Coolie: Difference between revisions

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In an interview with Baradwaj Rangan, Lokesh Kanagaraj said he originally wrote the script in 2015 while working on the post-production of Maanagaram (2017), and it was first meant for a friend.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GephkkzFwFA |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj Interview With Baradwaj Rangan – Leo – thalapathyvijay – galattaplus |date=7 October 2023 |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |publisher=Galatta Plus |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/GephkkzFwFA |archive-date=8 October 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}</ref>

After Rajinikanth showed interest, Lokesh reworked the screenplay in late 2023 to match Rajinikanth’s image, and toned down the violence at the actor’s request. The first half of the script alone took six months to complete.

After Rajinikanth showed interest, Lokesh reworked the screenplay in late 2023 to match Rajinikanth’s image, and toned down the violence at the actor’s request. The first half of the script alone took six months to complete.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 May 2024 |title='Coolie' first half script locked; writer Chandru Anbazhagan reveals |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/coolie-first-half-script-locked-writer-chandru-anbazhagan-reveals/articleshow/109873505.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508102827/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/coolie-first-half-script-locked-writer-chandru-anbazhagan-reveals/articleshow/109873505.cms |archive-date=8 May 2024 |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

Writer Rathna Kumar, a longtime collaborator of Lokesh, left the project due to scheduling issues and was replaced by Chandhru Anbazhagan, who had worked with Lokesh on Maanagaram.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2024 |title=Rathna Kumar reveals why he didn't associate with Lokesh Kanagaraj in 'Coolie' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rathna-kumar-reveals-why-he-didnt-associate-with-lokesh-kanagaraj-in-coolie/articleshow/115965735.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241204105416/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rathna-kumar-reveals-why-he-didnt-associate-with-lokesh-kanagaraj-in-coolie/articleshow/115965735.cms |archive-date=4 December 2024 |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

Pre-production and casting began in December 2023, with filming initially planned for April 2024.

Pre-production and casting began in December 2023, with filming initially planned for April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajaraman |first=Kaushik |date=28 December 2023 |title=Pre-production of Thalaivar 171 under way; VJS approached |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/pre-production-of-thalaivar-171-under-way-vjs-approached-757180 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803050341/https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/pre-production-of-thalaivar-171-under-way-vjs-approached-757180 |archive-date=3 August 2025 |access-date=29 July 2025 |website=DT Next |language=en}}</ref>

Cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa was first attached but later replaced by Girish Gangadharan, who had worked with Lokesh on Vikram. Anirudh Ravichander returned as music composer for his fourth straight film with Lokesh. Most of Lokesh’s regular crew also returned, including stunt choreographers Anbariv, editor Philomin Raj, costume designer Praveen Raja, and production designer N. Sathees Kumar.

Cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa was first attached but later replaced by Girish Gangadharan, who had worked with Lokesh on Vikram.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2023 |title=Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 171 is a bigger experiment than Leo, reveals cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar-171-is-a-bigger-experiment-than-leo-reveals-cinematographer-manoj-paramahamsa/1ecbfb3a42316 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029092210/https://www.ottplay.com/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar-171-is-a-bigger-experiment-than-leo-reveals-cinematographer-manoj-paramahamsa/1ecbfb3a42316 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |access-date=23 April 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2023 |title=Manoj Paramahamsa reveals that 'Thalaivar 171' will be shot in IMAX camera |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/manoj-paramahamsa-reveals-that-thalaivar-171-will-be-shot-in-imax-camera/articleshow/104793531.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030133350/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/manoj-paramahamsa-reveals-that-thalaivar-171-will-be-shot-in-imax-camera/articleshow/104793531.cms |archive-date=30 October 2023 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Akhila |date=8 April 2024 |title=Thalaivar 171 – Lokesh Kanagaraj to reunite with THIS cinematographer for Rajinikanth's film? |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/thalaivar-171-lokesh-kanagaraj-to-reunite-this-cinematographer-for-rajinikanths-film/9470820dd5495 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408195438/https://www.ottplay.com/news/thalaivar-171-lokesh-kanagaraj-to-reunite-this-cinematographer-for-rajinikanths-film/9470820dd5495 |archive-date=8 April 2024 |access-date=8 April 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> Anirudh Ravichander returned as music composer for his fourth straight film with Lokesh.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2023 |title=It's official! Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj to collaborate for 'Thalaivar 171' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/its-official-rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-to-collaborate-for-thalaivar-171-2433971-2023-09-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913020856/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/its-official-rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-to-collaborate-for-thalaivar-171-2433971-2023-09-11 |archive-date=13 September 2023 |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=India Today}}</ref> Most of Lokesh’s regular crew also returned, including stunt choreographers Anbariv,<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2024 |title=Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj film titled 'Coolie' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2024/Apr/23/rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-film-titled-coolie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424052430/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2024/Apr/23/rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-film-titled-coolie |archive-date=24 April 2024 |access-date=23 April 2024 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> editor Philomin Raj, costume designer Praveen Raja, and production designer N. Sathees Kumar.

Lokesh confirmed the film would be shot using IMAX-certified cameras—a first for Tamil cinema—and would use digital de-aging technology for flashback scenes of a younger Rajinikanth, similar to its use in Vikram (2022).

