Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has already ignited massive buzz online — not just for its explosive visuals and star power, but for the cryptic narrative glimpsed in the trailer. Within hours of its release, social media became a hotbed for fan theories, with cinephiles and Thalaivar loyalists alike trying to piece together what Lokesh might be hiding in plain sight.
“I don’t think Lokesh revealed anything, but Thalaivar is ‘The Danger’,” one fan wrote, echoing the collective sentiment that the trailer is designed to mislead while dropping cryptic clues. With references to mysterious luxury watches, power stations, a potential superhuman serum, and even time travel, Coolie is being hailed as more than just a mass commercial entertainer — it might be a genre-bending thriller with layers yet to be uncovered.
A Tale of Friendship, Betrayal, and Revenge?
A dominant theory among fans is that Sathyaraj and Rajinikanth’s characters are long-time friends — possibly bonded through their past at a harbor or factory. Sathyaraj, suspected to be a scientist, undercover cop, or ship mechanic, might discover a nefarious operation led by Nagarjuna’s character. This discovery could lead to his death, prompting Deva (Rajinikanth) to enter the fray, possibly under disguise, seeking revenge.
In this speculative storyline, Shruti Haasan is seen as Sathyaraj’s daughter, who turns to Deva for help after her father is killed. She may be injecting a mysterious drug into people — potentially linked to the superhuman serum subplot — or be involved in a covert mission of her own.
Time Travel, Identity Erasure, and Sci-Fi Undertones
One recurring motif fans noted was the heavy use of watches, chains, and mysterious technology, hinting at time travel or scientific experimentation. Some fans believe that Sathyaraj’s character may have developed a serum or machine that could manipulate time, erase identities, or enhance human abilities. The infamous iron chair seen in the trailer is speculated to be a tool for transformation or electrocution — possibly central to the plot’s sci-fi angle.
A viral fan theory states: “Nagarjuna is running a secret business that erases identities using tech created by Sathyaraj. A clash over its misuse leads to Sathyaraj’s death, and Rajinikanth steps in to stop it.”
Another wild but popular guess posits that Coolie could be a time-loop film where Rajinikanth’s past and present selves coexist — with young Thalaivar sequences possibly being more than just flashbacks.
Multiple Villains, One Mission
From Soubin Shahir to Upendra, Nagarjuna, and the late entry of Aamir Khan, the film boasts a powerful ensemble of antagonists and allies. Many fans suggest that Upendra plays a close friend of Deva in the past timeline who is killed, pushing Deva further into the mission. Aamir Khan’s arrival — speculated to be in the film’s final act — could introduce a new level of threat, with some suggesting he arrives by helicopter for a funeral, possibly Deva’s or another pivotal character.
The presence of two coffins, priests, and a sombre atmosphere in one of the trailer’s final shots has sparked debates about whose funeral Aamir Khan’s character attends — with names like Simon, Sathyaraj, or even Deva being tossed around.
Lokesh’s Puzzle Box and Fan Frenzy
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for embedding layered subtexts and interconnected cinematic universes (LCU), seems to have taken a more cryptic route with Coolie. Fans are both puzzled and excited — many choosing to avoid over-analysis to preserve the “First Day First Show” thrill.
“Only Lokesh knows what he’s really made. If anyone guesses this correctly, they deserve to direct a film themselves,” quipped one user.
Final Thoughts: Mystery Fuels the Mania
While no official synopsis or character backstory has been revealed, the Coolie trailer has done its job — it has sent fan imagination into overdrive. Whether it’s about a revenge saga cloaked in sci-fi elements or a deeper philosophical message on identity, Coolie has become a fan theory goldmine.
And as one fan perfectly summed it up:
“Nothing is revealed. Everything is hidden. But one thing’s clear — Thalaivar is back, and he’s dangerous.”