Superstar Rajinikanth has heaped praise on Kannada icon Upendra, calling him one of India’s most inspiring and intelligent filmmakers. “For the most intelligent directors in India, Upendra is a huge inspiration. Whether it’s Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu or Tamil — filmmakers from every language admire his work,” Rajinikanth said.

The legend, who is currently sharing the screen with Upendra in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming film Coolie, spoke warmly about his co-star during the audio launch event in Chennai. In the film, Upendra plays a character named Kaleesh.

“Upendra never wanted to be an actor — he’s a director first. He’s made films that are unforgettable,” Rajinikanth said. Recalling the cult classic Om, he added, “In Karnataka, Om is ten times bigger than my Baashha in Tamil Nadu. Every role he has done since is different. The non-linear technique that Lokesh Kanagaraj uses today, Upendra was already doing it back then.”

Rajinikanth’s admiration is far from new. Upendra, clearly moved, revealed his own long-standing respect for the Tamil superstar. “This might sound like an exaggeration, but I mean it. I met Thalaiva 25 years ago, and it was an unforgettable moment for me. Since then, like Ekalavya followed Dronacharya, I have followed him,” Upendra said.

Upendra’s directing style has influenced several top names, including Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has openly acknowledged the impact of the former's storytelling on his own work. Known for his bold narratives, unconventional editing and thought-provoking ideas, Upendra’s cinema has left a lasting mark across industries.

Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is set to release on August 14. The film stars Rajinikanth in the lead, with Upendra in a special appearance. The ensemble also features Aamir Khan, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan and Rachita Ram, among others, making it one of the year’s most anticipated multi-starrers.