Latest news with #Rajini
Indian Express
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Lokesh Kanagaraj reacts to Rajinikanth's comment that ‘Coolie looked like Thalapathi to me': ‘Hearing him say those words…'
With exactly one month left for the worldwide release of director Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'Superstar' Rajinikanth-led action thriller Coolie, anticipation has already gone through the roof. One of the most awaited Indian movies of the year, Coolie not only marks the first collaboration between Rajinikanth and Lokesh but also features several massive stars, including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj and Shruti Haasan, with a cameo appearance by Bollywood icon Aamir Khan. While Lokesh is busy giving the film its final touches, a remark made by 'Thalaivar' after watching a cut of Coolie has left him elated, confirming that what he set out to achieve has been accomplished. Mentioning that director Mani Ratnam's Thalapathi (1991) is his most favourite Rajinikanth film, Lokesh recently shared that what he tried to do in Coolie was emulate the same artistic and commercial balance that the 1991 gangster drama achieved. Also Read | Malayalam cinema's most beloved 'yakshi' took her own life at 22; was in Class 8 when she debuted 'After watching the film in the dubbing studio, he (Rajinikanth) hugged me and said, 'It looked like Thalapathi for me!' That made my day, and that was the night I slept very peacefully after many months. That is what I was telling my friends, too. If at all, I am doing a film with Rajini sir, it has to be somewhere close to Thalapathi. I cannot write a film on par with Mani sir's quality, as his film and writing is unmatched… But I get a little satisfaction when we compare that film with this one. Listening to the same words from Rajini sir was an achievement,' she shared during a chat with The Hollywood Reporter India. Opening up about his experience working with the ultimate superstar, Lokesh said: 'I loved writing for Rajini sir. I initially wrote a fantasy film for him, and he immediately said okay to it, but assembling it took so much time… it would've taken at least a year and a half to go ahead. You can write anything for the actor because he is larger than life. Even though I have tried a lot of new techniques and styles in the film, it will still be a Rajini sir film. I also don't want to change that.'
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Against all odds: P. Janaki's journey from illiteracy to a literary voice
In the quiet tribal hamlet of Thoppilai in Chengala grama panchayat, 61-year-old P. Janaki stands as a living testament to the power of second chances. Once called to homes for odd jobs, she is now invited to stages and celebrations as a poet. Her recently published Malayalam poetry collection, Ponpulariyil, brought out by Kairali Publications, is a compelling symbol of personal triumph and the transformative power of education. 'I never thought my name would ever be printed on a book, let alone be called a poet,' said Ms. Janaki, her eyes welling up as she held a copy of her debut collection featuring 44 poems. Born into a tribal family gripped by deep poverty, Ms. Janaki grew up far removed from the idea of education. 'We did not have proper clothes. My mother used to tear pieces from jute sacks for me and my five siblings to cover ourselves,' she recalled. With no schools or libraries nearby and little government presence in the colony, learning remained a distant dream. Ms. Janaki's early life was defined by struggle. Education remained buried beneath responsibilities and poverty. 'But somewhere in the corner of my heart, a wish to learn stayed alive,' she said. That wish rekindled in 2014 when Rajini, her friend and Kudumbashree mentor, offered to teach her as part of the Kerala State Literacy Mission's equivalency programme. With Rajini's encouragement, Janaki enrolled in the fourth standard equivalency class. 'She was determined from the start. She read every line like it was a prayer,' Rajini recalled. Ms. Janaki passed the fourth, seventh, and eventually the tenth standard equivalency exams with distinction. But the turning point came when Rajini introduced her to poetry during a class session. 'At first, I did not understand much. But the sound of rhyming words fascinated me. I decided to try,' Ms. Janaki said with a smile. Encouraged by classmates and teachers, her poems slowly began to take shape. 'Most of my poems are born out of pain. I write what I see — the injustice around me, the suffering of women like me, the lives that are left behind even as the country claims to move forward,' she explained. Her collection Ponpulariyil includes deeply reflective poems such as Samuha Anithikal, Karutha Kai, Mahatmavinte Jeevitham, Ramante Vazhi, Muthumani, and Corona. Remarkably, Janaki crafted all her verses without access to any literature beyond the basic textbooks provided during her equivalency studies. 'There is still no library in our colony. That's my biggest regret. If I had access to books, I could have learned so much more about the world,' she said. Yet her resolve remains unshaken. 'I may not be able to travel the world, but I will let my poems and writing carry my world to others,' she added. Kannur district panchayat president K.K. Rathnakumari, who launched her book, hailed Janaki as a 'shining example of what literacy can achieve.' She noted that had Janaki been given a chance earlier in life, she might have been one of the State's most celebrated poets. Kerala Sahitya Akademi awardee and renowned poet Payyanur Kunhiraman Master also praised her work. 'Her verses are rooted, honest, and powerful — a living reflection of how education can awaken dormant talent,' he said.
