Latest news with #Thalaivar
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lokesh Kanagaraj recalls Rajinikanth's reaction after watching Coolie: ‘It looked like Thalapathi for me!'
With exactly one month left for the global release of Lokesh Kanagaraj 's highly-anticipated action thriller Coolie, starring the one and only Rajinikanth , excitement surrounding the film is at an all-time high. The film, which marks Lokesh's maiden collaboration with 'Thalaivar', is shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. Adding to the buzz, Coolie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Nagarjuna, Upendra , Soubin Shahir , Sathyaraj and Shruti Haasan , with a special cameo by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan . 'It looked like Thalapathi for me!' While Lokesh is busy giving the final touches to the film, it was Rajinikanth's reaction after watching a cut of Coolie that has left the director overwhelmed with emotion. The superstar, who rarely doles out such high praise, hugged Lokesh and told him, 'It looked like Thalapathi for me!'—a moment that Lokesh describes as the most peaceful night of his recent life. 'That made my day, and that was the night I slept very peacefully after many months,' Lokesh told The Hollywood Reporter India. He further revealed that Thalapathi (1991), directed by Mani Ratnam, remains his favourite Rajinikanth film, and it was this blend of commercial entertainment and artistic depth that he set out to emulate in Coolie. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Introducing the Carens Clavis Kia India Read More Undo '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 those words from Rajini sir was an achievement,' he shared. Shruti Haasan Praises Rajinikanth in 'Coolie': 'Shrewd, Sharp… and So Warm' A fantasy film that turned into Coolie Lokesh also opened up about the early stages of the project, revealing that Coolie wasn't the first idea he pitched to Rajinikanth. 'I initially wrote a fantasy film for him, and he immediately said okay to it, but assembling it would've taken at least a year and a half. You can write anything for the actor because he is larger than life,' he said, highlighting Rajinikanth's adaptability and trust in his directors. Despite experimenting with new styles and techniques in Coolie, Lokesh assures fans that the film stays true to its central hero. 'It will still be a Rajini sir film. I also don't want to change that,' he affirmed.
Pink Villa
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
When Rajinikanth REJECTED romancing younger actresses and said ‘I will do age-appropriate roles'
Rajinikanth has remained an undoubted superstar in Indian cinema over so many decades now. During his journey so far, he has been paired opposite a huge number of actors, including those younger than him. Here's a throwback to the time when Thalaivar shared his views on romancing someone on-screen who's half his age. When Rajinikanth rejected idea of romancing actresses half his age Previously, at the audio launch of the film Kaala, Rajinikanth addressed how he no longer wishes to be romantically paired up on-screen with actresses who are nearly half his age. The Tamil superstar further stressed the importance of taking on more age-appropriate roles moving forward, even if he gets criticized for them. In his words, 'I am 65 years old. I shouldn't be romancing heroines who are half my age. For 40 years, people have been saying that I am finished. But God's and your blessings keep me going. No matter what negative criticism I get, I will keep doing what I can do and will do age-appropriate roles.' Rajinikanth's comment on youth exceedingly turning towards Western cultures Rajinikanth has frequently garnered headlines with his forthright statements and views on various matters. For instance, while attending an event with his wife, Latha, the actor commented on the Indian youth's increasing interest in Western culture these days. He added, 'In this era of mobile phones, the youth and some adults are not aware of the traditions and culture of our country. They follow Western culture without knowing about the greatness and glory of our country.' Rajinikanth's power-packed film front at 74 Coming back to his film front, Rajinikanth seems to be one of the busiest stars, even at the age of 74. His immediate next film release is with Lokesh Kanagaraj-directed Coolie, which hits the big screens on August 14. The actor will be pulling off a power-packed role in this action thriller. Additionally, he also has Jailer 2 in the pipeline, which is currently being filmed. Thalaivar has often been spotted traveling between cities for his busy shooting schedules.
Hans India
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Rajinikanth Roars in ‘Chikitu' – Coolie's First Single is Here
Superstar Rajinikanth's first single from Coolie, titled 'Chikitu', dropped with a bang on June 25. The peppy track instantly went viral, setting social media abuzz. Packed with flair, the video is a total Thalaivar tribute fest. T Rajendar and Anirudh Ravichander steal the show by channeling Rajini's legendary dance swagger. Their high-energy antics are both cheeky and nostalgic.
