Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan took to social media today to celebrate Rajinikanth’s 50th year in Indian cinema, calling the legendary star “our Superstar” and sending warm wishes for the massive success of his upcoming film Coolie. In a heartfelt post, Kamal reflected on their five-decade-long journey through Indian cinema, highlighting their enduring bond and mutual respect.
"Marking half a century of cinematic brilliance, my dear friend @rajinikanth celebrates 50 glorious years in cinema today. I celebrate our Super Star with affection and admiration, and wish #Coolie resounding global success befitting this golden jubilee," Kamal wrote. He went on to praise the creative forces behind the film, including director Lokesh Kanagaraj, producer Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures, and music composer Anirudh Ravichander. He also gave a special mention to the film’s ensemble cast featuring Sathyaraj, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Upendra, and Soubin Shahir, along with a touching nod to his daughter Shruti Haasan, who also stars in the film.
Rajinikanth’s journey from a bus conductor in Bangalore to one of the most iconic and bankable stars in Indian cinema began with his 1975 debut in Apoorva Raagangal. Fans have gone all out to commemorate his golden jubilee — most notably, by adorning a temple with over 5,500 photos of the actor in Tamil Nadu, as reported by the Hindustan Times. The celebration reflects not just Rajinikanth’s cinematic influence, but also his cultural significance across generations.
While Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth took different creative paths — Kamal leaning toward experimental and arthouse cinema, Rajinikanth becoming a symbol of mass appeal — their careers have run parallel, often intersecting through collaboration and mutual reverence. Their recent photograph together, shared alongside vintage black-and-white stills, serves as a testament to a friendship that has endured the tides of fame, politics, and industry evolution.
As Coolie gears up for release on August 14, 2025, the film is already creating waves, having crossed ₹100 crore in advance bookings, according to Sacnilk. The anticipation around the film reflects Rajinikanth’s unshaken box office pull, magnified by Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature style and a power-packed cast. With the blessings and support of peers like Kamal Haasan, Coolie is shaping up to be more than a film — it’s a celebration of legacy.