Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Sun Pictures, is one of the most anticipated Tamil-language action thrillers of 2025. With a star-studded ensemble and a gripping narrative centered around justice and rebellion in a coastal port town, the film promises high-octane drama and powerful performances. Here's a detailed look at the key cast members and their roles:
Rajinikanth as Deva
Character Profile: Deva is the mysterious protagonist who rises against a corrupt syndicate exploiting coolies. He’s portrayed as a charismatic yet ruthless vigilante with a deep personal vendetta.
Role Significance: This marks Rajinikanth’s 171st film as a lead actor, and his character is central to the film’s emotional and action-driven arc. Deva’s journey is one of vengeance, justice, and redemption.
Performance Notes: Rajinikanth’s portrayal blends his signature style with gritty realism, making Deva a compelling force of resistance.
Aamir Khan as Dahaa
Character Profile: Dahaa is the film’s primary antagonist—a cunning and manipulative figure who heads the syndicate exploiting the port workers.
Role Significance: Aamir Khan’s role is a dark departure from his usual characters. Dahaa is cold, calculating, and driven by power, making him a formidable adversary to Deva.
Performance Notes: Known for his transformative acting, Aamir Khan brings psychological depth and menace to Dahaa, elevating the stakes of the conflict.
Nagarjuna Akkineni as Simon
Character Profile: Simon is a morally ambiguous enforcer who initially works for the syndicate but undergoes a transformation as the story unfolds.
Role Significance: Nagarjuna’s character adds complexity to the narrative, serving as both a foil and reluctant ally to Deva.
Performance Notes: With his commanding screen presence, Nagarjuna delivers a layered performance that explores loyalty, guilt, and redemption.
Shruti Haasan as Preethi Rajasekar
Character Profile: Preethi is a journalist and activist who uncovers the truth behind the syndicate’s operations. She’s also the daughter of Rajasekar (played by Sathyaraj), a senior port official.
Role Significance: Preethi’s investigation drives the plot forward, and her alliance with Deva adds emotional depth and urgency to the mission.
Performance Notes: Shruti Haasan brings intelligence and intensity to the role, portraying Preethi as both vulnerable and fiercely determined.
The dynamic between these characters—Deva’s righteous fury, Dahaa’s villainy, Simon’s moral conflict, and Preethi’s pursuit of truth—creates a rich tapestry of tension and drama. With Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction and Anirudh Ravichander’s music, Coolie is poised to be a cinematic spectacle that blends action, emotion, and social commentary.