Rajinikanth is all set to return to the big screen with Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, which is gearing up for release this August 14. Adding excitement to the already much-anticipated project is the presence of Kannada star Upendra, who plays a key role in the film.
Sharing his experience of working on Coolie, Upendra says it was an opportunity he couldn’t refuse. “When I was offered Coolie, I didn’t think for a second, because it starred the Superstar. I signed it immediately,” he recalls. “I had met Rajinikanth sir 25 years ago, and he has been a great inspiration ever since — spiritually, philosophically, as an artist, and through his behaviour. I honestly don’t know how to put it into words. For me, it was simply about being able to stand next to him.”
Upendra, who flew to Chennai to shoot his portions, says the experience was overwhelming. “I didn’t expect anything from it. Just meeting him again, any ego you have melts away. I’m not exaggerating. He’s a legendary artist who knows about the world, yet remains grounded. The respect he shows to his technicians and everyone around him is unmatched. He is truthful about his life and truly lives that way.” Calling it a moment of luck, Upendra adds, “I can’t express what I felt after meeting him again after 25 years. It was something beyond words.”
The film also stars Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, and features Rachita Ram marking her Tamil debut in a key role. Ahead of its release, the film had been censored with an A certificate.
On the technical front, Coolie has music by Anirudh, action choreography by Anbariv, cinematography by Girish Gangadharan, editing by Philomin Raj, choreography by Sandy, and production design by Sathees Kumar.
