Superstar Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated film, Coolie, helmed by visionary director Lokesh Kanagaraj, is rapidly becoming a focal point of excitement ahead of its August 14, 2025, global release. Touted as a big-budget mass action entertainer, the film delves into the intricate world of gold smuggling, promising an action-packed narrative. The anticipation is palpable not just in Tamil Nadu but also across the Telugu states, primarily due to the significant involvement of Telugu cinema stalwart King Nagarjuna in a pivotal role.
The film’s Telugu distribution rights have emerged as a hotly debated topic within Tollywood circles. Reports indicate that Nagarjuna himself is actively engaged in discussions with Sun Pictures, the film’s producers, for these lucrative rights. Competing fiercely for the acquisition are prominent Telugu producers such as Naga Vamsi’s Sithara Entertainments, Mythri Movie Makers, and Dil Raju, signaling the intense demand for this high-profile project.
Sun Pictures is reportedly commanding a hefty sum of ₹40 crore for the Telugu rights, with some sources even suggesting the deal has been finalized at a record-breaking ₹42 crore—the highest ever for a Rajinikanth film in the Telugu market. While Nagarjuna is reportedly aiming to seal the deal closer to the ₹35 crore mark, the sheer competition among buyers has turned this into a fascinating business proposition. Industry observers note Nagarjuna’s shrewd business acumen and the historically mixed track record of Tamil dubbed films in Telugu.
However, the formidable combination of Rajinikanth’s enduring charisma, Nagarjuna’s widespread appeal, and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s directorial prowess presents a compelling strategic investment. Despite the inherent risks and the need for resounding positive talk upon release to justify the colossal price, the project’s immense hype and star power make it a potential blockbuster. The industry now eagerly awaits the final announcement of which distributor will ultimately secure the coveted Telugu rights for Coolie.