Kerala’s acting legends Mammootty and Mohanlal have joined the wave of tributes to superstar Rajinikanth, who celebrates a landmark 50 years in cinema with the release of his latest film Coolie on August 14.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Mammootty wrote, “Heartfelt congratulations to dear Rajinikanth on completing 50 glorious years in cinema. It was truly an honour to share the screen with you,” referring to their celebrated collaboration in Mani Ratnam’s 1991 classic Thalapathi. “Wishing you the very best for Coolie. Keep inspiring and shining always.”
Mohanlal also lauded the Tamil icon’s milestone, saying, “Fifty years of unmatched charisma, dedication, and magic on screen! Congratulations to the one and only Rajinikanth sir on this monumental milestone. Here’s to Coolie and many more iconic moments ahead.” The two shared screen space in Nelson's 2023 blockbuster Jailer, in which Mohanlal played a pivotal cameo.
The double tribute comes as Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, whips up a frenzy in Kerala and beyond. In the God's Own Country, the gangster action thriller has already overtaken the opening day pre-sales of Mohanlal’s own blockbuster Thudarum, with over Rs 6.62 crores collected from advance bookings. This puts it on course to become Kerala’s second-biggest opener of 2025, behind L2: Empuraan. It has also shattered Rajinikanth’s personal record in the state, set by Jailer.
Nationally and internationally, the momentum has been extraordinary. According to trade reports, Coolie has amassed over Rs 110 crores in advance bookings for its opening weekend, with more than Rs 80 crores gross expected for the first day alone. The film’s overseas pre-sales, valued at around Rs 60 crores for the weekend, reflect Rajinikanth’s enduring global draw.
Produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie is Rajinikanth’s 171st film and reunites him with Sathyaraj after 38 years. The ensemble cast features Aamir Khan in a special appearance alongside Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan and Soubin Shahir, with music by Anirudh Ravichander and cinematography by Girish Gangadharan. The film has been awarded an ‘A’ certificate for its intense action sequences and graphic violence, further fuelling audience anticipation.
With the festive Independence Day weekend ahead and unprecedented advance sales, Coolie is poised to be a fitting stage for Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee in cinema.