India Today
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Aamir Khan's rocks rugged look as Dahaa in Rajinikanth's Coolie, first look out
After making a successful comeback with 'Sitaare Zameen Par', Aamir Khan is now set to surprise fans with a special cameo in Rajinikanth's much-anticipated film 'Coolie'. On July 3, the makers unveiled Aamir's first look as 'Dahaa' from the film, a stylish and rugged avatar that quickly set the internet the newly released monochrome poster shared on X, Aamir is seen in a sharp side profile, wearing glasses, dressed in a black vest, and confidently smoking a pipe, a bold and gritty look that marks a striking departure from his recent roles. The caption read, 'Introducing #AamirKhan as Dahaa, from the world of #Coolie. #Coolie is all set to dominate IMAX screens worldwide from August 14th.'advertisementTake a look at the poster: Speaking to Zoom, Aamir Khan confirmed his cameo and shared the reason he instantly said yes. The actor said, 'I really enjoyed doing it. I am a big fan of Rajini sir huge fan. I have a lot of love and respect for Rajini sir. So, I did not even hear the script. When Lokesh told me that it is a Rajini sir's movie and that he wanted me to do a cameo, I said, 'Done. I am doing it. Whatever it is, I am doing it.'' He refrained from revealing further details about his role in the recently returned to acting after a three-year break after 'Laal Singh Chaddha', with 'Sitaare Zameen Par', which also stars Genelia Deshmukh and ten promising newcomers. The film is currently performing well at the box office and has been praised for its emotional depth and by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Sun Pictures, 'Coolie' is an upcoming Tamil-language action thriller starring Rajinikanth in the lead. The film also features a stellar cast including Soubin Shahir, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Upendra. It is set for a grand worldwide release in IMAX on August 14, 2025.- EndsTrending Reel
News18
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Rajinikanth's Coolie Hindi Version Renamed ‘Coolie: The Powerhouse' Ahead Of Release
Last Updated: Rajinikanth's Coolie gets a new Hindi title—Coolie: The Powerhouse. Makers unveil fresh poster and first song Chikitu ahead of August 14 release. Rajinikanth's much-awaited film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is all set to light up the big screen on August 14, 2025. While earlier reports suggested that the Hindi version of the film would be titled Majdoor, the makers have now revealed the official Hindi title — Coolie: The Powerhouse. Announcing the news on social media, Sun Pictures shared the Hindi poster featuring Rajinikanth in all his fiery glory. 'Deva's rage begins in 50 days! #CoolieIn50Days. #Coolie in Hindi is now #CoolieThePowerhouse," the caption read, amping up the anticipation. Coolie marks yet another high-octane collaboration between Rajinikanth and some of South India's finest talents, with a powerhouse ensemble that includes Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, and Monisha Blessy. The hype reached fever pitch when the makers dropped the film's first single, Chikitu, on YouTube on June 25. In the vibrant track, the 74-year-old superstar is seen dancing with infectious energy and unmatched charisma. Lending his voice to the number is T Rajhendherr, whose dynamic performance has drawn admiration across generations. Fans wasted no time in expressing their joy and admiration for the veteran duo. One user exclaimed, 'This generation should learn a lot from T Rajendran sir and Rajini Sir… At 70s, their energy, dedication and consistent hard work are really speechless." Another marveled, 'A man standing up and walking at the age of 74 is a feat." Combining the film's creative trifecta — Rajinikanth's screen dominance, Lokesh Kanagaraj's direction, and