The much-anticipated Rajinikanth starrer Coolie is gearing up for a massive worldwide release on August 14, clashing with another pan-Indian spectacle War 2. The makers held a grand pre-release event in Hyderabad as well, on Monday. For the event, Rajinikanth issued a heartfelt video speech, expressing his joy at being part of the project, and also spoke at length about Nagarjuna’s contribution in the Lokesh Kanagaraj film. 

Rajinikanth began his speech by acknowledging that Coolie is releasing in the 50th year of his career, the ‘Diamond Jubilee’ year, which makes it extra special. Rajinikanth also then went on to recall how he was surprised to hear about Nagarjuna onboarding the film. He said, “Of course one big attraction of our film is Nagarjuna in a villianour role of Simon. When I first heard the subject, I wanted to do Simon’s role, since I really like villain parts.”

Rajinikanth recalled Lokesh Kanagaraj telling him that he was in talks with a big star for Simon, and had six meetings for the same. He said, “Lokesh told me, ‘Somehow I will bring him’ Later, I was shocked to know that it was our ‘King’ Nagarjuna. Even Nagarjuna must have thought, ‘how many good guy roles I will do? I need a big change.’ He is fantastic in the film. Like Baasha had Antony, Coolie will have Simon.”

Rajinikanth also praised Lokesh Kanagaraj. “He is like our SS Rajamouli, the kind of non-stop hits he has delivered,” the superstar said. Rajinikanth also expressed his joy at working with Sathyraaj after many years, and having Aamir Khan onboard, making his South Indian debut with Coolie. 

Also starring Soubin Shahir, Upendra and Shruti Haasan in major roles, Coolie is produced under Sun Pictures banner.