Lokesh Kanagaraj, the director behind the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), has repeatedly maintained that Coolie, his upcoming collaboration with Rajinikanth, will be a standalone film. However, fans are once again speculating whether Coolie might actually be inching closer to becoming a part of the LCU.
This isn't the first time such speculation has surfaced. Earlier, when Coolie cast members Soubin Shahir and Shruti Haasan were seen alongside Narain—who has been a part of both Kaithi and Vikram, both LCU films—it sparked similar theories online.
While Lokesh has been vocal about Coolie being an independent narrative, his frequent collaborations with LCU regulars and his ever-growing ensemble of interconnected characters continue to blur the lines. Could Coolie mark a surprise expansion of the LCU? As of now, nothing has been confirmed, but fans of the universe are keeping their eyes peeled.
Centred on gold smuggling, Coolie promises to be a high-octane action entertainer with an ensemble cast comprising Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, and, of course, Rajinikanth in a never-seen-before avatar. Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde will be seen in important cameos in the upcoming film.
The visuals are being shaped by cinematographer Girish Gangadharan, while music composer Anirudh Ravichander is composing the tunes for the film. Backed by Sun Pictures, the film is all set to hit theatres on August 14.
