'Coolie' Trailer Out: Rajinikanth Roars Back in a Mass Action Drama, Lokesh Kanagaraj's Directorial Promises a Vintage Treat
The wait is over for fans of Tamil cinema’s iconic superstar Rajinikanth, as the trailer for his much-anticipated film Coolie dropped on August 2, 2025, at a grand event in Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium. Directed by the dynamic Lokesh Kanagaraj, this action-packed thriller has ignited a frenzy with its promise of vintage Rajini charisma, high-octane action, and a gripping narrative. Certified ‘A’ for its raw intensity, Coolie is poised to be a cinematic spectacle when it hits theaters worldwide on August 14, 2025. Here’s why the trailer has fans buzzing and what makes this Lokesh-Rajini collaboration a must-watch.
A Grand Trailer Launch
The trailer unveiling was no ordinary event. Held during a star-studded audio launch, the event saw the presence of Coolie’s powerhouse cast, including Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Upendra, and Soubin Shahir. Fans flooded social media with reactions, calling the trailer a “visual extravaganza” and praising Rajinikanth’s electrifying screen presence. The three-minute-plus trailer, backed by Anirudh Ravichander’s thumping score, offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world of gold smuggling, gritty action, and emotional depth, setting the stage for a blockbuster.
Rajinikanth’s Vintage Swag
At the heart of the trailer is Rajinikanth as Deva, a former gang leader with a mysterious past. Sporting a red suit, twirling a bat, and delivering punchy dialogues, Rajini channels the charm of his 1980s classics like Mullum Malarum and Ranga. The trailer features nostalgic callbacks, including Rajinikanth whistling the tune of “Shenbagame” from Enga Ooru Pattukaran (1987) and the iconic dialogue “Appavum Thaathavum” from Ranga (1982). Fans on X have gone wild, with reactions like “BLOCKBUSTER written all over” and “Rajini sir, massy bloody,” celebrating his return to a massy avatar that blends style, action, and swagger.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Signature Touch
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his gritty storytelling in films like Kaithi and Vikram, brings his signature flair to Coolie. Unlike his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) projects, Coolie is a standalone tale, allowing Lokesh to craft a narrative free from interconnected constraints. The trailer hints at a story that balances intense action with emotional depth, with the first half focusing on Deva’s personal journey before shifting gears to explosive confrontations. Lokesh has promised no compromise on violence, making Coolie his first A-rated film, a departure from Rajinikanth’s typically family-friendly fare.
The plot follows Deva, an aging gold smuggler, who uses stolen technology hidden in antique golden watches to revive his old mafia crew. However, his plan spirals into chaos, exploring themes of redemption, betrayal, and the cost of reclaiming past glory. Lokesh’s meticulous two-year dedication to the project, including sacrificing personal time and social media presence, underscores his commitment to delivering a cinematic milestone.
A Stellar Ensemble and Technical Brilliance
Coolie boasts a stellar cast, with Aamir Khan making a rugged cameo as Dahaa, Nagarjuna as Simon, Upendra as Kaleesha, Shruti Haasan as Preethi, and Soubin Shahir as Dayal. The trailer teases high-voltage confrontations, including a reported 15-minute action-packed face-off between Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan, adding to the film’s pan-India appeal. Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying score, featuring tracks like “Chikitu,” “Monica,” and “Powerhouse,” blends folk percussion with modern beats, elevating the trailer’s epic feel. Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan and stunt choreographers Anbariv Masters ensure visually stunning action sequences, while editor Philomin Raj keeps the pacing tight.
A highlight is the song “Monica,” inspired by Monica Bellucci and named after Pooja Hegde’s character, which has already caught fans’ attention, with some sharing it with the actress herself on Instagram.
Box Office Buzz and a Mega Clash
Coolie is already making waves commercially, with advance U.S. premiere sales crossing $550,000 (approximately Rs 4.6 crore) from 181 locations, signaling a “Thalaivar storm” at the box office. The film’s pan-India release in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada, backed by a Rs 230–350 crore budget, positions it as a major contender. However, it faces a colossal clash with War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, during the Independence Day weekend, setting the stage for one of Indian cinema’s biggest showdowns.
Why Coolie Is a Vintage Treat
The trailer’s success lies in its blend of nostalgia and modernity. For Rajinikanth fans, it’s a celebration of his iconic style—think slow-motion walks, blood-splattering action, and witty one-liners. For Lokesh Kanagaraj admirers, it’s a testament to his ability to elevate a superstar’s persona while delivering a fresh, intense narrative. Social media reactions sum it up: “1000cr confirmed if screenplay fits for audience” and “Lokesh sethukirukaaru bhaaa” (Lokesh has nailed it). The film’s homage to Rajinikanth’s earlier roles, combined with Lokesh’s comparison to the acclaimed Thalapathi (1991), raises expectations for a story that’s both emotionally resonant and action-packed.
What to Expect on August 14
With its release just weeks away, Coolie promises to be a landmark in Rajinikanth’s 50-year career and his 171st film. The trailer’s gritty visuals, star-studded cast, and Anirudh’s pulsating music have set the bar high. Whether it’s Deva’s quest for redemption or the chaos of his revived empire, Coolie is poised to deliver a cinematic experience that blends the best of Rajinikanth’s legacy with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s modern storytelling. As fans chant, “Deva Varraaru” (Deva is coming), the stage is set for a blockbuster that could redefine Tamil mass cinema.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and fan reactions. Box office predictions and plot details are speculative and subject to change.
