The trailer for Coolie, the much-anticipated Rajinikanth starrer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has not only captivated fans but also reignited long-standing fan rivalries in Tamil cinema. A controversial post from the verified handle of Kerala Vijay Fans Club (@KVFC_Official) stirred controversy online, calling the Coolie trailer a “disaster” and claiming it failed to generate any significant hype—even with its ensemble cast.
The tweet read:
“Even the Multistarrer Trailer is not helping the #CoolieTrailer to create a hype 🤣🧢 DISASTROUS TRAILER — #Coolie. Every one is not @actorvijay, to create a hype with a Single Glimpse 👊🔥”
The post didn’t sit well with another verified Vijay fan page, Vijay Social Team (@TST_Offcl), which responded strongly, defending Rajinikanth while also calling out the original tweet’s tone. In a mix of Tamil and English, they rebuked the post saying:
“Unakku #Coolie Trailer pidikkala na m$%d$^tu iru @KVFC_Official தேவையில்லாம வம்பு இழுக்காத FC Page Handle பண்ணிட்ட.. நம்ம தளபதியே இதை பார்த்தாருனா உன்னை அசிங்கமா கேப்பாரு!!! Even @actorvijay anna is Superstar’s fan boy.. So don’t do this sh#$y work 💦”
This exchange has brought the spotlight back on the recurring fan clashes that often dominate Tamil cinema’s online discourse. While fan rivalries are not new, the Coolie trailer has once again become a lightning rod for competitive comparisons between Vijay and Rajinikanth fans.
The digital rivalry between Vijay and Rajinikanth fans first intensified during the release of Leo in 2023, when social media was flooded with symbolic memes comparing Vijay to a “crow” and Rajinikanth to an “eagle.” The metaphor, intended to mock Vijay’s stardom in contrast to Rajini’s legendary stature, became a viral point of contention between the fan bases. While some Rajinikanth fans used the analogy to assert enduring supremacy, Vijay fans countered with trending hashtags, box office comparisons, and mass dialogues from Leo.
However, longtime followers of Tamil cinema point out that Vijay himself has, in the past, openly declared his admiration for Rajinikanth. In his early years, Vijay often positioned himself as a die-hard fan of the Superstar—be it in interviews, public events, or even within his films. Many of his earlier commercial ventures were heavily influenced by Rajini’s cinematic formula: exaggerated swag, mass punchlines, signature dance moves, and stylized action blocks. Critics and cinephiles have often noted that Vijay’s filmography includes deliberate emulation of Rajinikanth’s screen persona, with entire sequences, dialogue delivery patterns, and even costume stylings paying homage to the icon.
That very homage, however, has evolved into a source of tension in recent years. Rajinikanth fans now accuse Vijay of appropriating the Superstar’s legacy to build his own fan base—and later distancing himself from it. A flashpoint in this perception came during the Leo audio launch, where Vijay’s tone, posture, and seemingly arrogant body language were interpreted by many as dismissive of Rajinikanth’s legacy. Although he never mentioned Rajinikanth directly, his overly self-congratulatory attitude and cryptic remarks were widely criticized by senior fans and even some neutral observers.
To many, it appeared as though Vijay had not only outgrown his mentor figure but now viewed himself as equal—or superior—in stature. This perceived shift has deepened the rift between the two fanbases. Rajinikanth admirers, many of whom once appreciated Vijay as a respectful junior, now see him as a star who has forgotten his roots and taken his success too far.
Industry veterans maintain that no South Indian hero—past or present—has escaped the influence of Rajinikanth. His contributions to mass cinema, style, and superstardom have shaped an entire generation, and Vijay is no exception. But while inspiration is natural, what offends many is the lack of continued reverence from those who once publicly idolized him.
As the build-up to Coolie continues, the underlying tensions between legacy and contemporary stardom appear more pronounced than ever. And unless fan communities—and stars themselves—openly address these undercurrents with maturity, the screen may soon take a backseat to social media squabbles.