Coolie releases as Lokesh’s standalone tribute to Rajinikanth; director shares heartfelt note

Chennai: As Coolie officially releases in theatres, director Lokesh Kanagaraj has shared an emotional letter expressing heartfelt gratitude to the people behind the project, from megastar Rajinikanth to the dedicated crew and loyal fans.

Calling the filmmaking journey “surreal and spellbound,” Lokesh thanked Superstar Rajinikanth for giving him “complete creative freedom” to bring his vision to life. Coolie, he confirmed, is a standalone film crafted exclusively for Thalaivar, marking a major milestone in the actor’s legendary 50-year career.

Lokesh thanks star-studded cast

The director extended special thanks to the film’s ensemble cast, calling their involvement “memorable and special.” He gave shoutouts to King Nagarjuna, Real Star Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and Aamir Khan, whom he credited for elevating the film with their presence.

Crew and producers: The ‘Pillars of Strength’

Lokesh reserved a major part of his message for his crew, praising their “unwavering dedication” throughout the nearly two-year production process. “I will forever be grateful to each and every person who contributed to this film in any way,” he wrote.

He also thanked Sun Pictures and producer Kalanithi Maran, as well as Kannan, for trusting him with the project and supporting his creative vision from start to finish.

His core team, including The Route, Jagadish, Aishwarya, and Radheyan   were also acknowledged for their instrumental roles in casting and production coordination.

What was Lokesh’s message to the fans?

To his ever-supportive audience, Lokesh expressed sincere gratitude, noting their love and encouragement have meant the world. As Coolie now plays in theatres, he encouraged fans to enjoy the film responsibly and avoid sharing spoilers, preserving the experience for everyone.

“This film is now all yours,” he wrote, signing off with “Much love.”

Fans and industry insiders have since lauded Lokesh’s note for its humility and heartfelt emotion, with social media buzzing as Coolie officially opens in cinemas today (August 14).