On August 2, 2025, all eyes turned to the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai where a thunderous crowd welcomed one of Indian cinema’s biggest legends. Rajinikanth made a rousing entry at the Coolie audio launch, accompanied by Sun Pictures’ head Kalanithi Maran, echoing his iconic mass-hero style. Dressed in a sleek all-black ensemble, the actor was received with cheers that rivaled any film premiere. As he stepped on stage, he greeted each member of the ensemble cast with reverence and warmth—hugging Aamir Khan, embracing Nagarjuna, and exchanging folded hands with Shruti Haasan and Sathyaraj.
The event, grand in scale and sentiment, was as much about the film as it was a celebration of Rajinikanth’s legacy. The stage was graced by the who’s who of Coolie: Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir, Kannada star Upendra, composer Anirudh Ravichander, and director Lokesh Kanagaraj, all of whom paid rich tributes to the veteran star.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Crew
Shruti Haasan opened the line-up of speeches with heartfelt appreciation for her role in Coolie, describing it as one of the strongest female characters she has portrayed. Anirudh Ravichander, who composed the film’s soundtrack, described the album as a “mass-masala riot” and confidently predicted chart-topping success. Nagarjuna, who shares screen space with Rajinikanth after decades, drew parallels between Coolie and the cult classic Baasha, praising its nostalgic undertones.
Aamir Khan, making a rare appearance in Tamil cinema, shared that he signed the film without even hearing the script, stating, “When Rajini sir calls, you say yes. That’s it.” Sathyaraj, in his typically candid manner, commended Rajinikanth’s simplicity, charisma, and longevity, emphasizing how few stars can retain public affection across generations. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj described the film as the realization of a dream, thanking the cast and crew while teasing high-octane performances from Upendra and Soubin Shahir.
Rajinikanth Steals the Show
The highlight of the evening, unsurprisingly, was Rajinikanth’s own speech. Equal parts witty, reflective, and emotional, the superstar captivated the audience with his natural flair for storytelling. He began by teasing Lokesh Kanagaraj for his fandom for Kamal Haasan, joking: “I asked if he had a story for me, and he said he’s Kamal’s fan. Did I ask you whose fan you are? That’s his way of saying he has an intelligent story.”
He continued with jabs and jests directed at the long promotional interviews given by the crew, humorously noting that “Lokesh’s interview with one channel went on for two hours. I watched half of it, went to sleep, and it was still playing when I woke up.”
But amidst the laughter came a deeply emotional moment. Rajinikanth recounted an incident from his early life when he worked as a coolie in Bangalore. A former college mate recognized him and gave him two rupees to carry luggage—an act that made him feel humiliated and brought him to tears. “That was the first time I cried in my life,” he revealed, his voice cracking as the stadium fell silent.
Powerful Closing Remarks
Rajinikanth also took time to praise the technicians behind Coolie. He applauded cinematographer Girish Gangadharan, editor Philomin Raj, and stunt choreographers Anbariv for their artistry, calling them the real pillars of the film’s visual power. He spoke affectionately of co-stars: Nagarjuna’s grace, Aamir’s professionalism, Shruti’s strength, and Sathyaraj’s ideological honesty despite differences. “Sathyaraj and I don’t agree on many things,” he quipped, “but his courage is admirable.”
As his speech drew to a close, Rajinikanth offered a spiritual reflection on life, stardom, and gratitude. “My fans are my God. Every time this tree called Rajinikanth was about to fall, they held me up.” He added, “Beyond money and fame, peace in the house and respect in society matter the most.”
Controversial Remarks and Bold Statements
Producer Kalanithi Maran’s speech created a stir when he declared Rajinikanth as the “only superstar” and subtly criticized younger actors who he claimed lacked humility. While he did not name names, many speculated that the comment was directed at upcoming actors or other contemporary stars whose recent public behavior has been scrutinized.
Coolie Trailer, Certification, and Hype
The official trailer of Coolie was unveiled during the event and featured electrifying visuals, heavy-duty action, and Rajinikanth in full-fledged mass mode. The film has received an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC—marking the first time in 36 years that a Rajinikanth film has earned that rating. While fans celebrated the boldness of the film’s tone, many are urging Sun Pictures to consider releasing a U/A version for family audiences.
Box Office Buzz and Global Momentum
Even before its release, Coolie is smashing records. The film has already crossed USD 1 million in North American pre-sales, indicating massive global anticipation. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2025, in multiple formats including IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box—marking a first for a Rajinikanth film.
The Coolie audio launch wasn’t just a film promotion—it was a full-blown cultural event. Rajinikanth once again proved why he remains more than a movie star: he’s a phenomenon rooted in humility, honesty, and unshakable fan loyalty. With star power, nostalgia, high-octane action, and a deeply personal performance, Coolie promises to be both a cinematic milestone and an emotional celebration of Rajinikanth’s legendary journey.