The director humbly requested everyone not to engage in such practices, as they spoil the overall experience.
Published Sep 19, 2024 | 11:49 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 19, 2024 | 11:49 AM
Lokesh Kanagaraj expresses disappointment over video leak from 'Coolie' sets. (X)
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has expressed his deep disappointment over the recent leaked video from the sets of his much-anticipated film Coolie, headlined by Rajinikanth.
Taking to social media, the filmmaker voiced his frustration, stating that months of hard work had been jeopardised by the unauthorised recording.
“Two months of hard work by many people have gone in vain because of one recording. I humbly request everyone not to engage in such practices, as they spoil the overall experience,” Lokesh Kanagaraj wrote in his post.
The leaked footage, which went viral online, featured Nagarjuna Akkineni in a stylish look—donning a white coat and performing a dramatic action scene.
In the clip, Nagarjuna’s character Simon is seen attacking another man with a hammer, sparking excitement among fans about his role as the antagonist.
The shooting of Coolie is currently underway in Visakhapatnam, with Lokesh Kanagaraj and his team stationed at the Visakhapatnam Harbour for an action-packed schedule.
The leaked video gave fans a glimpse of the large-scale fight sequences in Coolie, with hundreds of junior artistes dressed up as harbour workers running towards Nagarjuna’s Simon during the intense scene.
Two months of hard work by many people have gone in vain because of one recording.
I humbly request everyone not to engage in such practices, as they spoil the overall experience. Thank you.
— Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) September 18, 2024
The leaked video from Coolie only fuelled anticipation for this Tamil movie, which is expected to be released in 2025. However, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s plea highlights the impact such leaks can have on filmmakers and the overall audience experience. Meanwhile, fans and industry insiders extended their support to the filmmaker.
Coolie, a crime thriller set against the backdrop of gold smuggling, generated high expectations since the project was announced.
Rajinikanth will play the lead character Deva in the film, while Nagarjuna will take on the role of the antagonist Simon.
The star-studded cast also includes Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj. Anirudh Ravichander is composing the music and the background score. The “Disco” song, released in April this year, continues to top the charts.
After the song went viral, maestro Ilaiyaraaja issued a legal notice to Sun Pictures (the film’s producers) for not seeking his formal permission before using his music in the Rajinikanth-starrer.
The teaser of Coolie had a rendition of his song “Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa” from the film Thanga Magan (1983). Ilaiyaraaja claimed that “Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa” was remixed in the “Disco” song and that he is the owner of the original soundtrack.
Responding to the issue, Rajinikanth stated that the issue needed to be sorted out between Sun Pictures and Ilaiyaraaja.
Besides Coolie, Rajinikanth is also working on Vettaiyan, under the direction of TJ Gnanavel, who is known for his critically acclaimed film Jai Bhim (2021).
Vettaiyan will feature a stellar cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati. The film is set to release soon.
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth recently celebrated Onam on the Coolie set, where he was seen dancing to the viral song “Manasilaayo” from his upcoming film Vettaiyan. The video delighted his fans and sent the internet into a frenzy.
Superstar celebrating Onam in style from the sets of #Coolie 🔥💥@rajinikanth @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial @anbariv @girishganges @philoedit @Dir_Chandhru @PraveenRaja_Off pic.twitter.com/VhVNhmS2hI
— Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) September 15, 2024
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
