Rajinikanth charges over $31.2 million for ‘Coolie’; mega action drama to hit screens this Independence Day

The buzz around Coolie, the much-awaited action extravaganza starring Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is reaching a fever pitch as the film gears up for a grand worldwide release on August 14, 2025—perfectly timed for India’s Independence Day weekend. Also featuring Nayanthara, the film promises a gripping cinematic experience and comes with a colossal budget of $48 million, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced.

While Coolie boasts an ensemble cast and high-octane action, it’s Rajinikanth’s remuneration that’s turning heads. According to reports, the legendary 72-year-old actor has signed a staggering deal worth $31–34 million, reinforcing his status as Asia’s highest-paid actor. This record-smashing fee reportedly outpaces even international giants like Jackie Chan and Bollywood stars such as Aamir Khan.

But Rajinikanth isn't the only big name in the film. Veteran actor Nagarjuna plays a key supporting role as Simon. Previously known to command around $4.2 million per film, Nagarjuna is said to have agreed to a slightly lower fee of $2.9 million, plus 10 per cent GST, for Coolie.

Joining them on screen are Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Upendra Rao, all reportedly working at their usual market rates, with no significant pay hike for this project.

In a delightful surprise for fans, Aamir Khan will make a special cameo appearance in Coolie. Though brief, the role is impactful—and Khan is reportedly earning $3–3.6 million for the appearance, according to NewsX.

Another crowd-pleasing addition is actress Pooja Hegde, who recently impressed audiences in Retro. She will appear in a glamorous special song sequence and is reportedly taking home $240,000, as per Siasat.

Behind the scenes, the film’s soundtrack and background score are composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who previously collaborated with Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj to great success. His musical return to this team has further heightened excitement among fans.

To fuel the frenzy, the production team released a promo video marking the 100-day countdown to the release. The teaser, which quickly went viral, highlighted the film’s cast in their bold, action-ready looks. The promo was captioned:

“Arangam Adhirattume, Whistle Parakkattume. #CoolieIn100Days. #Coolie worldwide from 14th August”

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his raw narratives and stylized visuals, is reportedly being paid $7.2 million for helming the film—his highest fee to date. Industry sources say the film will feature his trademark slick action blocks, layered characters, and high-intensity storytelling.

With its grand budget, pan-India cast, and immense fan expectations, Coolie is being touted as a potential box office record-breaker. The combination of Rajinikanth’s towering screen presence and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s compelling direction is already generating global buzz.

As the countdown continues, all eyes are now on August 14, when Coolie storms cinemas around the world. With fans prepping for first-day-first-show celebrations and industry watchers forecasting historic numbers, the film is poised to become the cinematic event of 2025.