As Coolie continues to dominate music charts and playlists, Anirudh Ravichander—the man behind the album’s pulsating tracks—offered fans a glimpse into the creative process that led to its success. During a candid interaction, the composer spoke about handling creative blocks, drawing inspiration through unconventional means like ChatGPT, and thriving on the high-stakes pressure of tight production schedules.
“Coolie is an emotion,” Anirudh remarked. “And the love the album is receiving makes the effort worth it.”
From Rajinikanth fans to casual music lovers, the response to Coolie‘s soundtrack has been nothing short of electric. Tracks like “Powerhouse” and “Monica” have become instant fan favorites, celebrated for their gritty orchestration, mass appeal, and a blend of vintage and modern sonic elements.
From Creative Blocks to AI Brainstorms
Despite his consistent success, Anirudh was refreshingly honest about the occasional moments of mental roadblocks. When the ideas don’t flow, he turns to something unexpected—ChatGPT.
“I’ve used ChatGPT just to get a lyrical direction when I hit a wall. It won’t give me the final verse, but sometimes I ask it to write lines about a feeling or situation. That gets my brain moving again,” he shared.
The composer made it clear that AI doesn’t replace the role of a human lyricist but rather serves as a tool to unlock ideas, much like a scratchpad. This openness to technology reflects a broader trend in modern music-making, where innovation blends seamlessly with traditional artistry.
A Sound Before the Song: The Making of Coolie’s Musical Identity
Anirudh also spoke about how he approached the Coolie album differently compared to his previous works. Instead of beginning with a tune or rhythm, he started by searching for a central musical idea—a hook or sonic identity that would encapsulate the energy of Rajinikanth’s character.
“I spent days thinking about what the sound of Coolie should be before touching a single note. Once I cracked that, the compositions started coming together naturally,” he said.
This approach paid off spectacularly. The soundtrack of Coolie has been praised for its fierce energy, street-style rhythms, and a raw, rooted feel that complements the film’s mass-action vibe. It feels tailored not just to Rajinikanth’s screen persona, but also to the celebratory atmosphere fans associate with his releases.
“I Love Pressure. I Ask for It.”
In what might be the most telling insight into his work ethic, Anirudh revealed that he actually thrives under pressure, particularly when release dates are announced before he has completed the music.
“I like it when the producers lock in the release date before the music is done. It’s crazy, but that pressure brings clarity. It forces me to make sharper, instinctive choices,” he said with a smile.
With Coolie, this approach clearly worked. Despite the immense anticipation and towering expectations that come with composing for a Rajinikanth film, Anirudh delivered a soundtrack that not only met but exceeded fan expectations.
Chartbuster Celebration and the Road Ahead
With the album now out and celebrated as a chartbuster, the response has been overwhelming. Fans have been sharing dance videos, cover performances, and lyrical breakdowns across social media, turning the Coolie music into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Anirudh’s ability to blend musical mass appeal with modern production finesse has once again made him the toast of the industry.
“The fans’ response means everything. This kind of love pushes me to keep reinventing,” he said, signing off.
As Coolie marches towards theatrical release with a high-voltage soundtrack already doing the heavy lifting in promotions, Anirudh Ravichander proves yet again why he remains one of the most vital voices in contemporary Indian cinema music—restless, relentless, and always evolving.
