In an industry dominated by youth, mega budgets, and relentless promotions, Coolie – fronted by 74-year-old superstar Rajinikanth – has quietly emerged as the most hyped Indian film of 2025.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the action-packed thriller now tops IMDb’s list of most anticipated Indian movies for the year, beating out heavyweights like War 2 (Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR), The RajaSaab (Prabhas), and Alpha (Alia Bhatt), reported Cinema Express.
IMDb’s rankings are based on real user data from over 250 million monthly visitors, reflecting authentic global interest rather than curated editorial picks.
The organic buzz surrounding Coolie indicates that audiences are hungry for more than just flashy visuals – they want narrative depth, nostalgia and star charisma.
Scheduled for release on Aug 14, Coolie is set up as a major cinematic event. The ensemble cast includes Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Reba Monica John and special appearances by Pooja Hegde and Aamir Khan.
Of particular note is Sathyaraj’s reunion with Rajinikanth on screen after 38 years.
“This recognition from IMDb reflects the incredible excitement our fans have shown worldwide,” said Lokesh. “The reunion of legends Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj has created magic on screen.”
The film’s momentum intensified with the release of its third single, Powerhouse, composed by Anirudh Ravichander and featuring rapper Arivu, reported the Times of India.
The track includes a bold reference to Breaking Bad, with the iconic “Say My Name” line from the show’s character Heisenberg. With action-heavy visuals and Rajinikanth’s signature swagger, the song has already sparked a wave of social media excitement.
Adding to the frenzy is Coolie’s upcoming clash at the box office with War 2 – a showdown between Rajinikanth’s Tamil stronghold and the pan-India appeal of Hrithik and Jr NTR. However, if IMDb interest is any measure, Coolie is already winning the hype battle.
At the heart of Coolie is Deva, an ageing gangster attempting to reclaim his past glory by using stolen technology hidden in antique gold watches. The film explores his quest for redemption and the chaos that follows, offering a fresh blend of emotion, legacy, and action.
Interestingly, Coolie is not part of Lokesh’s existing cinematic universe (Kaithi, Vikram, Leo) – it stands alone, yet monumental.
The film’s understated build-up has resonated deeply with fans. In a time when most blockbusters rely on massive promotional blitzes, Coolie has tapped into public sentiment through sincerity and storytelling.
The anticipation proves that legacy, when thoughtfully modernised, still has the power to outshine newer trends.