Anirudh's electrifying background score — one excited fan wrote, 'Rajini sir screen presence + Lokesh taking + Anirudh BGM = Mass rampage in theatres." '70s kids, 80s kids, 90s kids, 2000s kids, 2010s kids, 2020s kids – all kids are surrendering for the one and only Thalaivar – Evergreen Superstar of Indian Cinema," a fan gushed with generational pride. Others expressed their emotional connection, with one writing, 'It was only the first time I heard it, and I already got addicted to the song," while another shared, 'In my family I, my wife, my son, my daughter are ardent fans of the leader (Rajinikanth)." A particularly moving tribute read, 'A 72-year-old man storming the screen with that unmatched energy. It is pure bliss to watch! Superstar is not just an actor; he is Indian cinema. Can't wait for August 14th." Recalling an early Rajini memory, one fan shared, 'I am proud to be a Rajini fan since the first Rajini film I saw was Mullum Malarum." And finally, a nostalgic voice echoed many sentiments: 'Finally TR and Rajni joined. I remember always when Rajni's film releases, TR only releases his movie against him & succeeds." Produced by Kalanithi Maran's Sun Pictures, Coolie: The Powerhouse promises to be a mass entertainer blending charisma, nostalgia, and raw cinematic energy. With just weeks to go, the countdown to Thalaivar's next big screen eruption has well and truly begun. First Published:
News18
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Mass Rampage': Internet Is Dancing To The Tunes Of Rajinikanth's Chikitu Song From Coolie
Last Updated: The internet went into overdrive after coming across Rajinikanth's Chikitu song from the upcoming film Coolie. Many heaped praise on singer T Rajhendherr as well. Rajinikanth has been delighting viewers with his swag and style for decades now. At present, he is gearing up for the release of director Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie. The film also starring Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR and Monisha Blessy will be releasing on August 14. Ahead of the movie's premiere, the makers piqued the interest of fans a notch higher by dropping Coolie's first single Chikitu on YouTube on Wednesday, June 25. The peppy number showcases Rajinikanth, 74, grooving to the upbeat lyrics with unbridled enthusiasm. Needless to mention, the track soon grabbed attention online with Rajinikanth fans flooding the comments section with delightful reactions. Many also heaped praise on the lead singer T Rajhendherr. Let's take a look at some of them: One user wrote, 'This generation should learn a lot from T Rajendran sir and Rajini Sir…. At 70's their energy, dedication and consistent hard work are really speechless." 'A man standing up and walking at the age of 74 is a feat," noted another. This person had high expectations from the film as they wrote, 'Rajini sir screen presence+ Lokesh taking + Anirudh bgm = Mass rampage in theatres." '70s kids, 80s kids, 90s kids, 2000s kids, 2010s kids, 2020s kids – all kids are surrendering for the one and only Thalaivar – Evergreen Superstar of Indian Cinema," gushed a Rajinikanth fan. 'It was only the first time I heard it, and I already got addicted to the song," revealed a cinema enthusiast. 'In my family I, my wife, my son, my daughter are ardent fans of the leader (Rajinikanth)" shared an individual. Here's another sweet remark: 'A 72-year-old man storming the screen with that unmatched energy. It is pure bliss to watch! Superstar is not just an actor; he is Indian cinema. Can't wait for August 14th." A true-blue Rajinikanth admirer had this to say, 'I am proud to be a Rajini fan since the first Rajini film I saw was Mullum Malarum." 'Finally TR and Rajni joined. I remember always when Rajni's film releases, TR only releases his movie against him & succeeds," read a lovely comment. First Published:
