Coolie Cast Fees: From Rajinikanth to Aamir Khan, Here's How Much Actors Charged for Lokesh Kanagaraj's Film

The Tamil film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and set to release on August 14, 2025, has generated massive buzz with its star-studded cast and record-breaking pre-release business. Headlined by superstar Rajinikanth, the action thriller features a powerhouse ensemble including Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and others. As anticipation builds, reports about the hefty fees charged by the cast and crew have sparked curiosity. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how much the actors and director were reportedly paid for this mega-budget film, based on available information.

Rajinikanth as Deva: ₹150–260 Crore

Rajinikanth, the legendary superstar playing the lead character Deva, reportedly commanded a staggering fee. Sources vary, with estimates ranging from ₹150 crore to ₹260 crore. According to Deccan Herald, his initial fee was ₹150 crore, but due to the film’s record-breaking pre-release sales of ₹550 crore globally, producers revised it to ₹200 crore, solidifying his status as one of India’s highest-paid actors at age 74. News18 claims he charged up to ₹260 crore, reflecting his massive draw and the film’s high stakes.

Aamir Khan as Dahaa: ₹0–20 Crore

Bollywood icon Aamir Khan makes a 15-minute cameo as the ferocious gangster Dahaa. Reports conflict on his fee: some, like Times Now and Mid-Day, state he worked for free out of admiration for Rajinikanth, describing his role as a “gesture of respect.” Others, including Deccan Herald and Moviecrow, claim he was paid ₹20 crore for his brief but impactful appearance, making it one of the priciest cameos in Indian cinema.

Nagarjuna as Simon: ₹10–30 Crore

Telugu megastar Nagarjuna plays the antagonist Simon, a well-crafted villain role praised by Rajinikanth himself. His fee is estimated between ₹10 crore (Deccan Herald) and ₹24–30 crore (Times Now, Mid-Day). This range reflects his pivotal role in the pan-India project, leveraging his star power across regional markets.

Shruti Haasan as Preethi: ₹4 Crore

Shruti Haasan, playing the intense character Preethi who works closely with Rajinikanth’s Deva, was paid ₹4 crore, according to multiple sources like Times Now and Deccan Herald. Her role adds emotional depth to the action-packed narrative, and her fee aligns with her status as a prominent actress in South Indian cinema.

Pooja Hegde for Monica Song: ₹3 Crore

Pooja Hegde features in the special song “Monica,” composed by Anirudh Ravichander, bringing electrifying energy to a crucial sequence. She reportedly charged ₹3 crore for her performance, as noted by Times Now and Deccan Herald. The song’s vibrant choreography and backdrop make it a highlight of the film.

Sathyaraj as Rajasekhar: ₹5 Crore

Veteran actor Sathyaraj, reuniting with Rajinikanth after years, plays the key role of Rajasekhar. He was paid ₹5 crore, according to Deccan Herald and Mid-Day. Known for his memorable role as Kattappa in Baahubali, Sathyaraj’s presence adds gravitas to the film’s ensemble.

Upendra as Kaleesha: ₹4 Crore

Kannada star Upendra, portrayingNow*, plays Kaleesha and was paid ₹4 crore for his role, as reported by Times Now and Deccan Herald. His character adds a dynamic edge to the action thriller, and his fee reflects his prominence in the industry.

Soubin Shahir as Dayal: ₹1 Crore

Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir, known for his versatility and buzz-generating dance moves in the “Monica” song, plays Dayal and earned ₹1 crore, per Deccan Herald and Times Now. His role, though smaller, contributes to the film’s diverse appeal.

Lokesh Kanagaraj (Director): ₹50 Crore

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for blockbusters like Vikram and Leo, reportedly charged ₹50 crore for helming Coolie, as confirmed by Times Now, Deccan Herald, and Mid-Day. This hefty fee underscores his reputation as a top-tier director and the massive expectations for his first collaboration with Rajinikanth.

Anirudh Ravichander (Music Composer): ₹15 Crore

Anirudh Ravichander, who composed the film’s music including the hit song “Monica,” was paid ₹15 crore, according to Deccan Herald. His energetic score is integral to Coolie’s high-octane vibe, justifying his substantial fee.

The Big Picture

Coolie, produced by Sun Pictures with a budget of ₹350–400 crore, is one of 2025’s most expensive Indian films. The cast and crew fees alone total over ₹252 crore, with Rajinikanth’s paycheck being the largest chunk. The film’s pre-release business, including ₹130 crore from OTT rights and ₹90 crore from satellite deals, has already earned a ₹200 crore profit, making it a financial juggernaut even before its release.

Final Thoughts

The staggering fees for Coolie’s cast and crew reflect the film’s massive scale and star power. Rajinikanth’s colossal paycheck reaffirms his box-office dominance, while Aamir Khan’s debated fee (or lack thereof) highlights his respect for the Tamil icon. With a diverse ensemble and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s proven directorial prowess, Coolie is poised to be a cinematic spectacle. As fans eagerly await its August 14 release, these figures underscore the high stakes and higher expectations for this pan-India blockbuster.