On August 14, 2025, the release of Coolie, starring Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth, turned into a global celebration, with two Singapore companies granting paid holidays to their Tamil workers and several Indian businesses declaring the day a holiday. Farmer Constructions Pte Ltd and SB Mart in Singapore offered Tamil employees time off, while firms like Uno Aqua Care in India followed suit. The initiative included first-day-first-show tickets and $30 food allowances, labeled as “worker welfare” by Farmer Constructions. The phenomenon spans Singapore and Tamil Nadu, with Coolie releasing in over 100 countries. Timed for India’s Independence Day, the film’s August 14 premiere coincides with Rajinikanth’s 50th year in cinema. Companies aim to boost morale and honor cultural fandom, amplifying the “Rajinism” fever.
A Heartfelt Gesture in Singapore
Farmer Constructions Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based firm, announced a paid holiday for its Tamil workers to watch Coolie on its release day, August 14, 2025, providing first-day-first-show tickets and a S$30 (~₹1,800) food and beverage allowance. SB Mart, a Singapore supermarket chain, closed operations from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM to allow employees to catch early screenings. Both companies framed the gesture as part of “worker welfare and stress management,” recognizing Rajinikanth’s releases as cultural festivals for Tamil communities, akin to Deepavali.
India’s “Rajinism” Celebration
In Tamil Nadu, a Madurai-based firm, Uno Aqua Care, declared a full-day holiday across its branches on August 14, citing “piled-up leave requests” and celebrating “50 years of Rajinism” with free tickets, food donations to orphanages, and sweets for the public. Other Indian companies, particularly in Chennai and Madurai, joined the trend, with 60% of surveyed firms offering partial or full holidays. The gesture aligns with Coolie’s record-breaking advance bookings, crossing $2 million in North American pre-sales. However, the film’s ‘A’ certification raised concerns for Rajinikanth’s family audience, potentially limiting viewership.
Cultural Impact and Critical Lens
For Tamil workers, especially migrants in Singapore, Coolie’s release evokes nostalgia and community pride. Farmer Constructions’ director, Madwa Prasath, told, “A Rajini release is like Deepavali,” emphasizing emotional connection over mere entertainment. The film, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and featuring stars like Aamir Khan and Nagarjuna, is projected to gross ₹125 crore on opening day.
-By Manoj H