Rajinikanth's upcoming action thriller, "Coolie," directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is generating immense buzz and is expected to release in over 100 countries on August 14, 2025. This wide release could potentially make it one of the most globally distributed Indian films ever.
Global Distribution and Anticipation
Hamsini Entertainment, a prominent international film distributor, is backing the global rollout of "Coolie". The company has a strong track record, having released over 130 Indian films in various languages worldwide. Their recent large-scale releases include "The Greatest of All Time (GOAT)" starring Vijay, which was released in over 40 countries, and "Devara" featuring Jr. NTR, released in over 90 countries. Sources indicate that "Coolie" is set to be Hamsini's biggest release to date.
The film has already set a record for the highest overseas procurement for a Tamil film, highlighting its global appeal and the anticipation surrounding its release. With a massive worldwide marketing campaign planned, "Coolie" is poised to redefine benchmarks for Indian cinema on a global scale.
Cast and Crew
"Coolie" boasts a star-studded cast alongside Rajinikanth, including Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan. The film marks Rajinikanth's first collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj, and his fifth with production house Sun Pictures, after "Enthiran," "Petta," "Annaatthe," and "Jailer".
Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music for "Coolie," marking his fourth consecutive collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj. Girish Gangadharan is handling the cinematography, and Philomin Raj is in charge of editing.
Production and Story Details
Sun Pictures is producing "Coolie" on a massive budget. The film was officially announced in September 2023 under the tentative title "Thalaivar 171," marking Rajinikanth's 171st film as a lead actor. The official title was revealed in April 2024. Lokesh Kanagaraj has stated that "Coolie" will be a standalone film and not part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). Unlike his previous films, "Coolie" will not revolve around drugs but will instead focus on gold smuggling.
Principal photography commenced in Chennai in July 2024, followed by schedules in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok, wrapping up by mid-March 2025.
Release and Expectations
"Coolie" is scheduled for a worldwide release on August 14, 2025, in standard, IMAX, D-Box, and 4DX formats. The film is expected to be a high-octane action drama.
With its impressive cast, experienced crew, and widespread distribution plans, "Coolie" is one of the most anticipated Indian film releases of 2025. Fans worldwide eagerly await Rajinikanth's return to the big screen.