Superstar Rajinikanth joins forces with director Lokesh Kanagaraj for the highly anticipated pan-India action film “Coolie,” produced by Kalanithi Maran under the prestigious Sun Pictures banner. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including King Nagarjuna in a pivotal role, and features acclaimed actors Aamir Khan, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, and Shruti Haasan. With its impactful promotional content, “Coolie” has generated tremendous excitement. Distributed by Asian Multiplex Private Limited in Telugu states, “Coolie” is poised for a grand release on August 14. During a recent press meet, leading lady Shruti Haasan shared her experiences and insights about the film.
On Her Role in Coolie:
Shruti Haasan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Rajinikanth, calling it an honor and a truly great experience. “This character is very personally relatable to me, and I am confident audiences, especially women, will connect with it. There is a strong emotional core to my character, which Lokesh Kanagaraj has crafted brilliantly,” she said.
Clarifying Her Character’s Background:
Dispelling rumors, Shruti clarified, "I play Sathyaraj’s daughter, not Rajinikanth’s."
On Sharing the Screen With Mega Stars:
She described it as an “amazing experience,” adding that working with such a star-studded cast, including Nagarjuna and Upendra, was unique and special—an opportunity that doesn’t come by often.
What Attracted Her to the Film:
Shruti revealed that she originally met Lokesh Kanagaraj for music discussions but was surprised when he offered her this strong female character. "Lokesh’s movies are known for their dark themes and heavy action, but I loved how he wrote such a powerful woman’s role in this film."
On Rajinikanth’s and Her Character’s Appeal:
She believes family audiences will relate to both Rajinikanth’s and her own roles, pointing out their emotional depth and connection.
On Nagarjuna’s Character:
She teased, “Nagarjuna will surprise everyone—he’s playing a villain for the first time, and Telugu audiences will find it remarkable.”
On Director Lokesh Kanagaraj:
“Lokesh is a director with clear vision and precision. It's a joy working with someone who knows exactly what they want.”
Working With Aamir Khan:
Shruti confirmed she has scenes with Aamir Khan. “Aamir is a family friend and has been part of key phases in my life, so sharing the screen with him was extra special and memorable.”
On the Producers:
She commended the film’s grand scale and the uncompromised budget that matched the script’s demands.
Has She Watched the Entire Film?:
Shruti said she hasn't seen the full movie yet, though she completed dubbing and has previewed some segments—what she has seen so far has impressed her greatly.
On Anirudh’s Music:
She praised Anirudh, saying, “I’ve known Anirudh for a long time and always felt proud of his talent. The music in this film is brilliant and truly elevates the narrative.”
On DOP Girish:
“Girish is a director’s cinematographer with a great ability to visualize what’s in the director’s mind. His work, as seen in Vikram, was widely appreciated and this movie will have equally amazing visuals.”
Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan’s Stories:
Shruti fondly recalled stories Rajinikanth shared about his friendship and working days with her father, Kamal Haasan, noting the unique and strong bond between the two legends.
Dream Roles:
She said there’s no particular dream role, but as a musician herself, she hopes to play a musician’s character on screen someday.
On Her Career Journey:
Shruti considers her long career a blessing, saying she has always focused on enjoying her work and giving her best to each project without overthinking the future.
One Word About Coolie:
“Coolie is a full-fledged entertainer—packed with action, but also featuring a strong emotional core. Audiences will thoroughly enjoy it.”
Future Projects:
She revealed that the past year was fully dedicated to Coolie, but she is currently listening to new scripts and is eager to collaborate with fresh directors and writers, especially in Telugu cinema, with more announcements coming soon.
