The recently released film Coolie starring Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna Akkineni has generated considerable buzz, particularly regarding Nagarjuna's experience working alongside the Tamil superstar. In the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial, Nagarjuna plays the antagonist, Simon, marking his first full-fledged negative role.

Nagarjuna described his experience working with Rajinikanth as "fantastic" and "positive". He noted Rajinikanth's "charisma and aura" on set and appreciated his kindness in helping him with Tamil dialogues. Despite playing a villain, Nagarjuna said he is taking back a very positive experience from the film.

The actor revealed that it took multiple meetings with director Lokesh Kanagaraj to convince him to take on the role. Nagarjuna said he wanted to be sure that playing a "baddie" was the right move for him. Ultimately, he found the experience of playing a negative character "liberating". He even joked that his role is "too bad" to tell his grandchildren about.

Coolie, which hit theaters on August 14, 2025, is an action thriller that features Rajinikanth as a former coolie union leader investigating the death of his friend, which leads him to a crime syndicate. The film has an ensemble cast, including Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan and Sathyaraj.

Initial reactions to Coolie have been mixed. While Rajinikanth's performance and screen presence have been praised, some critics find the film's storyline dull. Some fans expressed disappointment with Nagarjuna's role, feeling that his potential was not fully utilized. Some viewers felt that Soubin Shahir's character overshadowed Nagarjuna's. However, other fans have lauded Nagarjuna's performance, praising his style and the fresh energy he brings to the film. Many are also commending the makers for casting Nagarjuna as the antagonist. Despite playing a villain for the first time, Nagarjuna is said to have embraced the character with unmatched swag.

Anirudh Ravichander composed the music for Coolie. A promotional event was held in Mumbai to launch the film's Hindi album. The high-energy track "I Am The Danger" has become a talking point, with many praising Nagarjuna's performance in the song.

Coolie was officially announced in September 2023 under the tentative title Thalaivar 171. Filming commenced in July 2024 and wrapped up in mid-March 2025, with schedules in Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur and Bangkok.