The promotional event for Coolie, Rajinikanth’s much-awaited mass entertainer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, turned unexpectedly nostalgic and emotional in Hyderabad. On stage, veteran actor Sathyaraj took a moment to express his heartfelt admiration for Rajinikanth, praising the Superstar for retaining the same charisma and appearance he had four decades ago.
“Even after all these years, with makeup and everything, Rajni Sir, you look exactly the same as you did 40 years ago,” Sathyaraj said recollecting a moment during the shoot of Coolie, his voice tinged with genuine awe. The statement immediately drew a thunderous round of applause and cheers from the audience gathered at the star-studded event.
Rajinikanth’s Humble and Humorous Response
Never one to take compliments without a dash of wit, Rajinikanth responded with a laugh and said, “You should look at Nagarjuna.” His reply, delivered with his trademark cool composure, delighted both the audience and the Telugu superstar Nagarjuna, who was present at the event.
The lighthearted moment became one of the evening’s highlights, encapsulating the mutual respect and warmth shared among the three industry veterans. It also served as a reminder of how rare and special such multi-generational reunions are in today’s cinema landscape.
Coolie: A Celebration of Mass Appeal and Legacy
Coolie marks a monumental collaboration between Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj, bringing together two generations of cinematic energy—one rooted in vintage stardom and the other in modern mass filmmaking. The film is billed as a gritty, emotionally charged action drama set against a working-class backdrop. The teaser and promotional visuals have already hinted at an intense, throwback Rajinikanth character reminiscent of his golden era films like Thee and Baashha.
The Hyderabad promotional event was part of a larger regional campaign to connect with Telugu-speaking audiences, with Nagarjuna joining the celebration to extend his support. Sathyaraj’s presence added another layer of legacy, bringing together the two towering personalities of South Indian cinema on one stage.
Brotherhood in the South Film Industry
The trio’s appearance—Rajinikanth (via video) from Tamil cinema, Nagarjuna from Telugu, and Sathyaraj bridging both—underscored the strong bonds that exist across regional industries. Sathyaraj, who has worked extensively in both Kollywood and Tollywood, spoke not just as a colleague but as a fellow traveler in an industry that has witnessed seismic shifts over the decades.
Their shared moment reminded fans of the era when cinema was less about competition and more about collective celebration. In a room filled with fans and media, this unscripted emotional interaction between the actors spoke volumes about enduring friendships in an ever-evolving industry.
Viral on Social Media, Cherished by Fans
Clips from the event, especially the Sathyaraj–Rajinikanth exchange, were instantly shared across social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok. The video has since gone viral, with users flooding the comment sections with nostalgia, admiration, and love for their favorite stars.
Many fans quoted Sathyaraj’s line in their posts, calling Rajinikanth “Thalaivar for a reason,” while others praised the humility of the actor who has remained grounded despite his superstardom. Nagarjuna’s cool, understated presence also drew attention, with netizens marveling at how youthful all three legends still look.
In an event that was meant to promote Coolie, what emerged instead was a celebration of camaraderie, longevity, and mutual admiration. Rajinikanth, Sathyaraj, and Nagarjuna reminded audiences that true star power isn’t just about box office numbers—it’s about grace, humility, and timeless charisma.
As Coolie inches closer to release, moments like these continue to build an emotional bridge between the film and its audience—proving that sometimes, it’s not just the movie but the legends behind it who leave the most lasting impact.