Power Punch Without the Risk! Rajinikanth allegedly uses body double for the first time in 'Coolie'

Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has attracted fresh attention following reports that the actor may have used a body double for a large part of its action scenes. While the film is already creating buzz ahead of its release, this detail has sparked new conversations around on-set safety and age-appropriate stunt work.

According to industry reports, Rajinikanth had originally set aside 70 days for the shoot. However, nearly 45 of those days are believed to have involved a body double performing the more physically intense action sequences. Though this has not been officially confirmed, the information comes from reliable sources close to the production.

Considering Rajinikanth's age — he is currently 74 — it wouldn’t be surprising if the makers opted to use a double for demanding stunts. In fact, it is a fairly standard practice in the industry. For actors across all age groups, especially in action-heavy projects, body doubles are used not just for safety but also for technical efficiency. In Rajinikanth’s case, using a stand-in ensures the continuity of the film’s high-octane visuals without placing unnecessary strain on the actor.

This isn’t the first time the superstar has been linked to the use of a body double. During the shoot of Enthiran, Manoj Bharathiraja had reportedly stepped in for a particular sequence. These instances highlight how such practices are part of regular film production workflows, especially when balancing performance with practical concerns.

Coolie is set to release on August 14 and features a strong cast including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra Rao, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film is expected to be action-driven, with large-scale sequences forming a major part of the narrative.

Alongside this project, Rajinikanth is also filming Jailer 2 with director Nelson Dilipkumar, currently being shot at various locations in South India.

Whether or not the reports are confirmed, the use of a body double should be seen as a smart production choice — prioritizing safety without compromising on screen impact.