The ‘Coolie’ actor Nagarjuna has revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes detail about his villainous transformation.In a candid chat with co-star Shruti Haasan, the Telugu superstar shared that director Lokesh Kanagaraj took cues from Heath Ledger’s iconic Joker in The Dark Knight to design his costume’s color palette. The mix of “purple and cream,” he said, was chosen to convey a certain “madness” in his character. “Loki probably saw the madness in the colors as well,” Nagarjuna explained. With a purple jacket and baggy pants — a first for the actor — the look was unlike anything he had worn before. “I’m glad he didn’t put on that smile,” he quipped, earning laughter from Shruti.
A bold role outside his comfort zone
Known for his heroic and morally upright characters, Nagarjuna admitted that stepping into a negative role took careful consideration. For the first time in his career, he recorded the narration and took notes before committing. “The story starts with Simon’s character,” he revealed, hinting at his central role in the plot. “I never did this earlier,” he added, underlining the deliberate choice to step into unfamiliar territory. Shruti noted the look also had hints of the “old-school Joker,” blending nostalgia with menace.
Rajinikanth’s quiet, powerful nod
Perhaps the most heartwarming moment came when Nagarjuna recalled Rajinikanth’s reaction to one of his scenes. After delivering a shot, he noticed the Superstar watching closely. “Rajini sir nodded and said ‘hmmm’ with a sweet smile,” Nagarjuna recounted — a small gesture, but one that carried immense weight for the actor. With Coolie bringing together an ensemble cast including Rajinikanth, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan, and with Lokesh Kanagaraj blending Hollywood inspirations with his signature storytelling, the film promises to be as much a visual treat as it is an action-packed spectacle.
