The trailer for Rajinikanth's upcoming film "Coolie," directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has ignited a storm of speculation among fans, with many suggesting the movie might delve into the realms of science fiction and time travel. The trailer's ambiguity, coupled with subtle clues, has fueled intense online discussions as fans attempt to decipher the film's true nature.
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his intricate storytelling and Easter eggs, has acknowledged these fan theories. At a recent pre-release event, he addressed the speculation surrounding "Coolie" being a sci-fi or time travel film. Rather than confirming or denying the rumors, Kanagaraj stated he was excited to see the audience's reaction and surprise when they finally experience the film. He noted his surprise at the widespread sci-fi and time travel interpretations. This cryptic response has only intensified the anticipation and mystery surrounding "Coolie".
The film's trailer has been meticulously crafted to reveal just enough to maintain high levels of excitement without divulging key plot details. This approach has encouraged fans to analyze every frame, searching for hints about the storyline and genre. The theories suggest that "Coolie" may be a departure from Kanagaraj's previous works, potentially defying expectations and genre labels.
"Coolie" features an ensemble cast, including Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Shruti Haasan, Nagarjuna, Upendra, and Soubin Shahir. The film is slated for release on August 14, 2025, and anticipation is building to see if it will live up to the hype.
Lokesh Kanagaraj also spoke about directing Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, saying that both are legends and like his two eyes, implying he couldn't pick a favorite or differentiate their influence on him. Kanagaraj also hinted at the possibility of directing a Telugu film in the future.
"Coolie" is not part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), which includes "Kaithi", "Vikram", and "Leo". Anirudh Ravichander has composed the music for the film. The Central Board of Film Certification has given the film an A certificate.
The trailer offers a glimpse into a criminal underworld setting, with Rajinikanth playing Deva, an aging smuggler who plans to reunite his gang. Sathyaraj's presence in the film has also contributed to the time travel theories, as he is seen experimenting with technology.
The technical crew includes action choreography by Anbariv, cinematography by Girish Gangadharan, editing by Philomin Raj, choreography by Sandy, and production design by Sathees Kumar.
As the release date approaches, all eyes are on "Coolie" to see if it will deliver a unique cinematic experience and whether the fan theories about time travel and science fiction will prove to be accurate.