Celebrated Kannada actor and filmmaker Upendra has officially joined the star-studded cast of the highly-anticipated film “Coolie,” which features legendary actor Rajinikanth in a leading role. The film is helmed by celebrated director Lokesh Kanagaraj and financed by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Pictures, a production house known for backing several successful ventures in Indian cinema.
According to reports, Upendra recently participated in a test shoot for the film, which reportedly garnered a positive response from the production team. Impressed by the outcome, the makers have quickly moved forward and are gearing up to commence full-scale shooting with Upendra on board.
Upendra initially took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to share his excitement about joining the project but later took down the post. In his now-deleted message, he expressed his elation by stating, “Feeling blessed to share screen space with my idol, superstar Rajini sir.”
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has confirmed that “Coolie” will not be part of his ongoing Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), which includes notable films like “Kaithi,” “Vikram,” and the much-anticipated “Leo.” This clarification ensures that “Coolie” stands as a unique and independent project in Kanagaraj’s filmography. The movie will mark an exciting milestone in Rajinikanth’s illustrious career as his 171st film.
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is also awaiting the release of his upcoming film “Vettaiyan,” directed by TJ Gnanavel and produced by Lyca Productions. The movie features an ensemble cast including Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, acclaimed actors Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Dushara Vijayan, and Ritika Singh. “Vettaiyan” is set to hit theaters on October 10, promising a box office clash with Suriya’s “Kanguva.”
The buzz around “Coolie” has already been substantial, and the inclusion of Upendra is likely to elevate the excitement to new heights. Upendra, who is a revered figure in Kannada cinema, brings his unique charisma and acting prowess to a project that already boasts some of the biggest names in the industry.
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his gripping narratives and dynamic filmmaking, has assured fans that “Coolie” will offer a fresh cinematic experience.
. The excitement surrounding this project is palpable, especially given the director’s track record of delivering hits that resonate with both critics and audiences.
Upendra’s collaboration with Rajinikanth is not just a significant career milestone for him but also a treat for fans who have long awaited such a crossover. The chemistry between the two actors is expected to be one of the highlights of the film, adding to its already high anticipation.
In the meantime, Upendra is also preparing for the release of his directorial venture “UI.” The surrealistic action thriller, starring Upendra himself, is produced by G Manoharan and KP Sreekanth under the banners of Lahari Films and Venus Entertainers. Mounted on an impressive budget of Rs 100 crore, “UI” is slated for an October 2024 release, further padding Upendra’s busy and illustrious schedule.
Despite the flurry of excitement around “Coolie,” the project has not been without its share of controversies. The makers of “Coolie” recently faced legal trouble as celebrated composer Ilaiyaraaja issued a legal notice regarding the unauthorized use of his song “Thanga Magan.” The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen, but it has not dampened the enthusiasm around the film.
As the production of “Coolie” gears up, the juxtaposition of talents like Rajinikanth and Upendra under the direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj, complemented by the backing of Sun Pictures, ensures that the film will be a major talking point in the months to come. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what this power-packed combination delivers on the silver screen.
The film industry and movie enthusiasts alike are keeping a close watch on this monumental collaboration. While much remains under wraps, the confirmed involvement of such high-profile talents promises a cinematic spectacle that could set a new benchmark in Indian cinema.
Stay tuned for more updates on “Coolie,” as the film continues to capture headlines and hearts alike.
