Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ Becomes One of Indian Cinema’s Costliest Films; Star Salaries Spark Industry Buzz
As anticipation builds for Rajinikanth’s next big outing, Coolie, fresh details surrounding the film’s extravagant scale and star-studded ensemble are turning heads across the industry. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the action entertainer is set for a grand release on August 14, 2025, and is already generating waves for more than just its storyline.
Backed by Sun Pictures, Coolie is being mounted on a staggering ₹400 crore budget, positioning it as one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. The investment reflects not only the high production values but also the powerhouse cast and crew behind it.
Leading the charge is Superstar Rajinikanth, who, according to industry insiders, is commanding an unprecedented fee in the range of ₹260–280 crore—a figure that cements his place as Asia’s highest-paid actor. For perspective, this surpasses previously reported earnings of global stars like Aamir Khan and Jackie Chan, making it a landmark moment in Indian film economics.
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his gripping action thrillers, has also reportedly upped his fee to ₹60 crore, a jump from his previous projects—an indication of his growing clout in the industry. Meanwhile, Nagarjuna Akkineni, playing a pivotal role named Simon, is said to be charging ₹24 crore, reflecting the high expectations pinned on his character.
Joining the lineup are acclaimed actors like Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Upendra Rao, who are said to have opted for their standard remuneration, prioritizing the film’s creative scale over personal gain. Aamir Khan is expected to make a powerful cameo appearance, with reports suggesting a fee of ₹25–30 crore for his role.
Adding glamour to the soundtrack is Pooja Hegde, who recently scored success with Retro. She’s said to appear in a special song sequence, reportedly earning ₹2 crore for the cameo.
The music for Coolie is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, whose powerful scores have become synonymous with high-octane cinema. With this film, he reunites with both Rajinikanth and Lokesh after their previous successes.
With just a few months to go until its release, Coolie is shaping up to be a high-voltage entertainer that combines massive star power, ambitious storytelling, and industry-defining numbers. Whether it’s the action, the ensemble, or the sheer scale—this film is poised to set new benchmarks.