Lokesh confirmed the film would be shot using IMAX-certified cameras—a first for Tamil cinema—and would use digital de-aging technology for flashback scenes of a younger Rajinikanth, similar to its use in Vikram (2022).<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2024 |title=Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar171' promises a cinematic revolution with advanced de-aging Technology |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar171-a-cinematic-revolution-with-advanced-deaging-technology/articleshow/107386910.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203134859/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar171-a-cinematic-revolution-with-advanced-deaging-technology/articleshow/107386910.cms |archive-date=3 February 2024 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2024 |title=De-ageing Technology Will Make Rajinikanth Look Young In Thalaivar171: Reports |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/de-ageing-technology-will-make-rajinikanth-look-young-in-thalaivar171-reports-8764879.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203123149/https://www.news18.com/movies/de-ageing-technology-will-make-rajinikanth-look-young-in-thalaivar171-reports-8764879.html |archive-date=3 February 2024 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>

The final phase of pre-production started in early April 2024 with the filming of a promotional teaser. Although shooting was initially set for March 2024, it was delayed to June because of set construction delays.

The final phase of pre-production started in early April 2024 with the filming of a promotional teaser.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2024 |title='Thalaivar 171' title teaser shoot completed; reveals 'Animal' director Sandeep Reddy Vanga |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalaivar-171-title-teaser-shoot-completed-reveals-animal-director-sandeep-reddy-vanga/articleshow/109153123.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417185423/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalaivar-171-title-teaser-shoot-completed-reveals-animal-director-sandeep-reddy-vanga/articleshow/109153123.cms |archive-date=17 April 2024 |access-date=17 April 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Although shooting was initially set for March 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2023 |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj to begin 'Thalaivar 171' in March 2024 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-to-begin-thalaivar-171-in-march-2024/articleshow/104486492.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021145408/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-to-begin-thalaivar-171-in-march-2024/articleshow/104486492.cms |archive-date=21 October 2023 |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> it was delayed to June because of set construction delays.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2024 |title=Dhanush reacts to Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' title teaser, calls it "Mass" |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanush-reacts-to-superstar-rajinikanths-coolie-title-teaser-calls-it-mass/articleshow/109523425.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423100351/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanush-reacts-to-superstar-rajinikanths-coolie-title-teaser-calls-it-mass/articleshow/109523425.cms |archive-date=23 April 2024 |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

