Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has lauded Kannada actor-director Upendra as a visionary and a creative force, calling him an “inspiration for intellectual directors” during the audio launch of their upcoming film Coolie. In a heartfelt tribute, Rajinikanth said, “My language is nothing compared to Om,” referring to Upendra’s cult classic Om, which starred Shivaraj Kumar and revolutionized Kannada cinema.
Rajinikanth’s Tribute to Uppi
Speaking at the event, Rajinikanth reflected on Upendra’s cinematic legacy:
- “Upendra’s Om was far ahead of its time — even more impactful than my own Baasha,” he said.
- He praised Upendra’s self-titled film Upendra as “unique” and compared his storytelling style to Coolie director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s non-linear narratives.
- Rajinikanth added, “Upendra is an inspiration for intellectual directors across India — be it Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, or Tamil.”
Upendra’s Response
Upendra, who plays a pivotal role in Coolie, responded with humility:
- “I consider myself Ekalavya to Rajini sir’s Dronacharya,” he said.
- He recalled Rajinikanth attending the screening of his 2010 film Super and offering praise.
- “Working with Rajini sir is a blessing. His calm nature and wisdom remind me of a yogi,” Upendra added.
About Coolie
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie is set to release on August 14, 2025, and features:
- Rajinikanth in the lead role
- Upendra in a special appearance
- Aamir Khan reprising Upendra’s role in the Hindi version
The film is expected to be a box office juggernaut, especially in South India, where both stars command massive fan followings.
