Rajinikanth's Coolie vs Vettaiyan: Lokesh Kanagaraj's Mass Action Collides With T.J. Gnanavel's Action Drama
Chennai, August 14 - In theatres right now is Coolie, the latest Rajinikanth-starrer action spectacle directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, which follows hot on the heels of the superstar's previous outing, Vettaiyan, brought to life by T.J. Gnanavel. While both films showcase the actor's unmatched screen presence, they differ in tone, style, and box office performance. ##
Vettaiyan was released on October 10, 2024, marking a compelling departure for Rajinikanth, portraying an encounter specialist navigating the murky world of crime and justice. Directed by T. J. Gnanavel and produced under Lyca Productions, the film assembled a powerhouse cast including Amitabh Bachchan as Rajinikanth's superior, along with Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, and more. ##
The Film was set against the social backdrop of encounter killings, the screenplay by B. Kiruthika captured the moral complexities faced by law enforcers, urging reform over retaliation. Anirudh Ravichander’s music, most notably the single "Manasilaayo", featuring a rare on-screen dance moment by Rajinikanth and Manju Warrier, injected both energy and emotional resonance into the film. The movie had a promising opening, but a mixed reception didn't help it in the long run, and at the end of 2024, the movie amassed around ₹250 crores worldwide, securing a respectable third place among the highest-grossing Tamil films of the year. ##
Vettaiyan features a rare and powerful reunion of cinematic legends, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, sharing the screen again after 33 years, following their iconic collaboration in Hum (1991). Strategically planned for a pan-Indian release, Vettaiyan was simultaneously launched in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada, expanding its reach beyond traditional Tamil cinema audiences. The movie received a mixed-to-positive response from critics, with many praising Rajinikanth's commanding presence and the film's socially relevant theme, while pointing out issues in pacing and storytelling.##
Vettaiyan emerged as a bold yet imperfect attempt to blend mass appeal with social messaging. Rajinikanth’s charisma remained its strongest asset, while its commercial appeal carried it to solid box office numbers despite narrative inconsistencies. Gnanavel’s film invited praise for its purpose and intention, even if not entirely successful in execution. ##
Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, marks a grand comeback for Rajinikanth, celebrating both his 171st film and a 50-year cinematic legacy. Rajinikanth headlines as Deva, reportedly a former gang leader entangled in complex socio-political dynamics. The ensemble includes Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Pooja Hegde, and Soubin Shahir, among others. Aamir Khan appears in a high-impact cameo, including a dramatic 15-minute confrontation with Rajinikanth. Anirudh Ravichander scores the soundtrack—his fourth collaboration with Lokesh and fifth with Rajinikanth. ##
The album, released August 2, 2025, includes hit singles like "Monica," which sparked a viral dance trend. Strategically positioned for a pan-India release in over 100 countries, the film is poised to become one of Tamil cinema's most widely distributed titles. Coolie had achieved remarkable pre-release milestones, with worldwide bookings totalling over ₹100 crores for the opening day. In North America, pre-sales reached $2.75 million, surpassing the lifetime earnings of Rajinikanth’s previous hit "Petta" in the region. ##
Additionally, the film set a new record for Tamil cinema on BookMyShow by selling 2.5+ million tickets in advance. The film received an 'A' certification, making it Rajinikanth’s first adult-only release in 36 years, a testament to its intense action and mature themes. Coolie is shaping up to be more than just another film; it's becoming a cultural milestone. With Rajinikanth's legendary screen presence, a visionary director, a powerhouse ensemble cast, and music by Anirudh Ravichander, it promises to be a cinematic event of the year. From record-setting bookings to global reach across 100+ countries, the film’s launch on Independence Day weekend sets it up for box office dominance. ##
While comparisons are inevitable, industry analysts believe Coolie and Vettaiyan represent two sides of Rajinikanth's cinematic persona — the larger-than-life superstar and the seasoned actor. Whether it's at the ticket counters or in the hearts of fans, both films reinforce why Rajinikanth remains Tamil cinema's undisputed king. ##
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