Rama Krishna Sangem
Tollywood super star King Nagarjuna’s fnns are justified in complaining that their hero shouldn’t have accepted this villain role in Rajinikanth starred movie, Coolie. Many expected that Nag would have thought twice or several times, before saying yes to director Kanakaraj’s offer in this movie. This is an out and out Rajini film, while all other actors are there to prop him up. The story line is so convoluted that no one questions Rajini’s super heroism in Coolie.
Nag himself said this at a pre-release event, that he tweaked the storyline to suit his image and stardom back home in Telugu film industry. But, after seeing the film, it didn’t appear to me that he has done any to improve his character to his image level. Simon, the villain in the film looked like just as any other baddie in Rajini’s movies.
Nag’s role is rounded, without any wit or imagination. Simon is a drunkard, always keeps sipping one or the other drink, and even smokes continuously. Very pale, dull, dumb and lost looks and reacts in fit of anger always.
Lokesh hasn’t either done any justice to Nag’s role. Simon character takes stupid decisions. If he can order for removal of heart for heroine Shruthi Haasan, why cannot do the same for his once side-kick cum betrayer Dayal played by Soubin Shahir? Nag’s very easily killed Rajini, without much fight, that too with wrist watch chains!
Nag may have been paid well; otherwise, he wouldn’t have done this role. But, his villainism in this film is neither memorable nor impressive. Same is the case with Aamiir Khan, who comes as a cameo at the end of the film. His entry is projected grandly, but the way he interacts with Rajini and lights a beedi are outright stupid, dumb and silly.
Maybe Lokesh must have cast these two biggies in Coolie, only to elevate the image of Rajini. That’s understandable. But, these kind of movies will definitely limit the scope and range of cinematic prospects of Nagarjuna, leave alone Aamir Khan. Oh, there is one more such star, Upendra, Kannada hero. He too is just a sidekick to Rajini.
How stars are cast?
Usually, in pan-India movies or those with an eye on multi-stater audience, stars are cast with commercial calculations. For example, if Rajini is a lead role from Tamil market, Nagarjuna is from Telugu market and the same is the case with Aamir for Hindi, Upendra from Kannada and Soubin Sahir from Malayalam market. If heroine Shruti is from the South, an item song star Puja Hegde is a known face from Hindi market too.
Lokesh must have preferred Nag as the main villain in the film keeping his fresh entry into this genre. In Telugu posters and promotions Nag is shown prominently, but in Hindi markets Aamir is shown prominently. This is just a marketing technique.
Rs 600-700 core @ Box office
Despite mixed reviews, Coolie has sustained its box office momentum. Analysts predict the film could reach Rs 600 – Rs 700 crore worldwide, challenging Rajinikanth’s own records with 2.0 and Jailer. Only three Tamil films have ever crossed this mark, with Rajinikanth leading in two and Vijay’s Leo in the third. People are queuing up before theaters in all center, especially in Tamil Nadu and other southern states. But, Nagarjuna’s fans are apparently frustrated or disappointed with his role in Coolie. Nag must listen to them.
