Rajinikanth is a huge Indian superstar, and he has teamed up with one of the country’s most famous filmmakers to deliver an action-packed extravaganza that is sure to slake the thirst of Indian film fans. With its former tentative title of Thalaivar 171, Coolie is a Tamil action thriller which stars the famous Kollywood actor in his 171st film. To the pleasure of many, writer-director Lokesh Kanagaraj of Kaithi and Vikram fame has been tapped to direct. Joining Rajinikanth, the cast of Thalaivar 171 is a veritable who’s who of Indian talent.
Ever since Sun Pictures broke the news about Thalaivar 171, die-hard fans have been eager for more news about the movie’s cast, story, and release date. The reveal of the film’s new title, Coolie, gave fans a hint of the kind of leading man Rajinikanth is playing, but there is much more info still to come.
Thalaivar 171 Is Now Coolie
The Name Change Was Announced With The Arrival Of A Teaser In April
Formerly under the tentative title of Thalaivar 171 to commemorate Rajinikanth’s 171st movie, the official name of the film is now Coolie. The title change was announced by Sun Pictures with the release of a teaser trailer in April 2024. In Eastern countries, “coolie” is slang for unskilled laborers who are paid low wages, although the word has a history of being controversial and is sometimes considered a slur (via NPR).
Coolie Latest News
Filming For Coolie Began In July 2024
Filming for Coolie began in Hyderabad on July 5, 2024 (via Times of India). Also according to Times of India, production was paused in October due to a needed medical procedure for Rajinikanth, who had a stent placed in his abdomen to address a swollen blood vessel. He was soon back in action as shooting resumed in Chennai. On December 13, The Statesman reported that actors Shruti Haasan and Aamir Khan had begun filming in Jaipur.
Coolie Confirmed
Sun Pictures Confirmed Thalaivar 171 In 2023
On September 11, 2023, Sun Pictures made the first official announcement of the film with a poster image on X. On a simple dark background, the text reads “Kalanithi Maran Presents Superstar Rajinikanth” in small white letters, then “Thalaivar 171” in large font, followed by “Written and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj” and “An Anirudh Musical.”
This simple image was enough to get Kollywood fans stoked, with so many huge names of Indian cinema in an unprecedented collaboration. While there hasn’t been an official release date set for Coolie, Times of India speculates that there could be a summer release as early as May 1, 2025.
Coolie Cast
Rajinikanth Will Be Joined By Singer Shruti Haasan, Bollywood Star Aamir Khan, And More
According to Cinema Express, “Thalaivar” Rajinikanth plays protagonist Deva, the titular “coolie” character in Coolie. The movie also boasts a slew of impressive Indian actors in the supporting cast. One is the talented singer Shruti Haasan, known for her work in Srimanthudu, The Eye, and Hi Nanna. Bollywood megastar Aamir Khan, known for the hit films Dengal and Secret Superstar, is set to make a cameo.
|
Coolie Cast |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Actor |
Character |
Notable Past Projects |
|
Rajinikanth |
Deva |
Enthiran, Baasha, Kabali |
|
Nagarjuna |
Simon |
Shirdi Sai, Rajanna, Manam |
|
Upendra |
Kaleesha |
Upendra, Super, Uppi 2 |
|
Sathyaraj |
Rajasekar |
Baahubali: The Beginning, Nadigan, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion |
|
Soubin Shahir |
Dayal |
Parava, Virus, Kumbalangi Nights |
|
Shruti Haasan |
Preethi |
Luck, Salaar, 7aum Arivu |
|
Sundeep Kishan |
Unknown |
Shor in the City, Venkatadri Express, Maanagaram |
|
Reba Monica John |
Unknown |
Identity, Bigil, Rajni |
|
Aamir Khan |
Unknown |
Like Stars on Earth, PK, Dangal |
Other names in the supporting cast include Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Sundeep Kishan, Reba Monica John, and Upendra. Besides Rajinikanth, it has not yet been revealed what characters these actors will play, though many character names have been given. Times of India has also speculated that Nagarjuna will be the film’s antagonist.
Coolie Story Details
With Lokesh Kanagaraj Directing, Coolie Looks To Be A Gritty Action Film
Almost nothing is known about the plot of Coolie, but with Lokesh Kanagaraj directing, there’s a good chance that audiences are in for a gritty, action-packed experience. Kanagaraj is best known for creating the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, the most successful Tamil-language franchise to date. The LCU, also known as the Lokiverse, consists of the films Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo, and each film is chock-full of eye-catching action sequences and cinematography.
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According to Gulte, Kanagaraj confirmed that Coolie is a standalone film and not part of the LCU. Although there is no official synopsis yet, the movie’s teaser trailer does offer a little taste of what’s to come.
Coolie Teaser Trailer
Rajinikanth Gears Up For An Exciting Action Film
On April 22, 2024, the teaser for Coolie dropped on YouTube, announcing the film’s official title at the same time. The teaser begins in a port warehouse where a team of criminals unloads a treasure trove of gold bars, watches, jewelry, and more. One of the men gets a call that someone has breached their security, and the group gets ready for a fight. Sporting aviators and using a gold chain to subjugate one of his attackers, Rajinikanth enters, putting the criminals in their place as the Ilaiyaraaja song “Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa” plays over the ensuing fight sequence.
After taking care of business, Rajinikanth relaxes at a table covered in gold and cash when the phone rings. He answers it, as a man on the other line asks if the threat has been taken care of, to which Rajinikanth replies with a sinister laugh. If this “Thalaivar 171” teaser is anything to go by, Kollywood fans have a lot to look forward to when Coolie hits Indian cinemas, probably sometime in 2025.
