Rajinikanth faces backlash over comments at ‘Coolie’ event
Rajinikanth, the superstar celebrated for his humility and simplicity, is facing a rare wave of online criticism following remarks made during the Chennai promotional event for his upcoming film Coolie. Known for his grounded personality and avoidance of controversy, the 73-year-old actor surprised many with comments that some have interpreted as disrespectful towards his co-stars.
The backlash began when Rajinikanth recounted a conversation with director Lokesh Kanagaraj about casting actor Soubin Shahir. The superstar admitted he was initially surprised by the choice, describing Soubin as “short” and “bald.” Although Rajinikanth quickly followed up with praise for Soubin’s talent, the comment was widely criticised as an instance of body shaming.
Another point of contention arose when Rajinikanth referred to Bollywood star Aamir Khan as “short” and questioned whether Shruti Haasan, whom he labelled a “glamorous actress” was suited for her role in Coolie. Given that Shruti is the daughter of his close friend Kamal Haasan, the remark struck some as inappropriate.
Fans and critics have been divided on social media. Supporters argue that the comments were delivered in a light-hearted, joking manner typical of Rajinikanth’s personality. However, detractors believe that a star of his influence should be more mindful, especially in public forums.
Despite the controversy, excitement around Coolie remains high. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film features a strong ensemble cast and is one of the year’s most anticipated Tamil releases. Whether this incident will overshadow its promotions remains uncertain, but for now, Rajinikanth is navigating an unfamiliar position, at the centre of an online storm.