Mint
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Jana Nayagan makers launch teaser on Thalapathy Vijay's 51st birthday; excited netizens react: ‘Goosebumps'
'Jana Nayagan: The First Roar' makers provided fans a glimpse of Kollywood superstar Thalapathy Vijay's upcoming movie on the occasion of his 51st birthday. The teaser of the mush awaited movie was released on June 21, leaving everyone surprised and excited. The 65-second teaser of H Vinoth directorial movie opened with the words, 'A true leader rises not for power, but for people." Vijay is portrayed as a fearless police officer driven by justice and empathy rather than authority. The visual extravaganza shows the police officer emerging from a town engulfed in flames with katana in hand. Social media flooded the internet with a flurry of reactions and production house KVN Productions in a post on X wrote, '1M+ realtime roars in 15 mins.' A user stated, 'Bgm 1st time - ok, 2nd time - good, 3rd time - wow, nth time - goosebumps ra eley... Ani bro rockzzzz.... Hope Sai Abhyankar creates the same magic in Thala 64 and Thalaivar.' Another user remarked, "G of K-Town. HBD Thalapathy Vijay." A third user wrote, "Thalapathy Look = Leo + Mersal." A fourth user commented, "His walk. His eyes. That SMIRK. Every frame screams 'I'M BACK'." A fifth user said, "Thalapathy Vijay + Anirudh = Goosebumps Guaranteed." A sixth user replied, 'The last movie, Thalapathy, miss you.' Another comment read, 'One Last Roar.....!! Thalaivaaaa.' The ensemble cast of the political action thriller features Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain, Priyamani, Shruti Haasan, Mamitha Baiju, Monisha Blessy and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, alongside Vijay. As per media reports, Jana Nayagan is scheduled to hit the silver screens next year on January 9. As Vijay prepares to enter politics full-time, 'Jana Nayagan' marks a significant chapter in his career — possibly his last film before he bids adieu to cinema.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Fears of displacement linked to community ties and a fading way of life
1 2 Mumbai: Dharavi is not only a melting pot of various religions but of multiple cottage industries. The settlement likely came up in 1884 when the British moved tanneries and "polluting units" outside the main city limits. Tamilians were the first to arrive here after the original Koli inhabitants and the potters of Kumbharwada. Today natives of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar form a sizable number too. From leather to textiles, pottery to papads, trades are helmed by specific communities. Small home enterprises, many owned by women, roll out heaps of papads that are supplied to retail chains. Mysore Pak, a favourite South Indian sweet, is made and sold here as are bakery items and farsan. Men work as drivers for app cabs, or run shops or do menial labour. Extended families stay in close proximity, having built tall structures, sometimes circumventing the rules. The prospect of redevelopment does bring hope of better housing for those who will be rehabilitated there. However, others who fear displacement cite not only loss of homes, but businesses and community ties. The loss of intangible heritage involves community shrines, schools, even Rajinikanth fan clubs whose members would wait for Thalaivar's film to release at Aurora Cinema, and arrive to perform milk 'abhishek' on his giant posters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "Dharavi's economy and society flourished with the arrival of Tamilians who built temples, theatres, businesses. Although many families have now migrated northward to Chembur, Virar, Nallasopara, Kalyan-Dombivli, the community still dominates the area. Various Sanghams belonging to different sub sects celebrate festivals like Pongal, Ganeshotsav and Diwali," said M Jesuraj, president incharge of the DMK in Mumbai. Maran Nayagam, general secretary of The Bombay South Indian Adi Dravid Mahajan Sangh, who was born and raised in Dharavi, cites a list of landmarks including a 150-year-old Ganesh temple whose existence is under threat. "Will it be preserved or rebuilt, and will its priests and caretakers be displaced or be able to continue worship?" Nayagam, who is chairman of an educational trust, says the local schools which provide cheap education to poor Tamil students are similarly sacred and valuable. Basheer Shaikh, secretary of a mosque, says Dharavi is a close knit community. "We all look out for each other. During the pandemic, our mosque and several other institutions and NGOs served food to hundreds of people. Nobody asked if you were Hindu or Muslim. We live like brothers, like a mini India." Rev. Prabhu J, pastor of Good Shepherd Church which has about 5,800 subscribers, says, "People of all faiths live in peace because of interdependence. They live in very close proximity, sharing common toilets and public spaces, living in narrow lanes where houses are set cheek by jowl. We share food and sweets during festivals. People lived in mixed communities. And the diversity is not limited to religion but within the same religion also. " Indeed, there are Thevar and Nadar enclaves among Tamilians within Dharavi. Rev Prabhu voices the fears of the flock. "Do you know, when Covid-19 struck, 20% of Dharavi's inhabitants were forced to return to their villages? They live in rented homes and were unable to pay rent. They live a frugal existence. Once redevelopment comes, they will shift to bigger spaces with better amenities, and outgoings and expenses will increase. Yet of course there is another segment which looks forward to bigger, better homes and improved quality of life. "
