Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' Shocks with 'A' Rating, Fans Demand 'UA' Version

As of August 4th, 2025, the news of Rajinikanth's upcoming film 'Coolie' receiving an 'A' rating from the censor board has caused a stir within the industry and among the Superstar's devoted fanbase. This is a surprising development, as the last Rajinikanth film to be released with an 'A' certificate was 36 years ago, in 1989.

The 'A' rating for 'Coolie' has raised concerns about its potential impact on the film's box office performance, particularly in terms of attracting family audiences. Exhibitor P Dinesh Kumar from Madurai acknowledges that the 'A' certificate will "surely affect the family audience from seeing this movie with kids." However, he believes that for a Rajinikanth film, the censor certificate will not be a deterrent if the film is good.

Industry insiders, such as producer and distributor G Dhananjayan, argue that an 'A' certificate is not necessarily a hindrance to box office success these days, citing the example of Dhanush's 'Raayan' and the Hindi film 'Animal.' Nonetheless, fans and the trade have been requesting the makers to release a 'UA' version alongside the 'A'-rated one, given Rajinikanth's massive following among family audiences and kids.

The director of 'Coolie,' Lokesh Kanagaraj, is known for his violent action thrillers, and he has stated that he did not compromise on the film's intensity despite Rajinikanth's involvement. This decision has sparked a debate within the industry, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact on the film's commercial performance.

As the release of 'Coolie' approaches, the industry and fans eagerly await the makers' response to the calls for a 'UA' version, hoping to ensure that Rajinikanth's loyal fanbase can fully enjoy the film.