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The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Coolie': Third single ‘Powerhouse' celebrates superstar Rajinikanth with ‘Breaking Bad' references
The makers of Coolie, starring Rajnikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, released the third single from the highly-anticipated movie on all audio platforms. Titled Powerhouse, the song is sung by Anirudh Ravichander and Arivu. Produced by Sun Pictures, the movie is set to hit the screens on Augutst 14, 2025. The high-energy track celebrates the superstar, who is set to play the character Deva in Coolie. The fast-paced number will be launched officially in Hyderabad on Tuesday (July 22, 2025) in the presence of cast and crew members. The makers used the opening section of the song with the first-glimpse video of Coolie, released on May 06, 2025. In the video, all the characters, except Rajinikanth, get introduced through the over-the-shoulder shot as we see Soubin Shahir, Satyaraj, Upendra and Akkineni Nagarjuna even as we hear a rap portion from the song. Rajinikanth is seen standing at a port, and the video ends with the superstar whistling. Powerhouse, which dropped on popular audio platform on the back of a cheeky promo video, has got fans talking about the Breaking Bad references in it. With the mentions of Say My Name and You're Goddamn Right, the song is a small nod to the popular crime drama. In several instances, Lokesh Kanagaraj has expressed his admiration for crime shows such as Breaking Bad and Peaky Blinders. Fans on social media also compared the song with the sensational-hit Hukum from Jailer (2023). Recently, the makers of Coolie released the second single from the movie. Titled 'Monica', the dance number features Pooja Hegde and Soubin. The song has a mention of Monica Bellucci, the well-known Italian actor. 'Chikitu Vibe', the fun track sung by veteran T Rajender, Anirudh and Arivu. Coolie said to be a standalone movie and not part of Lokesh's celebrated Lokesh Cinematic Universe. Shruti Haasan is also part of the movie. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is shooting for Jailer 2, a sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Jailer, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When star power meets song beats: Top actresses lighting up Tamil cinema with special numbers
A-list stars bringing glam and buzz More than just looks, it's about presence A win-win for stars and cinema alike Top Picks For You Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals why Pooja Hegde is called 'Monica' in Rajinikanth's 'Coolie'; makers reveal making video The overwhelming response to the songs on the internet and the expectations of the fans are increasing day by day. Meanwhile, it is becoming a new trend for many leading actresses to appear in just one special song appearance. This 'special song appearance' has now become an important feature in Tamil cinema. Through this, not only the song but also the film becomes a unique main reason why only leading actresses participate in these is that since they appear in just one song, the promotion of that film will create a buzz. A year back, we saw Tamannaah's 'Kaavaala' in Rajinikanth's 'Jailer' grabbing wide attention. Similarly, Nayanthara, Samantha, Shruti Haasan , Kajal Aggarwal , Hansika, and many others have made special appearances for just one song. This is a smart strategy to attract their large fan base towards the film. Now, Pooja Hegde joined the list by grooving to 'Monica' in Rajinikanth's 'Coolie,' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj , and the latest Tamil song composed by Anirudh Ravichander is storming musical special appearances also work in a way to generate high income in a short period of time. If you hire a big actress for just one song, there's a chance that the film will be marketed on a large scale, even if it's a low-budget film. Such songs go viral on social media, making the film's first look, teaser, and song releases all the talk of the in these types of songs, the actresses are always not only seen with their beauty and dancing, but their camera presence also plays an important role. Each song is crafted with affection and glamour, giving them a special place. These songs are mostly based on party or beat music. The participation of actresses in these also serves as an opportunity for them to present themselves as a new face to their fans. Sometimes, another film they are acting in also gets promotion through this."A special song isn't just about looking glamorous—it's about owning the moment and bringing fire to the screen," said Samantha during 'Pushpa' promotions, reacting to her special appearance in 'Oo Antava.'"I've always believed dance is an expression of joy. When a special number gives me that space to perform and connect with fans, it's worth doing," shared Tamannaah on her dance to 'Kaavaala' in 'Jailer.'"I gave it my all for Monica—it's glam, it's fierce, and worth the wait!" wrote Pooja Hegde on reacting to her performance for 'Monica' in 'Coolie.'Overall, songs featuring leading actresses in Tamil cinema are a huge hit with fans. These are not just eye candy but also beneficial for the industry. It has been a commercial and popular success. Directors and producers have made it easy for any story to reach a mass audience with this new song strategy.
India Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Kamal Haasan meets friend Rajinikanth ahead of Rajya Sabha oath taking ceremony
Actor and politician Kamal Haasan met his dear friend and colleague, Rajinikanth, at his Poes Garden house in Chennai on Wednesday. Sharing a series of photos with him, the 'Thug Life' actor said that he met his friend days before his oath-taking ceremony at Rajya Sabha. Time and again, the two prove that their friendship stands tall, even above their Wednesday, Kamal Haasan shared photos with Rajinikanth. While he shared his Member of Parliament appointment with him, the 'Jailer' actor gifted him a bouquet and congratulated him with all his heart. The two embraced each other in the Haasan's X post in Tamil is loosely translated as saying, "I shared my joy with my friend Rajinikanth before embarking on my new journey. I am happy and delighted." Here are some photos: Photo credit: X/ikamalhaasan Photo credit: X/ikamalhaasan Kamal Haasan was elected unapposed as a Rajya Sabha member with the support of the DMK-led alliance in June.A press statement from his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), read, "We are pleased to inform you that Kamal Haasan will take the oath of office and assume his duties in Parliament on July 25."On the work front, Kamal Haasan was last seen in director Mani Ratnam's 'Thug Life'. The film received a lukewarm response at the box office and mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. The actor has a couple of projects lined up at different stages of upcoming film will be an action film with stunt choreographer-turned-director duo, Anbariv (Anbu and Arivu).- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The North-South Showdown in Bollywood and Beyond
Indian cinema witnesses a compelling North-South face-off, sparked by the Baahubali series' pan-Indian success. South Indian films like KGF and Salaar challenge Bollywood's dominance, impacting box office dynamics. Major clashes, including Jailer vs. Gadar 2 and Salaar vs. Dunki, highlight shifting audience preferences. The upcoming War 2 vs. Coolie vs. The Indian film industry, which has long been a landscape dominated by Bollywood, has seen a paradigm shift in recent years. South Indian cinema, especially from the Telugu, Tamil, and Kannada film industries, has been experiencing an unprecedented rise in popularity, thanks in no small part to the massive success of films like Baahubali series, Pushpa and KGF franchise . The ripple effect of this surge in Southern cinema's influence has led to some highly anticipated releases from both sides of the country clashing at the box office, creating a fierce competition in the film industry that was once dominated by the Hindi-speaking belt. This clash between the North (Bollywood) and the South (Tollywood, Kollywood, and Sandalwood) is slowly becoming a regular affair with few already clashing and few are getting prepped to clash. The Baahubali Effect: A Catalyst for Change The game-changing moment for South Indian cinema in the Hindi-speaking belt came in 2015 with the release of Baahubali: The Beginning with Prabhas and Rana Daggubati. Directed by S.S. Rajamouli, the epic saga broke all box office records and set the stage for the North-South divide to begin closing. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion further solidified the South's dominance in the national film market when it went on to become the highest-grossing Indian film at the time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dubai's Next Icon: Experience Binghatti Aquarise Luxury Binghatti Developers FZE Learn More Undo Baahubali didn't just set a new benchmark in terms of cinematic experience and storytelling but also made Hindi-speaking audiences sit up and take notice of the power and potential of films from South India. Post-Baahubali, the floodgates opened for dubbed South Indian films to enter the Hindi market, paving the way for films like KGF, RRR, and Pushpa to become pan-Indian blockbusters. The Impact of KGF Chapter 2 and Laal Singh Chaddha The first major box office clash that set tongues wagging was in 2022, when KGF: Chapter 2, starring Yash, was set to release on the same day as Aamir Khan 's Laal Singh Chaddha. The announcement sent shockwaves through the film industry as both films were expected to be massive hits, with Laal Singh Chaddha having the backing of Aamir Khan's star power and the immense success of the original Forrest Gump. However, in a rare move, Aamir Khan chose to push the release of Laal Singh Chaddha to 22nd August as VFX work on the film was not complete. When KGF: Chapter 2 did release, it shattered box-office records, grossing nearly Rs 860 crore in India, while Laal Singh Chaddha was left struggling withRs 61 crore in India. The August 2023 Triple Clash: Jailer, Gadar 2, and OMG 2 In August 2023, the clash reached a new level of intensity, with three major releases competing for audiences' attention on the same weekend. Rajinikanth 's Jailer hit theatres on August 10th, followed by Gadar 2 on August 11th, and Akshay Kumar 's OMG 2 on the same day. These films represented the two extremes of Indian cinema – Jailer, a star-studded action-packed drama from Tamil cinema, and Gadar 2 and OMG 2, both Bollywood releases, with established stars like Sunny