Director Shankar has heaped praise on actor Rajinikanth as he marks his golden jubilee year in the film industry. He recalled the time he first saw the actor on screen and which later evolved to the filmmaker directing him in Sivaji, Endhiran and 2.0 and noted that his positive aura engulfs the whole world.

In a nostalgic and heartfelt note on X, he wrote, "The awe I felt from the day I first saw you on screen in Moondru Mudichu, seeing you in person on the sets of Johnny, meeting you as a director, narrating my stories, making Sivaji, Endhiran, 2.0 and up until a couple of weeks ago when I saw you last- 50 years of awe that has never diminished by the slightest."

Shankar also said that Rajinikanth's life is a "lesson for humility, staying grounded, respect, dedication, punctuality, hard work and perseverance."

"They say the most positive aura extends fifty feet from its source, your Awe-ra engulfs the whole world sir. A golden jubilee has never shined brighter. My best ever wishes for Coolie and the whole team. Arangam Adhirattum," he added.

Director Shankar collaborated three times with Rajinikanth in Sivaji (2007), Endhiran (2010) and its sequel 2.0 (2018). All three films were box office hits. The filmmaker last made Game Changer in Telugu, starring Ram Charan in the lead role which was received with lukewarm response from audience as well as critics. He is currently working on Indian 3 with Kamal Haasan.

Meanwhile, Coolie, slated to release on August 14, stars an ensemble cast consisting of Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan and Aamir Khan, among others.