At the Coolie audio launch on August 2, Rajinikanth used his stage time to shower praise and some trademark wit on the film’s cast and crew, calling the gathering of talent both “rare” and “special”.
“Me teaming up with Lokesh Kanagaraj, the most successful commercial director… playing the lead. Not just me, as you saw, but all big heroes in the cast. Such a huge star cast acting together!” he said to loud cheers.
He singled out Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, who makes a cameo in the film: “To say okay to a script, Aamir Khan will take two years. So imagine how many months, or years, it’ll take to make a film with him. Such a perfectionist! What a legend.”
Talking about the technicians, Rajinikanth said he wanted to start with them instead of the stars. “Some technicians go unmentioned, so I’ll start with the technicians first.” On cinematographer Girish Gangadharan: “Girish, the cameraman, is the most handsome cameraman I’ve ever seen! He’s so quiet, always with headphones on. That’s how focused he is!”
He credited art director Sathees, editor Philomin Raj, stunt specialists Anbariv, and choreographer Sandy. “To edit a film by Lokesh Kanagaraj… even James Cameron’s editor would struggle.” Recalling his first day of dance rehearsals, he laughed: “Sandy told me, ‘Sir, let’s rock the steps!’ I told him, ‘Listen, Master, my body’s a 1950 model and has been running for lakhs of kilometres! Don’t make me dance too much, or parts might start falling off.’”
Music director Anirudh Ravichander also got a glowing mention: “No amount of money can match that kind of promotion…” Anirudh with these three songs took the movie to the next level.” And in a lighter vein, he teased, “Sure, some come for his singing. But the girls come to see Anirudh, and the guys come to check out the girls!”
Rajinikanth also recalled producer Kalanithi Maran’s clarity of vision: “Whatever you’re doing in this movie, Lokesh, make sure it goes Pan India. You fix the release date.” As he wrapped up, the superstar told the audience, “There’s a lot of high expectation for this movie… The movie is coming out on the 14th! And you’ll give your verdict.”