How Lokesh Kanagaraj Persuaded Nagarjuna to Embrace Villainy in Coolie!!

Breaking the Mold: How Lokesh Kanagaraj Persuaded Nagarjuna to Embrace Villainy in Coolie

Lokesh Kanagaraj's upcoming action thriller Coolie, set for a star-studded release on 14 August 2025, is already making history — not just for its entourage of megastars like Rajinikanth and Upendra, but for Nagarjuna’s first-ever villainous turn in his illustrious 40-year career

Casting the Iconic Villain

Convincing Nagarjuna to take on a negative role was no small feat. Lokesh revealed that it took four months and eight detailed narrations to persuade the Telugu superstar . Nagarjuna repeatedly questioned why he should stray from the heroic roles that defined his career. Ultimately, during Lokesh's final pitch in Hyderabad, Nagarjuna's mindset shifted: “If not now, when will I do such a role?”

A Strategic Career Shift

Historically, Nagarjuna has steered clear of supporting roles or characters with shades of grey. Only recently, through a supporting role in Kuberaa — a performance that earned critical praise — did he begin exploring varied parts. With lead roles becoming scarcer, Nagarjuna has deliberately aligned himself with ensemble-driven, big-ticket films. Coolie fits this pattern, placing him in uncharted territory: the main antagonist against none other than Rajinikanth.

Liberating the Star

Reports speak to Nagarjuna finding the experience “liberating”, a stark contrast to previous roles that demanded polish and restraint. Freed from expectations of decency, his character exudes a raw charisma — so much so that fans are already buzzing over a forthcoming teaser designed to introduce his villainous avatar

Amplifying the Ensemble

Director Lokesh isn't just banking on Nagarjuna. Coolie also features Rajinikanth — who reportedly signed on after hearing just half the script — alongside Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, and others. With music by Anirudh Ravichander, the film is shaping up as one of the most ambitious action dramas of 2025

Box Office Expectations

Lokesh tempered the crushing hype, saying he couldn’t guarantee a ₹1,000 crore juggernaut — but he can guarantee an immersive experience for audiences in theatres . And if Nagarjuna's villainous turn is even half as powerful as the anticipation, that experience is bound to be unforgettable.

Final Take

Nagarjuna’s leap into villain territory — a role he once resisted — marks a bold reinvention in his cinematic journey. Through persistent narration and an airtight script, Lokesh helped shape a performance that promises to be both surprising and magnetic. With the might of Rajinikanth and a powerhouse ensemble behind him, Coolie is gearing up to deliver a uniquely thrilling cinematic spectacle — one that might just redefine Nagarjuna’s legacy.