Two months of hard work gone in vain: Lokesh Kanagaraj on Nagarjuna's leaked Coolie scene

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj addressed the leak of a Coolie scene featuring Nagarjuna, lamenting that two months of hard work was wasted. The film, anticipated for 2025 release, stars several prominent actors, including Rajinikanth.

In Short

• Nagarjuna's shoot video from Coolie leaked online
• Director Lokesh Kanagaraj requests not to leak such videos
• Coolie stars Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and others

After a video of actor Nagarjuna shooting for director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie in Visakhapatnam leaked online, the director issued a statement on social media, requesting people not to indulge in such practices. He emphasised that leaking shoot videos from a film set puts the hard work of many people in vain.

"Two months of hard work by many people have gone in vain because of one recording. I humbly request everyone not to engage in such practices, as they spoil the overall experience. Thank you," Lokesh wrote on X.

The leaked video featured actor Nagarjuna as his character Simon while he hit a man brutally with a hammer.

Led by Rajinikanth, Coolie is one of the most anticipated Tamil films of 2025. The team of Coolie officially welcomed Nagarjuna onboard the film on the occasion of his birthday on August 29 this year. Welcoming him, Lokesh wrote on X, "Kicked to have King @iamnagarjuna sir joining the cast of #Coolie as #Simon. Welcome on board and wishing you a very happy birthday sir (sic)."

It also stars Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, and Mahendran, among others in important roles. There are also strong rumours of actor Aamir Khan making a cameo in the film.

The Tamil pan-India film is being made on a big budget. While the official release date has not been announced yet, it is expected to hit the screens in the second half of next year.

Interestingly, Coolie was being considered a part of the LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe). However, the director told the media and fans in an interview that it's a standalone film, and his universe includes Leo, Kaithi 2, Vikram 2, and a spin-off film that's yet to be announced.