Coolie, one of the most-awaited Indian Tamil-language action thrillers of 2025, has been one of the most-watched films. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film is expected to deliver a star-studded cast and an edge-of-the-seat storyline that will keep the audience glued to the screen. It is also the 171st lead actor film for Rajinikanth. The film stars Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and features a special appearance by Aamir Khan. Everything you want to know about Coolie-from its plot to cast, songs, release date, and film locations.
Plot
Coolie is an exciting ride with Rajinikanth, who plays the protagonist Deva, trapped in a world of gold smuggling. The film, being a departure from Lokesh Kanagaraj’s previous ones, does not have much to do with the classic gangster or drug-dealing genres, but brings a new narrative that features the dangerous world of gold trafficking. The movie navigates the highs and lows of this illicit trade and weaves action-packed sequences with gripping drama. Gold-smuggling adventure takes a great plunge involving Deva, his allies, and adversaries into one complex web of danger, deception, and betrayal with Nagarjuna as formidable antagonist Simon and Upendra’s Kaleesha, no doubt increasing the tension for the unfolding of secrets.
Cast
The film has an interesting mix of seasoned actors and fresh talent. Superstar Rajinikanth plays the titular role of Deva, marking his first collaboration with director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Nagarjuna, one of the leading stars of the Telugu film industry, plays the antagonist Simon in this film, which adds a new level of intrigue to the plot. Upendra will be seen in a power-packed performance as Kaleesha. Sathyaraj comes back to the silver screen after 38 years. He will be seen alongside Rajinikanth once again. Soubin Shahir will be seen in the lead role, marking his Tamil cinema debut.
Shruti Haasan is seen here in a vital role bringing her charm to the film. Kannada actor Upendra, who has been away for a long time from Tamil cinema, is seen here. The film also stars Sundeep Kishan, Reba Monica John, and Baburaj. A special mention here would be of Aamir Khan’s cameo appearance.
Release Date and Locations
Coolie will be released globally in 2025. The film will first hit the screens in both standard and IMAX formats, a first in Tamil cinema. The principal photography of the movie began on July 2023, starting with schedules in Hyderabad and later to continue in Visakhapatnam and Jaipur. High-profile locations, along with grand sets, add scale and spectacle to the action-packed sequences.
Trailer
While it hasn’t been out yet, trailer fans are eagerly looking for its launch. These teaser promos already created lots of excitement. The trailer is now to give everyone a hint on how the on-screen show might contain high octane actions with great dramatic moments.
Songs and Music
The film’s music contributes a lot to the background of Coolie. Music is composed by the able Anirudh Ravichander, who has assisted Lokesh Kanagaraj on multiple occasions. Previously, the collaboration between them worked out as a massive hit with films like Master and Vikram. The audience is highly awaiting the soundtrack for Coolie, which is going to feature some intense, powerful tracks accompanying the action-packed story.
Cinematography and Editing
The cinematography is handled by Girish Gangadharan, who has earlier worked with Lokesh Kanagaraj in Vikram, which was a massive success. This film will be shot with IMAX-certified cameras, making it a new standard for Tamil cinema and an immersive experience for the viewers. Editing is being taken care of by Philomin Raj, making sure that the narration is tight and thrilling.
Development and Production
The development of Coolie began after Rajinikanth met Lokesh Kanagaraj in late 2019, with the director narrating the script that impressed the superstar. The initial plan was for Rajinikanth to make it his 169th film, but Jailer (2023) took that spot instead. Production was set to begin in 2020, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Rajinikanth’s commitments to Annaatthe (2021).
After slight delay, Sun Pictures officially announced the movie in September 2023, and with Thalaivar 171 being the working title of the film, the official shoot commenced in July 2023 with a big schedule in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, which continued with schedules in other locations such as Visakhapatnam and Jaipur. Production has slowed a bit due to various issues, such as health and an on-set fire. Still, the team is working aggressively to release the film in theatres by 2025.
Film Locations
Coolie is shot across various iconic destinations, including Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam (that has some sequences shot at Vizag Fishing Harbour) and Jaipur. In these locations, the cinematography brings out the visually stunning action and the absorbing storyline of the film to life. The usage of such varied locations enhances the cinematic experience and gives an international feel to the Tamil film.
Conclusion
Coolie (2025) will mark a landmark film in the Tamil cinema. It promises to capture the imagination of moviegoers across the globe with its star-studded cast, thrilling plot, stunning visuals, and powerful music. Lokesh Kanagaraj, a director known for his edge-of-your-seat storytelling, and Rajinikanth together are expected to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience. As the film gears up for release in 2025, it is going to be an action, suspense, and drama rollercoaster ride for fans.
