Nagarjuna is roaring back into the spotlight. The veteran actor, long admired for his charm and composure, is about to show us a darker, fiercer side in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie. In a surprising twist, he’s not playing the usual hero—but a villain opposite none other than Rajinikanth. And to prepare, he was given an unusual direction by Lokesh: walk like a tiger.
“I felt a bit weird when Lokesh asked me to do that,” Nagarjuna revealed in a conversation with film critic Bharadwaj Rangan. “But after watching the rushes, I couldn’t believe it was me.” The transformation seems to have impressed even Nagarjuna himself. Known for choosing stylish yet grounded roles, this performance marks a deliberate pivot. He’s promised “whistle-blowing moments” in Coolie, hinting at a stylized, larger-than-life villain crafted for maximum impact.
This is not a random career move. At 64, Nagarjuna has stopped playing the numbers game. “It’s not about numbers anymore. I’ve done that for three decades,” he said. “Now, it’s about doing cinema I believe in—playing roles that excite me, even if they’re unconventional.” With this new villainous role, he’s tapping into fresh territory, proving he’s not content to coast on past glory.
But Coolie isn’t the only big-ticket release on his slate. Nagarjuna also stars in Kuberaa, directed by Sekhar Kammula, releasing on June 20. While Coolie has him baring his fangs, Kuberaa appears to be a more grounded, emotional role. “Sekhar has given me a role like never before,” Nagarjuna said. “I was excited to land on set every day. The character was that good.” The stark contrast between the two roles showcases his range and ability to navigate both ends of the spectrum—intensity and vulnerability.
The two projects couldn’t be more different, and that’s entirely intentional. In Coolie, Nagarjuna plays a key antagonist locking horns with Rajinikanth in what sources say are “electrifying face-offs.” In Kuberaa, he steps into a heartfelt narrative alongside Dhanush and Rashmika Mandanna. One is stylized action; the other is grounded drama. But both signal one thing: Nagarjuna is back in full form, and he’s here to challenge himself.
As fans prepare for his upcoming releases, there’s another project looming large: his 100th film. Directed by Tamil filmmaker Ra Karthik, the film’s title and teaser will be revealed on Nagarjuna’s birthday—August 29. While most details are still under wraps, early buzz suggests a pan-India release with a significant budget and wide appeal. It’s not just a milestone—it’s being positioned as a moment of celebration, reinvention, and legacy.
Let’s be honest—Nagarjuna hasn’t had a major box office hit in a while. But with this trio of films—Coolie, Kuberaa, and the upcoming 100th—there’s a sense of deliberate resurgence. He’s not just aiming to return to form. He’s rewriting the form itself. Take risks (Coolie), deliver heart (Kuberaa), and celebrate legacy (his 100th film). If this plays out well, Nagarjuna won’t just be back—he’ll be reborn.
Until then, there’s plenty to revisit. Nagarjuna’s streaming presence remains strong, with several iconic films available on OTTplay, including Shiva, Snehamante Idera, Oopiri, Soggade Chinni Nayana, Allari Alludu, and Rakshakudu. They serve as a reminder of his legacy—and as a prelude to what’s coming next.
