at an airport!" Another commented, 'The aura, the grace… he's the GOAT." Rajinikanth will be seen next in Coolie that also features an ensemble cast including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj, with Aamir Khan making a cameo. The film's music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, with cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj. It is produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. Coolie follows the story of Deva, a former daily-wage laborer with a dark and mysterious past who emerges from the shadows after decades to avenge a close friend. Rajinikanth plays the titular role in what promises to be a massy yet layered narrative packed with action, suspense, and political undertones. At the trailer launch event of Coolie, Rajinikanth praised Nagarjuna's hairline while joking about his own balding. 'I saw Nagarjuna during the shoot and he still looks the same. His hair is still intact. I've lost all my hair. When I asked him his secret, he said exercise." Rajinikanth recalled calling Lokesh Kanagaraj after watching Kaithi, deciding early on that he wanted to work with the director before others could. 'Before other actors line up for him, I wanted to meet him. I called him after Kaithi and asked if he had any stories for me." When Lokesh mentioned he was a Kamal Haasan fan, Rajinikanth quipped, 'He said yes and also added that he was a Kamal Haasan fan… Did I ask you? Did I ask you whose fan you are?" That playful moment proved Rajinikanth knew the director valued strong storytelling over punchy dialogues. He also joked about his health on stage, sharing that he asked choreographer Sandy not to overdo the dance steps. 'He promised me that we'd kill it in the first song. I told him, 'I am a 1950s model and have run lakhs of kilometres. My parts were used and changed. So, don't pressure me and handle me with care.'" First Published: August 06, 2025, 19:56 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Lokesh Kanagaraj teases ‘solid' interval block for Rajinikanth in Coolie: ‘Spent two years planning it'
As the release date of Coolie comes closer, excitement among fans grows for the Rajinikanth-starrer. The trailer of the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial gave fans a glimpse of the action-packed world of smugglers that the film promises. Lokesh has been busy promoting the film for the last few days and in an interaction with Sun TV, gave an update of what fans can expect from the film, especially those waiting for a big Rajini-style mass moment in theatres. (Also read: Rajinikanth says Coolie director Lokesh Kanagaraj is Tamil cinema's SS Rajamouli; here's why) Lokesh Kanagaraj talked about working with Rajinikanth in Coolie. What Lokesh said During the interaction, when Lokesh was asked what was one part of the film he is most eager to see in the theatre with the audience, the director instantly replied, 'Intermission! Definitely. As a fan boy, Kamal [Haasan] sir was always special, but this is my first time with Rajini sir, and what was one thing we wanted? A solid Rajini-style intermission moment. We spent two years building and planning that one moment. Now, I can't wait to sit in the theatre with everyone and feel that energy!' Lokesh on making Coolie When asked what does Coolie mean to him, Lokesh said, 'This film will always be a memory to me. Not just about the filmmaking and doing a movie for the audience…. Everything that happened behind the scenes, how close we have all been from Rajini sir to Nagarjuna sir, Soubhin sir, Upendra sir… we all stayed together in one place, that experience! It was all like a family and every single one of them was supportive of one another.' Produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, the film stars Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj in lead roles, alongside Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Kanna Ravi, Monisha Blessy, and Kaali Venkat in supporting roles. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan will also make a special appearance in the movie.
Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Indian Express
Lokesh Kanagaraj refused villain's role in Sivakarthikeyan's Parasakthi: ‘Dates clashed with Coolie'
Lokesh Kanagaraj, easily one of the most popular and most sought-after filmmakers in the country, is busy promoting his latest film Coolie. The director has been making his presence felt across YouTube channels and podcasts, promoting the Rajinikanth starrer that is already ready to hit the screens on August 14 this month. During one of these interactions, Lokesh Kanagaraj provided a piece of previously unknown movie casting offer, which he turned down. The filmmaker was offered the antagonist role in Sudha Kongara's upcoming political drama Parasakti, opposite Sivakarthikeyan playing the leading man. The Coolie director expressed the fact that over the years, he has been approached by many filmmakers for acting in their films. Lokesh explains that he had a couple of sittings with director Sudha Kongara for the casting discussions and was interested in going ahead with the acting gig for some time. However, the director had to turn down being part of Parasakthi due to the conflicting timings of the film's shoot, which would interfere with his shooting schedule for Coolie. A post shared by Sudha Kongara (@sudha_kongara) The director also confirms that he was advised to take up the role, if possible by Sivakarthikeyan, but the pressure of completing Coolie as per plan convinced Lokesh that he would have to refuse the acting offer. A post shared by Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) However, the young filmmaker is all set to make his acting debut as a hero with a gritty gangster drama helmed by Arun Matheswaran, which will go on floors in a few months. Parasakti is a political drama featuring Sivakarthikeyan, Ravi Mohan, Sreeleela, and Atharvaa in the lead roles. The film deals with the famous 'Anti-Hindi' agitation which took place in Tamil Nadu during the 1960's. The film will be released in the upcoming months.
