Nagarjuna’s Unexpected Transformation: From Hero to Antagonist

After four decades of playing the hero, Nagarjuna is finally set to flip the script in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s much-talked-about action film, Nagarjuna antagonist in 'Coolie' isn’t just a casting gimmick—it’s a major break from everything audiences have seen from the Telugu superstar. For years, Nagarjuna’s on-screen persona has come with expectations: the unshakable good guy, the problem solver, the family man. But now, fans are gearing up to see him throw fists—verbally and physically—at none other than Rajinikanth. It’s the kind of role switch that sends a jolt through South Indian cinema.

The journey to make this happen wasn’t easy. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj admitted that convincing Nagarjuna took the kind of effort usually reserved for landing a megastar like Rajinikanth himself. It wasn’t a one-and-done conversation. Instead, it spanned eight script narrations stretched over four months. Nagarjuna hesitated—not out of ego, but from genuine concern about how a villainous role would fit into his well-established legacy. He finally gave in after a late-night meeting, inspired by the challenge and the freshness such a leap could bring to his career. ‘If not now, when will I do such a role?’ Nagarjuna asked himself, giving his nod to a transformation fans have never seen.

Inside ‘Coolie’: High Stakes, Big Names, and Uncharted Territory

So what does this mean for 'Coolie'? For starters, the film’s anticipation shot up the moment word got out that Nagarjuna would be going toe-to-toe with Rajinikanth. Their face-off becomes more intriguing, knowing it’s not just about two cinematic titans, but about witnessing a hero’s first taste of villainy—complete with boundary-testing language and gritty fight scenes. In fact, Nagarjuna’s character reportedly drops his first ever on-screen profanity, pulling him further away from the clean-cut image he’s upheld for years. He’s described the role as ‘fun’ and a refreshing departure from his usual serious demeanor.

‘Coolie’ doesn’t settle for just one big name. Kannada icon Upendra steps in for another pivotal character, and Bollywood star Aamir Khan jumps in for a guest appearance. But here’s the twist: Aamir’s chapter is an entirely separate storyline within the film. Don’t expect Aamir and Nagarjuna sharing screen space or exchanging blows; their parts are kept apart, offering distinct flavors to the film’s narrative. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s idea is to break the movie into multiple chapters, allowing each star their own playground without blurring lines.

Word from the production team is that even Nagarjuna’s family is counting down to the release, curious and a bit anxious about his newfound dark side. It’s a moment filled with both excitement and a bit of nervousness—will fans, so used to cheering on Nagarjuna the hero, embrace him as the villain? It’s a gamble made all the more fascinating by the star power on display and the risks everyone involved is willing to take.