When an Italian icon gives her seal of approval, you know you’ve created something special. Pooja Hegde is over the moon after receiving what she calls “the biggest compliment ever” from Monica Bellucci herself for her electrifying performance in the “Monica” song from Rajinikanth’s upcoming film “Coolie.” The tribute song, which pays homage to the legendary Italian actress, has not only captured 10 million views but also won the heart of its muse—Monica Bellucci.
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Pooja Hegde Cannes Connection: How Monica Bellucci Discovered “Monica”
At Cannes this year, Monica Bellucci was sent ‘Monica’, the vibrant track from Coolie featuring Pooja Hegde that has been making waves. The Italian screen icon’s response was simple: she loved it. This moment of international recognition came when the song was shared with Bellucci during the prestigious film festival, creating a beautiful full-circle moment for the tribute track.
“Oh, really? Wow. That’s the biggest compliment ever,” Hegde said when told of Bellucci’s reaction. “I’ve actually always loved Monica Bellucci. She was so iconic in her own way for her persona.”
The “Monica” Phenomenon: More Than Just a Song
The second single from Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated “Coolie” has become a cultural phenomenon. Pooja Hegde’s dance number ‘Monica’ from Rajinikanth’s Coolie crosses 10M views, takes social media by storm. The second single ‘Monica’ from Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, features an electrifying performance by Pooja Hegde and a surprise show-stealer dance by Soubin Shahir.
Song Performance Metrics
| Metric | Achievement | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Views | 10+ Million | 1 Month |
| Social Media Impact | Viral Status | Immediate |
| International Recognition | Monica Bellucci Approval | Cannes 2025 |
| Chart Performance | Chartbuster | Current |
The Creative Vision Behind “Monica”
Coolie writer, director Lokesh Kanagaraj told The Hollywood Reporter India, “We (Anirudh and I) both are huge fans of Monica Bellucci. So initially we decided on Monica Bellucci (as muse for the) song, and then we named (actress) Pooja Hegde (who makes a special dance appearance in Coolie) as Monica.”
This revelation shows how the entire concept was born from the filmmakers’ admiration for the Italian icon, making Bellucci’s positive reaction even more meaningful.
Pooja’s Glamorous Tribute to an Icon
“Monica” is characterized by retro-inspired choreography fiery, glamorous look by Pooja Hegde, evoking the elegance associated with Belluci. The song perfectly captures the essence of Monica Bellucci’s iconic screen presence while showcasing Pooja’s own charismatic performance style.
The high-energy track features actress Pooja Hegde in a bold, retro avatar, lighting up the screen with her striking red dress, sharp dance moves, and confident performance.
The Cultural Impact of the Tribute
What Makes This Tribute Special
| Aspect | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Aesthetics | Retro-inspired glamour | Nostalgic appeal |
| Choreography | Elegant yet energetic | Dance trend setter |
| Fashion | Bold red dress, classic styling | Style inspiration |
| Music | Anirudh’s Western-desi fusion | Chart success |
Coolie: The Most Anticipated Tamil Film of 2025
Coolie is an upcoming Tamil-language action thriller directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner. The film represents a major collaboration in Tamil cinema, bringing together Rajinikanth’s star power with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s directorial vision.
The success of “Monica” has significantly boosted anticipation for the film, scheduled for release on August 14, 2025. The song’s international recognition adds prestige to an already highly anticipated project.
Monica Bellucci: The Icon Who Inspired It All
Monica Bellucci, known for her roles in films like “Malèna,” “The Matrix” sequels, and “Spectre,” has been a global symbol of elegance and sensuality for decades. Her approval of the tribute song validates the authenticity and quality of the homage paid by the Coolie team.
The Italian actress’s career spans over three decades, making her one of the most recognizable faces in international cinema. Her response to the tribute demonstrates how art transcends borders and creates connections across cultures.
Industry Recognition and Future Implications
This cross-cultural appreciation between Monica Bellucci and Pooja Hegde showcases the global reach of Indian cinema. When international icons acknowledge Indian film content, it elevates the entire industry’s standing on the world stage.
For Pooja Hegde, this recognition marks a career-defining moment. Working in a Rajinikanth film with Lokesh Kanagaraj was already prestigious, but receiving personal approval from Monica Bellucci adds an international dimension to her achievements.
The Power of Tribute Done Right
The success of “Monica” demonstrates how tributes, when done with genuine respect and artistic integrity, can create magic. The combination of:
- Thoughtful conceptualization by Lokesh Kanagaraj and Anirudh
- Pooja’s committed performance
- High production values
- Cultural sensitivity
resulted in a piece that honored its muse while creating something entirely new and exciting.
For more Rajinikanth movie updates and South Indian cinema coverage, check our Coolie movie news section and visit Sun Pictures’ official website for latest updates.
Stay updated with the latest South Indian cinema news and celebrity reactions on our Tamil cinema section and celebrity news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did Monica Bellucci react to Pooja Hegde’s “Monica” song from Coolie?
A: At Cannes 2025, Monica Bellucci was shown the “Monica” song from Coolie, and her response was simply that she loved it. When Pooja Hegde learned about this reaction, she called it “the biggest compliment ever,” expressing her longtime admiration for the Italian icon who inspired the tribute song.
Q: What makes the “Monica” song from Coolie so special and successful?
A: The “Monica” song has crossed 10 million views and gone viral due to its retro-inspired choreography, Pooja Hegde’s glamorous performance in a striking red dress, Anirudh Ravichander’s Western-desi fusion composition, and its authentic tribute to Monica Bellucci. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj and composer Anirudh are both huge fans of Bellucci, which inspired the entire concept.
