The buzz around Coolie, Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, just got louder with the release of its second single — “Monica” — a foot-tapping, flamboyant number that’s as much a musical spectacle as it is a cinematic homage. Dropped on July 11 by Sun Pictures, the song is a stylized tribute to Italian screen siren Monica Bellucci, featuring Pooja Hegde in a show-stealing retro avatar and a surprise turn from Malayalam actor-director Soubin Shahir, who dazzles with his unexpected dance prowess.
Composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose chart-topping credits include Jawan, the track has lyrics by Vishnu Edavan and vocals by Anirudh himself along with Sublahshini. Available in Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu, the song is already climbing the viral charts, igniting fan frenzy across languages and borders.
The song isn’t just a dance number — it’s a cultural bridge. Coolie‘s “Monica” salutes the charisma and cinematic legacy of Monica Bellucci, the Italian actress known for her alluring screen presence in international films such as Malena, The Matrix Reloaded, The Passion of the Christ, and Spectre. The now 60-year-old actress is admired for her bold yet elegant performances in both European and Hollywood cinema.
In an intriguing coincidence, Bellucci’s daughter is named Deva — the same as Rajinikanth’s character in Coolie, adding an unexpected personal parallel that fans are already latching onto.
In “Monica,” Pooja Hegde appears in a fiery red dress — a nod to Bellucci’s iconic crimson costumes in films like Malena and Spectre. With vintage lighting, cabaret-style visuals, and glamorous choreography, the song crafts a visual experience that echoes the sensual sophistication of Bellucci’s most memorable roles. Critics and fans alike are praising Hegde for her elegance and control, with one fan posting, “Never liked Pooja Hegde this much — she’s full of grace in this sequence!”
While Hegde’s glamour commands the eye, it’s Soubin Shahir who’s surprising everyone — stealing hearts and the spotlight with his infectious energy. Known more for his cerebral roles in Malayalam cinema, Soubin lets loose here, and the internet is in love. A fan raved on X, “Soubin going absolutely insaneeeeee — never seen him dance with this much energy before. He is soo happyyy doing it.” Social media users have even resurfaced a clip from Bheeshma Parvam, where Soubin moonwalks effortlessly — a sign this flair had been simmering for a while.
Backed by Sun Pictures and featuring a formidable cast — including Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Reba Monica John, and Monisha Blessy — Coolie is set for release on August 14, a day before India’s Independence Day.
The film also marks a major reunion: Aamir Khan and Rajinikanth sharing the screen after three decades since Aatank Hi Aatank (1995). With Coolie releasing alongside War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani, the Independence Day weekend is primed for a blockbuster showdown.
With “Monica,” Coolie doesn’t just deliver a chartbuster — it smartly integrates international flair into Tamil masala cinema, connecting pop-culture nostalgia with global admiration. As Anirudh’s beats rage across streaming platforms and fans await the film’s release, this retro tribute has firmly placed Monica Bellucci back into the Indian cinematic conversation — with Pooja and Soubin leading the celebration.