Deol and Akshay Kumar in leading roles. The box office numbers were staggering, with Jailer making Rs 48.55 crore, Gadar 2 earning Rs 525.7 crore, and OMG 2 collecting Rs 151.6 crore. While Jailer and Gadar 2 did well, it was clear that the audience had a deeper connection to the nostalgic appeal of Gadar 2, and this clash only demonstrated the power of a pan-India star like Rajinikanth and the nostalgic draw of a film like Gadar 2. This clash further cemented the fact that South Indian cinema is no longer a niche market. Films like Jailer and KGF are attracting audiences from all across India, while films from Bollywood, once dominant, are now forced to contend with the changing preferences of moviegoers. The Clash of Titans: Salaar vs Dunki 2023 saw a repeat of this phenomenon. Initially, Prabhas's much-anticipated film Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire, directed by Prashanth Neel (director of KGF), was set to release on September 28th, 2023. However, due to VFX issues, the release date was pushed back. In an ironic twist of fate, Salaar ended up clashing with Shah Rukh Khan 's Dunki, which was already riding high on the success of his two blockbusters Pathaan and Jawan. Despite the star power of Shah Rukh Khan, Salaar took the box office by storm, grossing Rs 406 crore, whereas Dunki grossed Rs 227 crore. While Dunki received critical acclaim for its emotional depth, Salaar garnered more attention for its mass appeal, larger-than-life action sequences, and Prabhas's performance. This was yet another testament to the growing dominance of South Indian cinema, as Prabhas's Salaar showed that an action-packed, pan-Indian film from the South could compete with, and in some cases outperform, Bollywood giants. The Upcoming Clash: War 2 vs Coolie vs Kantara Looking ahead, August 2025 promises yet another major clash, with War 2 directed by Ayan Mukerji (starring Hrithik, NTR Jr., and Kiara Advani ) facing off against Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, and Nagarjuna, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj . On top of that, Kantara: Chapter 1, the sequel to the surprise hit Kantara, will clash with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor 's Sunny Sanksari Ki Tulsi Kumari on October 2nd, 2025. This impending clash signals a new era of competition in the Indian film industry, with big-ticket films from both the North and South coming face to face at the box office. The sheer scale of these films – from the massive star-studded appeal of War 2 and Coolie to the much-anticipated sequel to Kantara – suggests that audiences will have their work cut out for them in choosing where to spend their money.
India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Director-actor Soubin Shahir surprises with energetic dance moves in Rajinikanth's Coolie song 'Monica'
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The makers of Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' have shared the second song titled 'Monica' from the film. It features strong dance performances from the lead actress, Pooja Hegde and Malayalam director-actor Soubin Shahir. Superstar Rajinikanth starrer 'Coolie' is one of the highly anticipated movies of this year. It is directed by 'Jailer' director Lokesh Kanagaraj and is slated to release in the theatres worldwide on August 14, 2025. 'Monica' song is composed by Anirudh Ravichander and is sung by Sublahshini, Anirudh Ravichander and Rap by Asal Kolaar. The lyrics of the song are penned by Vishnu Edavan. As for the lyrical video of the song, Pooja Hegde was seen nailing the dance moves choreographed by Sandy. Despite Hegde's heart-winning performance, Malayalam actor-director Soubin's brief dance glimpse has caught the attention of many cinema fans. Soubin Shahir is known for his roles in movies like 'Premam' and 'Manjummel Boys'. Though Shahir has proved his mettle in acting, the artist has now surprised his fans with killer dance moves in the 'Monica' song. Dressed in a formal shirt and pants, the actor effortlessly matched the dance steps with Pooja Hegde in the song. Sun Pictures (official production banner of 'Coolie') shared the song on their Instagram handle. This is the second single from the movie. Earlier, the makers released the song 'Chikitu' which was composed by Anirudh Ravichander and sung by T Rajhendherr, Anirudh Ravichander, and Arivu. This peppy song sets the tone for 'Coolie', which is full of Rajinikanth's trademark swag, reflecting the superstar's legendary demeanour and charisma on the screen. In the music video, Anirudh is seen singing the song with a microphone in his hand, encircled by a group of background dancers who offer great additions to the overall vibe of the song. The song has a grassroots Tamil feel thanks to the participation of renowned choreographer Sandy Master, beat master T Rajhendherr, and lyricist-singer Arivu in the music video. In one of the scenes, Rajinikanth also appears as Coolie, stealing the show with his swaggy dance moves. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth also has 'Jailer 2' in his movie pipeline. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the makers officially announced the film's sequel with a special promo featuring director Nelson Dilipkumar and music composer Anirudh Ravichander. (ANI)