=== Casting ===

@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 In an interview with Baradwaj Rangan, Lokesh Kanagaraj said he originally wrote the script in 2015 while working on the post-production of Maanagaram (2017), and it was first meant for a friend.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GephkkzFwFA |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj Interview With Baradwaj Rangan – Leo – thalapathyvijay – galattaplus |date=7 October 2023 |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |publisher=Galatta Plus |access-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/GephkkzFwFA |archive-date=8 October 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}</ref>
-After Rajinikanth showed interest, Lokesh reworked the screenplay in late 2023 to match Rajinikanth’s image, and toned down the violence at the actor’s request. The first half of the script alone took six months to complete.
+After Rajinikanth showed interest, Lokesh reworked the screenplay in late 2023 to match Rajinikanth’s image, and toned down the violence at the actor’s request. The first half of the script alone took six months to complete.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 May 2024 |title='Coolie' first half script locked; writer Chandru Anbazhagan reveals |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/coolie-first-half-script-locked-writer-chandru-anbazhagan-reveals/articleshow/109873505.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508102827/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/coolie-first-half-script-locked-writer-chandru-anbazhagan-reveals/articleshow/109873505.cms |archive-date=8 May 2024 |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>
 Writer Rathna Kumar, a longtime collaborator of Lokesh, left the project due to scheduling issues and was replaced by Chandhru Anbazhagan, who had worked with Lokesh on Maanagaram.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2024 |title=Rathna Kumar reveals why he didn't associate with Lokesh Kanagaraj in 'Coolie' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rathna-kumar-reveals-why-he-didnt-associate-with-lokesh-kanagaraj-in-coolie/articleshow/115965735.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241204105416/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rathna-kumar-reveals-why-he-didnt-associate-with-lokesh-kanagaraj-in-coolie/articleshow/115965735.cms |archive-date=4 December 2024 |access-date=4 December 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>
-Pre-production and casting began in December 2023, with filming initially planned for April 2024.
+Pre-production and casting began in December 2023, with filming initially planned for April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rajaraman |first=Kaushik |date=28 December 2023 |title=Pre-production of Thalaivar 171 under way; VJS approached |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/pre-production-of-thalaivar-171-under-way-vjs-approached-757180 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250803050341/https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/pre-production-of-thalaivar-171-under-way-vjs-approached-757180 |archive-date=3 August 2025 |access-date=29 July 2025 |website=DT Next |language=en}}</ref>
-Cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa was first attached but later replaced by Girish Gangadharan, who had worked with Lokesh on Vikram. Anirudh Ravichander returned as music composer for his fourth straight film with Lokesh. Most of Lokesh’s regular crew also returned, including stunt choreographers Anbariv, editor Philomin Raj, costume designer Praveen Raja, and production designer N. Sathees Kumar.
+Cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa was first attached but later replaced by Girish Gangadharan, who had worked with Lokesh on Vikram.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 October 2023 |title=Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 171 is a bigger experiment than Leo, reveals cinematographer Manoj Paramahamsa |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar-171-is-a-bigger-experiment-than-leo-reveals-cinematographer-manoj-paramahamsa/1ecbfb3a42316 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029092210/https://www.ottplay.com/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar-171-is-a-bigger-experiment-than-leo-reveals-cinematographer-manoj-paramahamsa/1ecbfb3a42316 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |access-date=23 April 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2023 |title=Manoj Paramahamsa reveals that 'Thalaivar 171' will be shot in IMAX camera |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/manoj-paramahamsa-reveals-that-thalaivar-171-will-be-shot-in-imax-camera/articleshow/104793531.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030133350/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/manoj-paramahamsa-reveals-that-thalaivar-171-will-be-shot-in-imax-camera/articleshow/104793531.cms |archive-date=30 October 2023 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Akhila |date=8 April 2024 |title=Thalaivar 171&nbsp;– Lokesh Kanagaraj to reunite with THIS cinematographer for Rajinikanth's film? |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/thalaivar-171-lokesh-kanagaraj-to-reunite-this-cinematographer-for-rajinikanths-film/9470820dd5495 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408195438/https://www.ottplay.com/news/thalaivar-171-lokesh-kanagaraj-to-reunite-this-cinematographer-for-rajinikanths-film/9470820dd5495 |archive-date=8 April 2024 |access-date=8 April 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> Anirudh Ravichander returned as music composer for his fourth straight film with Lokesh.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 September 2023 |title=It's official! Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj to collaborate for 'Thalaivar 171' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/its-official-rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-to-collaborate-for-thalaivar-171-2433971-2023-09-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913020856/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/its-official-rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-to-collaborate-for-thalaivar-171-2433971-2023-09-11 |archive-date=13 September 2023 |access-date=11 September 2023 |website=India Today}}</ref> Most of Lokesh’s regular crew also returned, including stunt choreographers Anbariv,<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 April 2024 |title=Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj film titled 'Coolie' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2024/Apr/23/rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-film-titled-coolie |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424052430/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2024/Apr/23/rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-film-titled-coolie |archive-date=24 April 2024 |access-date=23 April 2024 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> editor Philomin Raj, costume designer Praveen Raja, and production designer N. Sathees Kumar.
-Lokesh confirmed the film would be shot using IMAX-certified cameras—a first for Tamil cinema—and would use digital de-aging technology for flashback scenes of a younger Rajinikanth, similar to its use in Vikram (2022).
+Lokesh confirmed the film would be shot using IMAX-certified cameras—a first for Tamil cinema—and would use digital de-aging technology for flashback scenes of a younger Rajinikanth, similar to its use in Vikram (2022).<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2024 |title=Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar171' promises a cinematic revolution with advanced de-aging Technology |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar171-a-cinematic-revolution-with-advanced-deaging-technology/articleshow/107386910.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203134859/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar171-a-cinematic-revolution-with-advanced-deaging-technology/articleshow/107386910.cms |archive-date=3 February 2024 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 February 2024 |title=De-ageing Technology Will Make Rajinikanth Look Young In Thalaivar171: Reports |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/de-ageing-technology-will-make-rajinikanth-look-young-in-thalaivar171-reports-8764879.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203123149/https://www.news18.com/movies/de-ageing-technology-will-make-rajinikanth-look-young-in-thalaivar171-reports-8764879.html |archive-date=3 February 2024 |access-date=24 January 2025 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref>
-The final phase of pre-production started in early April 2024 with the filming of a promotional teaser. Although shooting was initially set for March 2024, it was delayed to June because of set construction delays.
+The final phase of pre-production started in early April 2024 with the filming of a promotional teaser.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2024 |title='Thalaivar 171' title teaser shoot completed; reveals 'Animal' director Sandeep Reddy Vanga |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalaivar-171-title-teaser-shoot-completed-reveals-animal-director-sandeep-reddy-vanga/articleshow/109153123.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417185423/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalaivar-171-title-teaser-shoot-completed-reveals-animal-director-sandeep-reddy-vanga/articleshow/109153123.cms |archive-date=17 April 2024 |access-date=17 April 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Although shooting was initially set for March 2024,<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2023 |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj to begin 'Thalaivar 171' in March 2024 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-to-begin-thalaivar-171-in-march-2024/articleshow/104486492.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021145408/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-to-begin-thalaivar-171-in-march-2024/articleshow/104486492.cms |archive-date=21 October 2023 |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> it was delayed to June because of set construction delays.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 April 2024 |title=Dhanush reacts to Superstar Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' title teaser, calls it "Mass" |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanush-reacts-to-superstar-rajinikanths-coolie-title-teaser-calls-it-mass/articleshow/109523425.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423100351/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanush-reacts-to-superstar-rajinikanths-coolie-title-teaser-calls-it-mass/articleshow/109523425.cms |archive-date=23 April 2024 |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>
 === Casting ===