Director Weaves Personal History into Rajinikanth's 'Coolie'
Life often has a poetic way of connecting stories, and for director Lokesh Kanagaraj, that poetry has come full circle. The acclaimed filmmaker, who is the son of a bus driver, is now directing 'Coolie', a film starring the legendary Rajinikanth, who famously worked as a bus conductor before his rise to superstardom. This shared history has culminated in a deeply personal tribute within the film.
The Story Behind the Badge
At a recent event for the film, Lokesh revealed the touching story behind a specific detail in one of the movie's posters. The poster features Rajinikanth holding a badge with the number 1421. This number, Lokesh shared, belonged to his late father during his time as a bus driver. The director explained that he had been waiting for the right moment to share the significance of this personal detail, calling 'Coolie' a tribute to his father.
From Humble Beginnings to a Dream Collaboration
Lokesh Kanagaraj's journey to becoming one of Tamil cinema's most celebrated directors has been remarkable. Starting his career as a banker, he transitioned to filmmaking through short films before making his mark with hits like 'Kaithi' and 'Vikram', which established his popular Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU).
Directing a legend like Rajinikanth is a significant milestone in any filmmaker's career. For Lokesh, however, it represents something more. It's a "full-circle moment" where his own family history beautifully intersects with the life story of his idol. This personal touch adds a layer of emotional depth to 'Coolie', making it one of the most anticipated films of the year, not just for its action, but for its heart.
