Rajinikanth’s Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has smashed global box office records despite receiving an ‘A’ certificate from the Censor Board. Producer Elred Kumar and fans argue the film didn’t deserve such a rating, as it restricts family audiences, even though it grossed ₹151 crores worldwide on Day 1.
Superstar Rajinikanth’s much-awaited film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has taken the Tamil film industry and the global box office by storm. However, even amid its historic success, the film has been at the center of a controversy regarding its certification by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Well-known producer Elred Kumar has now voiced his disappointment, questioning why Coolie was granted an ‘A’ certificate, suggesting that it did not deserve such a restrictive classification.
Taking to social media platform X after watching the film, Elred Kumar praised director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s craftsmanship and Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence. He wrote:
“Watched #Coolie @Dir_Lokesh fantastic work. #Rajini sir amazes me, Superstar is always a Superstar! @anirudhofficial elevates the film to another level. Other language films with more violence get U/A, yet #Coolie gets an A? This film didn’t deserve that. Something fuzzy, Tamil film fraternity needs to step up.”
Kumar’s statement has found resonance with a large section of moviegoers and film enthusiasts, many of whom believe that the Censor Board’s decision was unusually harsh. Critics and fans alike argue that the film, despite being an action-packed entertainer, does not showcase any content that warrants a strict ‘Adults Only’ tag.
Family Audience Concerns
The certification issue has raised broader concerns within the Tamil film fraternity and among Rajinikanth’s fans. The superstar has long been considered a family-friendly actor whose films attract audiences of all age groups. For many, watching a Rajinikanth film in theatres is a family affair, often spanning across generations. An ‘A’ certificate, therefore, potentially restricts children from experiencing the film on the big screen.
Before the release of Coolie, this concern had already made headlines. A section of Rajinikanth’s massive fan base worried that the restrictive rating would impact the film’s reach among families. However, the ground reality appears to tell a different story.
Historic Box Office Success
Despite the certification hurdle, Coolie has shattered records at the box office. Sun Pictures, the production house behind the film, announced that the movie grossed an unprecedented ₹151 crores worldwide on its opening day, making it the highest-ever Day 1 worldwide collection for a Tamil film.
The film’s success has not been limited to India alone. Coolie has emerged as the highest overseas Day 1 grosser among Tamil films, raking in over $8.75 million. It has also set another benchmark by becoming the highest overseas procurement for a Tamil film to date, reaching audiences in over 100 countries. This massive global reach has been made possible through Hamsini Entertainment, a leading player in international film distribution.
Star-Studded Cast and Crew
Part of Coolie’s enormous hype stems from its stellar cast. Apart from Rajinikanth, the film boasts appearances by acclaimed stars such as Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan.
Music for the film has been composed by Anirudh Ravichander, who continues his successful collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj, marking their fourth consecutive project together. The technical team includes celebrated cinematographer Girish Gangadharan and editor Philomin Raj, both of whom have lent their expertise to elevate the film’s cinematic experience.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Standalone Vision
Interestingly, director Lokesh Kanagaraj clarified that Coolie, Rajinikanth’s 171st film, is a standalone action entertainer and not part of his much-discussed Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). The filmmaker’s statement fueled curiosity among fans, many of whom had speculated that Coolie would expand the interconnected universe he has been building with films like Kaithi and Vikram.
Industry Debate Continues
While Coolie’s performance has silenced doubts about its commercial viability, the debate around the Censor Board’s certification decision continues. Producers, critics, and fans alike argue that the film deserved at least a U/A rating, which would have allowed children to watch the movie with parental guidance. The broader concern, voiced by Elred Kumar and others, is whether Tamil films are being unfairly scrutinized compared to films from other languages that often receive more lenient certifications.
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Despite the controversy, one fact remains unshakable—Rajinikanth has once again proved why he continues to be the ultimate superstar of Indian cinema. With Coolie, he has delivered a global blockbuster that has not only broken box office records but also reaffirmed his enduring legacy across generations and borders.
