Rajinikanth once broke down crying after former college mate ridiculed him for being a Coolie. 'Gave me 2 rupees'

Superstar Rajinikanth took a deeply personal turn during the trailer and audio launch of his upcoming film Coolie, held in Chennai on August 2. While the event celebrated the high-octane teaser and star-studded cast, it also became a platform for Rajinikanth to share a painful episode from his early life—his days as a coolie (porter), long before stardom found him.

Recalling a particularly emotional incident, the actor said he once broke down in tears after being mocked by a former college mate while working as a porter. The man had asked him to carry luggage into a tempo and paid him Rs 2. Rajinikanth recognised the voice as that of a fellow student he had once made fun of. The man, in turn, ridiculed Rajinikanth’s job and his past arrogance. That moment, Rajinikanth revealed, was the first time in his life that he cried.

Praising Director Lokesh Kanagaraj

Amid the emotional recollections, Rajinikanth also reserved high praise for director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Calling him the “real hero” of Coolie, the veteran actor said that Lokesh had built excitement for the film purely on his creative strength and reputation as a top commercial filmmaker. Rajinikanth shared that he had contacted the director right after watching Kaithi, expressing interest in collaborating even before other actors could approach him.


The actor also joked about Lokesh’s admiration for Kamal Haasan, saying with a chuckle that when Lokesh told him he was a fan of Kamal, he asked, “Did I ask you whose fan you are?”—drawing laughter from the crowd.

Lighter Moments and Ageing Gracefully

Keeping things light, Rajinikanth humorously addressed his age and health while working on the film. He said he requested choreographer Sandy not to push him too hard in dance sequences. Comparing himself to an old car, the actor quipped that his “parts” had been replaced over the years and urged the team to “handle him with care.”

He also joked about Nagarjuna Akkineni’s enduring looks, especially his full head of hair, while pointing out his own baldness. He said Nagarjuna attributed it to exercise, adding another light-hearted moment to the otherwise emotional event.

About the Film

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie marks Rajinikanth’s 171st film. The action thriller features Shruti Haasan, Upendra Rao, Soubin Shahir, Nagarjuna, and Sathyaraj in prominent roles, with a cameo appearance by Aamir Khan. Supporting cast includes Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Kaali Venkat, and others.

According to Letterboxd, the film follows an ageing gold smuggler who uses stolen tech hidden inside vintage watches to resurrect his criminal empire, spiraling into a larger tale of crime and ambition. Rajinikanth plays the role of Deva, a former daily wage worker who returns to action to protect a friend from a powerful mafia leader.

Coolie is slated for a theatrical release on August 14, 2025, just ahead of Independence Day.