The Akkineni family is basking in the success of Rajinikanth’s latest blockbuster Coolie, which hit theaters on August 14, 2025. In a heartwarming display of family pride, Akhil Akkineni took to Instagram to celebrate his father Nagarjuna Akkineni’s stellar performance as the main antagonist Simon Xavier, proving that talent truly runs in the family.
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A Son’s Pride: Akhil Akkineni Sweet Tribute to Nagarjuna
The young Akkineni actor shared an endearing photo featuring himself and his legendary father posing together in matching all-black outfits. The highlight of the celebration was a custom-made cake featuring Nagarjuna’s character Simon from Coolie, showcasing the family’s excitement over this career milestone.
With a simple yet powerful caption “Simon. Congrats my king,” Akhil’s post captured the essence of filial pride and respect for his father’s groundbreaking role in the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial.
| Coolie Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 14, 2025 |
| Director | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| Lead Actor | Rajinikanth as Devaraj/Deva |
| Nagarjuna’s Role | Simon Xavier (Main Antagonist) |
| Box Office (Day 3) | ₹48 crore gross estimate |
| Language | Tamil (with dubbed versions) |
| Genre | Action Thriller |
Nagarjuna’s Career-Defining Villain Turn
This marks a significant departure for Nagarjuna Akkineni, who has predominantly played heroic roles throughout his illustrious career. His portrayal of Simon Xavier represents his debut as a full-fledged villain, and early reviews suggest he’s nailed the complex, stylish antagonist role.
The King actor’s transformation into Simon has been particularly praised for its layered characterization and stylish presentation, proving that veteran actors can still surprise audiences with their versatility.
Inside Coolie: The Story That Captivated Audiences
Coolie follows the journey of Devaraj (Rajinikanth), a former union leader who has lived in shadows for over 30 years. When his close friend Rajasekhar dies under mysterious circumstances, Deva investigates and uncovers a crime syndicate exploiting daily wage workers at a harbor.
The film explores themes of justice, friendship, and redemption while revealing Deva’s mysterious past connections with Simon Xavier, creating a compelling cat-and-mouse dynamic between Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna’s characters.
Star-Studded Cast Ensemble:
- Rajinikanth as Devaraj/Deva
- Nagarjuna Akkineni as Simon Xavier
- Upendra in a pivotal role
- Shruti Haasan as the female lead
- Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Rachita Ram in supporting roles
- Aamir Khan in a special cameo appearance
Box Office Success and Critical Reception
Coolie has been performing exceptionally well at the box office, with Day 3 estimates suggesting a gross collection of ₹48 crore. The film’s success can be attributed to Lokesh Kanagaraj’s stylish direction, Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence, and the impressive supporting performances, particularly Nagarjuna’s villainous turn.
The action thriller has been praised for its slick cinematography and engaging storyline, though some critics note it falls slightly short of the massive hype surrounding it.
Akkineni Family Legacy Continues
The Akkineni family has been a cornerstone of Telugu cinema for decades. Nagarjuna’s successful venture into Tamil cinema with Coolie demonstrates the family’s pan-Indian appeal and versatility. Meanwhile, Akhil continues to build his own career with films like Agent, showing that the next generation is ready to carry forward the family legacy.
For more insights into the Akkineni family’s contribution to Indian cinema, explore how multiple generations have shaped the industry landscape.
What’s Next for Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna?
Following Coolie’s success, Rajinikanth is set to return in Jailer 2, the highly anticipated sequel to his 2023 blockbuster. The film, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, will see the superstar reprising his role as ‘Tiger’ Muthuvel Pandian, with Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar expected to return alongside special appearances from Nandamuri Balakrishna.
Meanwhile, Nagarjuna’s successful villain debut in Coolie might open new avenues for the versatile actor to explore more complex antagonist roles in future projects.
The Power of Family Support in Cinema
Akhil’s public celebration of his father’s success highlights the importance of family support in the entertainment industry. The gesture resonates with fans who appreciate seeing genuine family bonds beyond the glitz and glamour of cinema.
This heartwarming moment also showcases how the South Indian film industry values family traditions while embracing new creative challenges and cross-industry collaborations.
The success of Coolie and the Akkineni family’s celebration remind us that cinema is ultimately about storytelling, talent, and the support systems that help artists reach new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this Nagarjuna’s first negative role in his career?
A: While Nagarjuna has played morally complex characters before, Coolie marks his debut as a full-fledged main antagonist. His role as Simon Xavier represents a significant departure from his typical heroic roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Q: How is Coolie performing at the box office?
A: Coolie has been performing excellently at the box office, with Day 3 estimates suggesting approximately ₹48 crore gross collection. The film’s success is attributed to Rajinikanth’s star power, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction, and strong supporting performances including Nagarjuna’s villainous turn.
