Ahead of the release of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, leading star Rajinikanth admitted during a recent promotional event that he was sceptical about casting Mollywood actor Soubin Shahir as the villain in the film.
His reservations arose because he was unfamiliar with the actor and his filmography, as well as doubts about whether he would physically fit the part. During his speech, the Jailer actor said, “I asked Lokesh, ‘Who is Soubin? Which films has he acted in?’ He mentioned Manjummel Boys, where Soubin played a key role. I still had doubts and even questioned whether he would suit the role because he was bald,” Rajinikanth said, adding, “But I stayed quiet because Lokesh had full confidence in him.”
The actor also mentioned that Fahadh Faasil was initially considered for the role, but scheduling conflicts got in the way. Coolie will mark Soubin’s Tollywood debut.
Ranjinikanth’s comments were not taken lightly by fans, who took to social media claiming that the actor was body-shaming the Kumbalangi Nights actor.
The audacity of Rajinikanth, who’s rocking the same shiny scalp to call Soubin Shahir a bald is just peak hypocricy
— I'm just Ken🎀 (@Ken_takkakura) August 11, 2025
Soubin's look 🥲
— Rammstein (@12Levi_) August 11, 2025
He felt awkward when @rajinikanth called him sotta https://t.co/s3HICEnQO0
He also drew flak for calling Shruti Hassan a “glamour actress” and Bollywood actor Aamir Khan “a short man”.
Soubin sotta, Aamir kullam, Shruthi glamour...
— Rammstein (@12Levi_) August 11, 2025
Sarr @rajinikanth we understand you meant to praise them but degrading by looks isn't the best way to start@rajinikanth you are better than this https://t.co/3M5mdJ10hT
Rajinikanth speech at the Coolie audio launch was really disappointing he literally insulted Soubin and body-shamed him in front of nearly 10,000 people. He even said Shruti only does glamour roles, which made her feel awkward.
— Vinod Kumar (@VJ_Vinod_) August 11, 2025
One user described the speech as “low-life”.
Rajini's template speech: praise others, downplay himself, then subtly claim he's better.
— Abhishek Srini (@Kamal_For_Life) August 11, 2025
But his speech in AL,
Soubin: Sotta
Aamir: Kullan
Shruthi: Glamour
: Ponnungalum Pasangalum iruttula 🤦
Such a low-life speech @rajinikanth! 👎#Coolie
About ‘Coolie’
‘Coolie’ follows an ex-gangster and gold-smuggler, Deva, who reunites with his former team to reclaim an empire he once helmed. But the task at hand is far from easy, as gangster Dayal controls the portside coolies. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film features Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan.
Coolie will hit the screens on August 14, just ahead of Independence Day weekend. The film will clash with the Hindi release War 2.
