As Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' set to storm theatres, film icons wish him success

Chennai: As fans eagerly await Rajinikanth’s swagger yet again on the silver screen in Coolie on Thursday, the titans of the South Indian film industry on Wednesday celebrated the superstar’s golden jubilee in cinema by praising his aura, style, and the unparalleled fandom he continues to command.

Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures, is set to release in around 5,000 theatres worldwide. The film has already shattered several records across Europe, the UK, the US, and many other countries -- a remarkable achievement for an Indian film.

Advance ticket bookings have already crossed a staggering Rs 100 crore, a record in itself, and movie trackers predict Coolie will break many more records, including those previously set by Rajinikanth himself.

In Tamil Nadu, about 980 of the total 1,100 screens will be showing Coolie, with lakhs of Rajinikanth fans gathering to celebrate outside theatres. At Rohini Cineplex in Koyambedu, Chennai, a helicopter will shower flower petals over the crowds lining up, while massive celebrations are planned outside prominent cinemas like Kasi in Chennai.

The release of Coolie coincides with Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee in cinema. He made his debut as a villain in Apoorva Raagangal, which was released on August 15, 1975. From a rugged villain to an actor whose expressive eyes cast a spell on the audience, Rajinikanth has risen to become India’s one of the biggest superstars, with fans spanning states, languages, and countries.

On Wednesday, some of Rajinikanth’s friends and contemporaries in the film industry -- including Kamal Haasan, Malayalam superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal, renowned director S Shankar, and Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan -- took to social media to wish Coolie a grand success.

They also extended their wishes for Rajinikanth’s continued success in the film industry.

“I celebrate our superstar with affection and admiration, and wish Coolie resounding global success befitting this golden jubilee,” said Kamal Haasan, whose daughter Shruti Haasan is a part of the movie.

Mammootty, who shared the screen with Rajinikanth in the 1991 blockbuster Thalapathi directed by Mani Ratnam, said it was truly an honour to act alongside him. Thalapathi was a runaway success, with its memorable songs composed by the iconic Ilaiyaraaja still cherished by millions of music lovers.

Another Malayalam superstar, Mohanlal, expressed his hope that Rajinikanth will continue to inspire and shine. “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,” Mohanlal wrote on X.

Director Shankar, who helmed Rajinikanth in Sivaji: The Boss, Enthiran, and 2.0, mentioned that the awe he felt on seeing the superstar on screen for the first time in Moondru Mudichu remains undiminished.

“They say the most positive aura extends fifty feet from its source; your aura engulfs the whole world, sir. Your life is a lesson in humility, staying grounded, respect, dedication, punctuality, hard work, and perseverance. A golden jubilee has never shined brighter,” he said.

Hrithik Roshan recalled his beginnings as an actor alongside Rajinikanth. “You were one of my first teachers, Rajinikanth sir, and continue to be an inspiration and a gold standard. Congratulations on completing 50 years of on-screen magic,” he said.