Rajinikanth’s Coolie gets ‘A’ certificate, first time in 36 years
Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated film, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has officially received an ‘A’ (Adults Only) certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
This decision has sent ripples across the industry and among fans, as it marks a rare occurrence for a Rajinikanth starrer, whose films traditionally cater to all age groups.
The certification, confirmed by producer Sun Pictures on Friday, signals a significant shift in the content expected from a Rajinikanth film.
While the exact reasons for the ‘A’ rating are yet to be fully detailed in the censor certificate, industry insiders and director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s previous statements strongly suggest it’s due to the film’s uncompromising portrayal of violence and intense action sequences.
Lokesh, known for his gritty and stylised narratives in films like Vikram and Leo, had previously stated his intention to not compromise on the action quotient in Coolie.
This ‘A’ certificate is particularly noteworthy as it’s reportedly Rajinikanth’s first film in 36 years to receive such a rating, with his last ‘A’-certified movie believed to be Siva (1989).
For Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie also marks his first film to be granted an adult-only classification, further emphasizing the film’s departure from conventional mass entertainers.
Coolie is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2025, in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada languages.