Soundaryaa Rajinikanth, the filmmaker and daughter of Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth, celebrated her father’s enduring stardom on September 18, 2025, by sharing a heartfelt Instagram post calling him her “Powerhouse Appa” amid the massive success of his action thriller Coolie. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Sun Pictures, the film—released on Prime Video on September 11—has stormed into the Top 10 Movies list across over 20 countries, including India, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UAE. Soundaryaa’s tribute, featuring a motion poster of Rajinikanth in dual shades (including a de-aged version), underscores the movie’s global resonance, captivating India’s 467 million social media users in the ₹101 billion entertainment industry.
A Family Pride Moment Amid Global Triumph
Soundaryaa’s post read, “One and only (Superstar) my powerhouse appa,” accompanying a clip showcasing Rajinikanth’s commanding presence in Coolie. The 74-year-old superstar plays Deva, a former coolie turned rebel after his friend’s mysterious death, set against the gritty Visakhapatnam docks. With a ₹350-400 crore budget, the film grossed ₹507.75 crore worldwide theatrically, though it trailed Jailer (2023), Leo (2023), and 2.0 (2018). On OTT, Coolie has rewritten records, trending in Prime Video’s Top 10 in 20+ countries since launch, blending high-octane action, drama, and Rajinikanth’s signature charisma. Soundaryaa, who directed Kochadaiiyaan (2014) with her father, expressed pride in his “indomitable spirit,” a sentiment echoed by fans worldwide.
Coolie’s Cinematic Storm: Rajinikanth’s Unmatched Pull
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj (Vikram, Leo), Coolie features a powerhouse ensemble: Nagarjuna as Simon, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Rachita Ram, and Pooja Hegde, with Aamir Khan in a cameo. Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack, including “Chikitu” and “Powerhouse,” amplifies the film’s energy. The narrative follows Deva’s transformation into a rebel against a crime syndicate, blending mass appeal with Lokesh’s signature twists. Theatrical reviews were mixed, but its OTT surge—dominating charts in multiple territories—proves Rajinikanth’s timeless draw. As Soundaryaa noted, it’s a “celebration of Rajinikanth’s unmatched charisma,” with the de-aged sequences and emotional depth fueling global buzz.
The Human Touch: A Daughter’s Tribute and Legacy
For Soundaryaa, 34, a filmmaker and entrepreneur, the post is personal—her father’s 50-year career, from Apoorva Raagangal (1975) to Coolie, embodies resilience. “Appa’s energy defies age,” she captioned, resonating with fans who see Rajinikanth as a cultural icon. The film’s success, despite not surpassing predecessors, reaffirms his stardom in India’s 780-language diverse landscape. A Chennai fan, Priya Sharma, told, “Soundaryaa’s words capture what we all feel—Rajini is our powerhouse.” Amid family dynamics, including Soundaryaa’s production ventures, the tribute highlights their bond, turning Coolie’s milestone into a family victory.
Global Resonance and Industry Reflections
Coolie’s Top 10 streak in 20+ countries, including dubs in Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, signals Tamil cinema’s worldwide appeal. Directed by Lokesh, whose Leo minted ₹605.9 crore, the film blends action with emotional layers, earning praise for Rajinikanth’s “liberating” performance. As it trends on Prime Video, it raises questions: Can such hits sustain Rajinikanth’s legacy post-75? Soundaryaa’s post answers yes—her “Powerhouse Appa” remains unbeatable, inspiring a new generation.
-By Manoj H