Rajinikanth Fans Turn Mumbai Streets Into a Festival Zone for Coolie FDFS

Move over film releases—this was a mass celebration. As Rajinikanth’s much-awaited action thriller Coolie hit the big screens on Thursday, August 14, fans across the country unleashed full-blown Thalaivar mania. The First Day First Show (FDFS) wasn’t just a screening—it was a grand event, and nowhere was this more visible than in Mumbai, where even a heavy downpour couldn’t dampen the celebration.

Organised by the Rajinikanth Fans Club, the Mumbai FDFS turned into a full-fledged cultural spectacle. In a now-viral Instagram video, groups of fans were seen performing rituals more suited to a temple than a theatre. Women arrived with aarti plates, conducting a rain-soaked puja in front of a massive poster of Rajinikanth. Umbrellas in one hand, devotion in the other, they chanted prayers and lit lamps as if preparing for a divine darshan. Meanwhile, men broke coconuts and poured milk over the poster—a ritual usually reserved for idols of gods.

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie marks Rajinikanth’s 171st film, and the excitement surrounding it is nothing short of historic. Produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, the film features a heavyweight ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and a special appearance by Aamir Khan. Set in a gritty port town, the film follows a former coolie union leader who rises against a corrupt syndicate exploiting labourers—a storyline packed with punch, politics, and powerhouse performances.

What makes Coolie extra special is not just Rajinikanth's return to gritty action, but also how it has turned cinema-going into a ritualistic experience. Fans across states are treating the release like a festival—complete with posters, firecrackers, dance performances, and mass prayers. For many, it’s more than a movie; it’s an emotion.

As Coolie storms the box office, one thing is clear: Rajinikanth isn’t just starring in movies—he’s starring in people’s lives.