The much-awaited Tamil action thriller Coolie, directed by hitmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, is all set to hit theatres on 14 August 2025. Starring the legendary Rajinikanth in the lead role, the film has become the talk of the town — not only for its high-octane action and star-studded cast but also for the massive fees charged by its actors.
From veteran stars like Nagarjuna and Upendra to popular actresses Shruti Haasan and Pooja Hegde, every member of the cast has contributed to making Coolie one of the most expensive South Indian films ever made. Here’s a detailed look at how much each star is being paid for their role in the film.
Rajinikanth – ₹150 to ₹250 Crore
When you think of South Indian cinema, one name instantly comes to mind — Rajinikanth. The superstar commands a massive fan base across the globe and is known for delivering box office blockbusters.
For Coolie, Rajinikanth is reportedly charging between ₹150 crore and ₹250 crore for his role. This makes him the highest-paid actor in the film and one of the highest-paid actors in all of Indian cinema. Considering his last film, Jailer, became a massive hit, the makers seem confident that paying such a huge amount will be worth it at the box office.
Nagarjuna – ₹24 to ₹30 Crore
The second major male role in Coolie is played by Telugu superstar Nagarjuna. Known for his versatility and charm, Nagarjuna has been a dominant force in the Telugu film industry for decades.
Reports suggest that Nagarjuna’s fee for Coolie is between ₹24 crore and ₹30 crore. His presence is expected to give the film a strong boost in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, ensuring that Coolie appeals to audiences across multiple states.
Shruti Haasan – ₹4 Crore
Shruti Haasan, daughter of legendary actor Kamal Haasan, plays the female lead in Coolie. Over the years, Shruti has worked in multiple languages — Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi — and has a loyal fan following.
For Coolie, Shruti is reportedly being paid ₹4 crore. This is a significant amount for a female lead in a Tamil film, reflecting her popularity and the importance of her character in the story.
Pooja Hegde – ₹3 Crore (for a Special Song)
Actress Pooja Hegde will not be seen in a full-fledged role but will make a special appearance in a dance number in Coolie.
Despite appearing in just one song, Pooja has charged ₹3 crore for her performance. This isn’t surprising, as special songs featuring popular actresses often become chartbusters and help promote the film before release.
Upendra – ₹4 Crore
Kannada superstar Upendra also plays an important role in Coolie. Known for his unique acting style and strong screen presence, Upendra brings a lot of value to the film, especially in Karnataka, where he enjoys massive popularity.
For his role, Upendra has reportedly been paid ₹4 crore.
Lokesh Kanagaraj – ₹50 Crore
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj is currently one of the most sought-after filmmakers in India. With hits like Master, Vikram, and Leo to his name, Lokesh has a reputation for delivering stylish action thrillers with mass appeal.
For directing Coolie, Lokesh is being paid ₹50 crore. This is a record-breaking fee for a Tamil film director, but given his track record, the producers clearly believe he’s worth every rupee.
Aamir Khan – Free Cameo
One of the most surprising names attached to Coolie is Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. The Dangal actor will reportedly make a cameo appearance in the film.
However, in a generous gesture, Aamir has chosen not to charge any fee for his role. According to sources, Aamir agreed to appear in the film purely out of respect for Rajinikanth and his friendship with Lokesh Kanagaraj.
The Total Impact on the Budget
With these huge star fees, Coolie’s budget has skyrocketed. Rajinikanth’s massive ₹150–250 crore paycheck alone takes up a huge portion of the budget, while the combined payments to Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, and others push it even higher.
The director’s ₹50 crore fee and high production costs — including action sequences, VFX, and international shooting locations — are expected to make Coolie one of the most expensive South Indian films ever made, with an estimated budget of over ₹400 crore.
Why the Makers Are Confident About the Investment
Spending so much money on star fees might seem risky, but the producers believe it’s worth it. Here’s why:
- Rajinikanth’s Box Office Power – His films often cross ₹500 crore worldwide.
- Pan-India Appeal – With a cast featuring stars from Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, Coolie has the potential to attract audiences across India.
- Overseas Market – Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna have a huge following in the US, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East.
- Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Track Record – Every film he has made in recent years has been a blockbuster.
Release Plans
Coolie is set to release on 14 August 2025, just before India’s Independence Day. The timing is perfect, as the long holiday weekend will help boost opening numbers. The film will release in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada languages, making it a true pan-India event.
Trade experts predict that if the film gets positive reviews, it could break multiple box office records, both in India and overseas.
Coolie will Battle War 2
The fees paid to the cast of Coolie show just how big the film is shaping up to be. With Rajinikanth leading the charge, supported by big names like Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, and even a cameo by Aamir Khan, this is a once-in-a-lifetime cinematic event.
Now, all eyes are on 14 August 2025, when Coolie will battle War 2 at the box office in one of the biggest movie clashes in recent history.
Whether the huge investment in star salaries pays off will depend on audience response, but one thing is certain — Coolie has already created massive buzz before even hitting the screens.
_2025-1-10-9-50-17_thumbnail.jpg)
0 Comments