The internet is buzzing with allegations! Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated film “Coolie” has found itself at the center of a poster plagiarism controversy. Eagle-eyed netizens have spotted striking similarities between the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial’s promotional materials and designs from Thalapathy Vijay’s “Beast” fan edits, plus Hollywood blockbusters like “Glass” and Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon.” With just days before its August 14, 2025 release, this controversy threatens to overshadow the Superstar’s latest venture.
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Coolie Allegations That Shocked Kollywood
Social media erupted when X users posted side-by-side comparisons showing allegedly copied poster designs. The controversy centers around publicity materials created by Gopi Prasannaa for “Coolie,” which netizens claim bear uncanny resemblances to existing Hollywood and Kollywood designs.
Controversy Breakdown Table
| Alleged Source | Coolie Element | Similarity Type | Design Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beast Fan Edit | Censor Update Poster | Visual Composition | Thalapathy Vijay Fanart |
| Glass (2019) | Main Poster Design | Color Scheme & Layout | Hollywood Film |
| Rebel Moon | Character Positioning | Zack Snyder Style | Netflix Original |
| General Accusation | Multiple Posters | Design Inspiration | Various Sources |
What Netizens Discovered
The most damaging allegation involves the recent poster used for Coolie’s censor update, which fans claim was directly lifted from a fan edit for Thalapathy Vijay’s “Beast.” Additionally, comparisons with James McAvoy’s “Glass” and Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon” show similar visual elements and color palettes.
Key Similarities Pointed Out:
- Character positioning and stance
- Color grading and lighting effects
- Background composition elements
- Typography and layout choices
For more South Indian cinema controversies and updates, visit our Kollywood news section.
Coolie’s Upcoming Release Details
Despite the controversy, “Coolie” remains one of 2025’s most anticipated releases. The action entertainer features Rajinikanth as Deva, a ruthless gangster, with Lokesh Kanagaraj directing this standalone venture outside his cinematic universe (LCU).
Release Information:
- Date: August 14, 2025
- Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
- Music: Anirudh Ravichander (8-track album released)
- Genre: Action entertainer
- Setting: Standalone, not part of LCU
Star-Studded Cast Assembly
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that extends beyond Rajinikanth:
Major Cast:
- Rajinikanth – Deva (Lead role)
- Nagarjuna Akkineni – Antagonist
- Aamir Khan – Menacing cameo appearance
- Upendra Rao – Critical supporting role
- Shruti Haasan – Key character
- Sathyaraj – Veteran presence
- Soubin Shahir – Supporting role
- Pooja Hegde – Special dance number
Industry Response and Defense
While the allegations spread across social media, it remains unclear whether the similarities are coincidental, inspirational, or direct copying. The film industry often draws inspiration from global cinema, but the line between inspiration and plagiarism continues to be debated.
Potential Explanations:
- Coincidental visual similarities
- Common design trends in action films
- Inspiration vs. direct copying debate
- Industry-wide design practices
Stay updated with our film industry analysis for more behind-the-scenes stories.
The Bigger Picture
This controversy highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by big-budget films in the digital age. With millions of fans analyzing every promotional material, filmmakers must be more cautious about originality in their marketing campaigns.
Coolie Unleashed – Moving Forward
Despite the poster controversy, excitement builds for “Coolie Unleashed,” the trailer launch event featuring:
- Anirudh Ravichander’s live performance
- Rajinikanth’s appearance
- Aamir Khan’s special presence
- Complete 8-track album showcase
Box Office Expectations
The poster controversy hasn’t dampened commercial expectations. “Coolie” has already created history by becoming the fastest Tamil film to hit USD 1 million in US pre-sales, indicating strong fan loyalty transcending marketing controversies.
Commercial Indicators:
- Record-breaking advance bookings
- International market enthusiasm
- Rajinikanth’s star power intact
- Industry support continuing
Whether these allegations affect the film’s reception remains to be seen, but Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s directorial prowess suggest “Coolie” will overcome this pre-release hurdle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What specific poster designs from Coolie are allegedly copied and from which sources?
A: According to social media allegations, multiple Coolie posters created by Gopi Prasannaa show similarities to various sources. The most prominent claims include: the recent censor update poster allegedly taken from a Thalapathy Vijay Beast fan edit, main promotional posters resembling James McAvoy’s “Glass” (2019) in terms of color scheme and layout, and character positioning similar to Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon” on Netflix. The allegations suggest similarities in visual composition, color grading, lighting effects, and typography choices. However, it remains unclear whether these are coincidental similarities, design inspiration, or direct copying, as the filmmakers haven’t officially responded to these specific claims yet.
Q: How might this poster controversy impact Coolie’s box office performance and Rajinikanth’s reputation?
A: Despite the poster plagiarism allegations, Coolie’s commercial prospects appear largely unaffected. The film has already made history as the fastest Tamil film to hit USD 1 million in US pre-sales, indicating strong fan loyalty transcending marketing controversies. Rajinikanth’s magnetic star power and decades-long career suggest his reputation can withstand such pre-release controversies. The August 14, 2025 release date remains unchanged, with the star-studded cast including Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, and Shruti Haasan maintaining audience excitement. Industry experts often note that poster controversies rarely impact actual box office performance, especially for established superstars like Rajinikanth, as audiences focus more on the film’s content than promotional materials.
