Rajinikanth's Coolie A Sci-Fi Time Travel Film? Lokesh Kanagaraj Breaks Silence
During the same event, the filmmaker also opened up about the experience of working with Rajinikanth after previously directing Kamal Haasan in the 2022 blockbuster Vikram
With just 10 days to go until the release of Coolie, director Lokesh Kanagaraj's first collaboration with superstar Rajinikanth, excitement is at an all-time high. The film, which hits theatres worldwide on April 14, has sparked massive buzz—especially after the release of its much-discussed trailer. Though the film is set to clash with Ayan Mukerji's War 2 starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, fans and trade analysts believe Coolie is likely to dominate the box office, unless War 2 opens to glowing reviews and Coolie receives negative word-of-mouth.
The three-minute trailer for Coolie has left fans speculating wildly, especially about the possibility of time travel elements and sci-fi themes—an unusual genre for a Rajinikanth starrer. The cryptic visuals and subtle cues in the trailer have led many netizens to believe that Lokesh Kanagaraj has ventured into uncharted storytelling territory this time.
At the Coolie pre-release event, Lokesh finally addressed the growing speculation. 'I used to read all those things, but it surprises me as well," he said with a smile. 'Just now I was discussing it with Sathyaraj sir that everybody says it's a sci-fi film and it's a time-travel film… I am so excited to see people, who are going to be surprised when they actually see what the film is all about."
While Lokesh neither confirmed nor denied the time-travel theory, his remarks have only added fuel to the fire, leaving fans more curious than ever.
During the same event, the filmmaker also opened up about the experience of working with Rajinikanth after previously directing Kamal Haasan in the 2022 blockbuster Vikram. 'There is no difference, both are legends. Both of them are like my eyes, and I can't say which one (is the best or how different they are)," he said, sidestepping comparisons with grace.
Coolie 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.
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