For Reba Monica John, sharing screen space with Rajinikanth was more than just a professional milestone; it was a dream fulfilled. Speaking to Rednool, the actor revealed that working with Rajinikanth had always been on her bucket list. “Like any other actor, working with Thalaivar was on my bucket list, and now I’ve finally ticked it off. To be honest, my role in Coolie is just a cameo, but even that is a big deal for me,” she said.
Reba recalled that she was once set to appear in another Rajinikanth film but had to turn it down due to unforeseen circumstances. “I regretted it a lot, and it left a vacuum in my heart. So when Coolie came to me through costume designer Praveen, I didn’t even think about the scope of the role. I just wanted to be part of a Rajini sir film,” she explained.
Her first day of shooting itself was alongside the superstar, a moment she had been waiting for. “I was excited and nervous. I expected him to arrive with a big entourage, but he walked onto the set like any other person, stood with folded hands, and welcomed us warmly. That moment was inexplicable. My biggest takeaway from the film is experiencing his simplicity and that warm smile."
One memory she treasures most is the moment Rajinikanth complimented her performance. “After a shot, he came over and told me I had performed well. That’s a completely different feeling altogether when it comes from Thalaivar.”
Reba describes the ease she felt around him as extraordinary. “With him, I felt almost like I was part of his family. There’s no need for formality; I had the same comfort I feel with my parents.” She also praised his work ethic, saying, “He’s such a director’s actor. As a star, he doesn’t have to give multiple takes, but he still takes the initiative every single time and even asks Lokesh if there are other ways to perform a scene.”
Reba stars as Shruti Haasan's sister and Sathyaraj's daughter in Coolie. She stars alongside an ensemble comprising Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir and cameos from Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde. Backed by Sun Pictures, the film is all set to hit theatres on August 14.