NAGARJUNA UNLEASHED: Villain Role in ‘Coolie' Was LIBERATING Like Never Before
Nagarjuna opens up about his most daring transformation yet — playing the villain in Lokesh Kanagaraj's much-awaited film Coolie. Known for his composed, classy roles, Nagarjuna reveals how liberating it was to break every mold and dive into the raw, unfiltered world of crime and power. From telling characters to 'shut up' to embracing a darker, charmingly evil persona, this role is unlike anything fans have seen before.Also starring Rajinikanth, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and others, Coolie is a fiery mix of vengeance, smuggling, and underworld chaos. Nagarjuna calls it a turning point in his acting journey. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes deep dive!
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Nagarjuna Akkineni spills a major secret from 'Coolie'; describes his role in one word - "freedom"
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj , 'Coolie' featuring Rajinikanth is slated for release on August 14. The film is in its final stages of production, with Lokesh working tirelessly to wrap up the remaining portions. The film also stars Nagarjuna Akkineni , Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan , Upendra, and Soubin Shahir , creating a powerhouse cast that has heightened expectations. Nagarjuna the baddie In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, actor Nagarjuna made an exciting revelation about his upcoming appearance in director Lokesh Kanagaraj's much-anticipated film 'Coolie.' While promoting his role in 'Kuberaa,' he confirmed that he plays the antagonist in 'Coolie,' where he shares screen space with superstar Rajinikanth. This news follows Aamir Khan 's earlier comment hinting at a cameo in the same film, adding further buzz to the already high-profile project. Nagarjuna Akkineni's addition as the villain is a surprising twist, especially for fans who have followed his mostly heroic roles in recent years. Nagarjuna Akkineni on working with Lokesh Kanagaraj Speaking about how he came on board, Nagarjuna shared a candid anecdote. He said Lokesh approached him unexpectedly and asked if he had any objection to playing a villain. 'He told me, 'If you're not comfortable, we can just have a cup of tea and I'll leave.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo I told him I wasn't against the idea but wanted to hear the story first,' Nagarjuna recalled. After listening to the narration, he was hooked and had multiple discussions with Lokesh to understand the depth of his role. Roles in 'Kuberaa' and 'Coolie' Reflecting on the contrast between his roles in 'Kuberaa' and 'Coolie,' Nagarjuna said, 'In 'Kuberaa,' playing the role required precision, even the way he drinks a cup of coffee had to reflect his persona. But in 'Coolie,' I felt completely free. If I had to describe my character in one word, it would be "freedom"." He added that the experience gave him artistic freedom, unlike anything he's done recently.
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
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:
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Nagarjuna Akkineni's Kuberaa Was Edited By A 25-Year-Old Alumnus From His College
Last Updated: According to Nagarjuna Akkineni, he was content after learning that someone from his own college edited the teaser of Kuberaa. The teaser of Kuberaa created waves across the Internet soon after its release two weeks ago. Titled Trance of Kuberaa, the first glimpse of the film featured both the leading stars Nagarjuna Akkineni and Dhanush, with an impressive music score in the background. The highlight – It was cut by a 25-year-old Sushruth Chilakapati. That's not all. Nagarjuna has revealed that Sushruth is an alumnus of the Akkineni family's Annapurna College of Film and Media. During a media interaction, Nagarjuna shared, 'When I first watched the teaser, I was blown away. I remember asking, 'Who cut this? What a fantastic cut!' It had such finesse, such storytelling rhythm – it was difficult to pull off something like that, especially a teaser that builds entirely on a song and still conveys a whole story. I later found out that the person behind it was a young man named Sushruth, an alumnus of Annapurna College of Film & Media. I was genuinely thrilled!" Nagarjuna then asked his wife, Amala Akkineni, the Director of the institute, about Sushruth. The actor continued, 'I was so proud. We had met before, but I hadn't realised he'd go on to do something so impactful." Further in the conversation, Nagarjuna admitted that Sekhar Kammula did a brilliant job with the concept for the teaser. According to the actor, he was content after learning that someone from his own college edited the first cut which soon became a talking point after release. 'It was a full-circle moment for me as both an actor and the founder of the college," added Nagarjuna. Starring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Dhanush, Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh, Kuberaa is all set for a theatrical release on June 20. Up next, Nagarjuna will also be seen playing a negative role in Rajinikanth starrer Coolie. The upcoming action entertainer, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, also features Upendra Rao in a key role. Aamir Khan is also expected to make a cameo in the much-awaited film. Among other actors in the film are Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir and Sathyaraj. The movie is slated to release on August 14, 2025. Reports also suggest that Nagarjuna will be seen in Rajinikanth's Jailer 2. However, an official confirmation is still awaited. First Published: June 18, 2025, 11:18 IST
