Rajinikanth, known for his charismatic personality and candid speeches, has found himself at the center of controversy after a remark about his Coolie co-star Soubin Shahir drew mixed reactions from fans.
During a recent promotional event for director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s upcoming film Coolie, the superstar admitted he was initially unaware of Soubin’s work. He revealed that the role of Dayal was originally intended for Fahadh Faasil, but scheduling conflicts led Lokesh to approach Soubin instead.
In a candid moment, Rajinikanth confessed he had reservations about the casting because Soubin is “bald,” despite the actor’s acclaimed performance in last year’s blockbuster Manjummel Boys. However, he chose to trust Lokesh’s decision, as the director was confident in Soubin’s ability.
The comment has sparked online debate, with some defending Rajinikanth’s intentions as harmless humor, while others see it as an unnecessary instance of body shaming.
Despite the backlash, Rajinikanth praised Soubin’s energetic dance moves in the Coolie song “Monica” and lauded his acting skills, saying, “I was blown away by his performance. What an actor!” Soubin responded with visible gratitude during the event.
Alongside Rajinikanth and Soubin, Coolie features a star-studded cast including Sathyaraj, Upendra, Nagarjuna, and Shruti Haasan. The much-awaited action entertainer is set to hit theatres worldwide on August 14.
