Nagarjuna Shines as Villain in Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’
King Nagarjuna at the Pre-Release Event of ‘Coolie’:
“The character of Simon in ‘Coolie’ is almost like a lead hero. Playing a villain for the first time has been a wonderful experience. Working with Superstar Rajinikanth has been truly memorable. I sincerely wish ‘Coolie’ achieves grand success,” said King Nagarjuna.
Superstar Rajinikanth in a Special Video Byte:
“‘Coolie’ is my diamond jubilee film. Nagarjuna has nailed the role of Simon. I hope this film becomes a massive hit,” shared Rajinikanth.
About the Film:
‘Coolie’ is a high-octane pan-India action entertainer starring Superstar Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, under the prestigious Sun Pictures banner, produced by Kalanithi Maran. The film features a star-studded cast including King Nagarjuna in a key role, alongside Aamir Khan, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, and Shruti Haasan. The film has generated massive buzz through its promotional content.
The film is set for a grand release in Telugu states on August 14, through Asian Multiplex Pvt Ltd, managed by D. Suresh Babu, Dil Raju, Sunil Narang, and Bharat Narang.
King Nagarjuna’s Full Speech at the Pre-Release Event:
“Namaste to everyone. After I did ‘Ninne Pelladatha’, when I took up ‘Annamayya’, some people questioned why I was doing such a film. But I’ve always liked variety. If I don’t enjoy going to the set, I might as well not do it — so I pick different roles. That’s been my mantra. Some roles didn’t work, but many brought great success.
One day Lokesh Kanagaraj met me and said, ‘If you agree to do a villain role, I’ll narrate the story. Otherwise, we’ll just talk about movies over tea and I’ll leave.’ Lokesh’s ‘Kaithi’ and ‘Vikram’ are among my favorite films. After watching them, I always hoped I would get a chance to work with him. When he narrated the story of ‘Coolie’, I liked it immensely. I asked if Rajini sir had accepted it, because the character of Simon is almost like a hero. Lokesh treats villains on par with heroes.
For the first time in my career, I recorded his narration. I listened to it again at home and gave him some feedback. Unlike others, he took my suggestions seriously and shaped Simon’s character accordingly. Like Rajini sir said — it’s boring to always play the good guy (laughs).
Our first shoot happened in Vizag. A video from the second day leaked and went viral. After seeing one scene, I asked Lokesh if people could really be that evil. He said, ‘Yes, and even worse. There’s a bit of that evil inside all of us.’ I took it as a compliment for my performance.
Sun Pictures has never hesitated to spend, but Lokesh wrapped the film under budget, returning ₹5 crore. He uses six cameras on set and often okays scenes in single takes. While dubbing, I was amazed at how well the scenes had come out.
Though I played a negative role, the experience felt positive. Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Soubin, and Upendra delivered stellar performances. Rajini sir personally came over to greet me during shoot — that’s his greatness. He just stared at me for a while and said, ‘If I’d known you looked this good, I would have told Lokesh not to cast you!’ (laughs)
Working with him was amazing. Even now, after all these years, he rehearses his lines beside the monitor. He keeps reinventing himself. We shot a night action sequence in Thailand for 17 days with over 350 people. On the final day, Rajini sir gave everyone a gift and told them to take something home for their kids — such a kind-hearted man.
Anirudh’s background score is phenomenal. This film gave me a new and enriching experience. I truly feel like a better actor after doing this. I hope ‘Coolie’ becomes a massive success.”*
Superstar Rajinikanth’s Special Message:
“Namaste to all Telugu cinema fans. It’s been 50 years since I entered the industry, and I’m delighted that ‘Coolie’, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is releasing on August 14.
This is my diamond jubilee film. Just like Rajamouli in Telugu cinema, Lokesh is a master in Tamil. Every film he’s made has been a super hit. Another great thing is that the film features multiple stars. After many years, I’m working again with Sathyaraj. Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin are all part of it. Aamir Khan makes a special appearance — his first time acting in a South film.
Most importantly, Nagarjuna plays the villain. When I first heard the script of ‘Coolie’, I was very curious about who would play Simon. The role is very stylish. Lokesh told me he met an actor six times to convince him. When I asked who it was, he said Nagarjuna — I was shocked and thrilled!
Nagarjuna doesn’t do films for money. He doesn’t need to. He must have accepted this role out of passion. We worked together 33 years ago. He still looks the same — young and fit — while I’ve lost my hair (laughs). I asked him what his secret was. He said: ‘Nothing much, sir — some exercise, swimming, light diet, dinner by 6 PM, and maybe my father’s genes. He also advised me never to let external matters get into my head.’
We spent 17 days in Thailand shooting together — unforgettable moments. His performance as Simon shocked even me. It’s going to be like Basha-Antony all over again — Coolie and Simon will be that iconic. Anirudh has composed phenomenal music. I hope the audience showers their love on this film.”
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj:
“Namaste everyone. A big thank you to my producers for trusting me with such a huge project. Thank you to Rajini sir for believing in me. Thanks to Aamir Khan, Sathyaraj sir, Soubin, Upendra — and especially Nagarjuna sir. Convincing him was a huge challenge. I gave him seven narrations before he agreed. You’ll soon see how incredibly he has performed in this film. Thank you all so much!”
Shruti Haasan:
“Namaste to all. This movie is very special to me. Thank you to director Lokesh for giving me such a strong role. I never imagined I’d get to work with Rajinikanth sir. It’s a blessing. Nagarjuna sir is fantastic — audiences will love his character. I urge everyone to watch ‘Coolie’ on August 14!”
Producer Suresh Babu:
“Namaste. I’m a huge fan of Lokesh’s ‘Kaithi’ and ‘Vikram’. Watching Nagarjuna in a bad boy role is very interesting. His character is brilliantly crafted. I’m sure audiences will be mesmerized. I hope the team enjoys great success.”
Actor Sathyaraj:
“Namaste. This is a very big film. I’m delighted to be part of it alongside Rajini sir, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Aamir Khan, and Soubin. This film is sure to be a massive hit.”
Producer Dil Raju:
“Namaste. Nagarjuna has played diverse roles in Telugu cinema. For the first time, he’s playing a negative character under Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction. Lokesh crafts every character with depth. Just as ‘Annamayya’ started a new trend, Nagarjuna will set a new trend with this film. Viewers today prefer heroes doing something new — like in Pushpa or KGF. We welcome Nagarjuna into this new world of storytelling. Rajinikanth reminded us of ‘Baasha’. ‘Coolie’ is going to be a worldwide sensation. Thank you to Sun Pictures for giving us the chance to release it in Telugu.”
Read Also: Kannappa Review: A Flawed Yet Spiritually Stirring Tale of Devotion