Why Aamir Khan joined Coolie for Rajinikanth but said no to 2.0? The story of timing, respect, and Bollywood meets South cinema magic.
A Bollywood Perfectionist Meets South Cinema’s Superstar
Picture this: Aamir Khan, Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist, and Rajinikanth, Tamil cinema’s Thalaivar, sharing the big screen for the first time in Coolie (2025).
At a press meet, Aamir smiled and said:
“I did Coolie for Rajini sir!”
Fans went wild. But here’s the twist Aamir turned down a role in Rajinikanth’s 2018 blockbuster 2.0.
So, why Aamir Khan joined Coolie for Rajinikanth but said no to 2.0? Let’s break it down.
The Coolie Connection Love at First Call
In 2024, director Lokesh Kanagaraj approached Aamir with Coolie, a gritty gold-smuggling drama set in the 1990s.
- The moment he heard Rajinikanth was on board, Aamir said “YES” instantly without even hearing the full script.
- At a Chennai event (June 2025), Aamir said: “Rajini sir’s energy, his smile it’s magic. I couldn’t say no.”
- Coolie is Sun Pictures-backed, with a ₹250 crore budget and a pan-India release on August 14, 2025.
Why this matters: This wasn’t just a cameo it was a dream fulfilled for Aamir, who has admired Rajinikanth for decades.
The 2.0 Role That Slipped Away
Back in 2016, director S. Shankar wanted Aamir as the villain Dr. Richard in 2.0, opposite Rajinikanth’s Chitti.
- Reason 1: Aamir was fully committed to Dangal shooting, post-production, and promotions took up all his time.
- Reason 2: Aamir felt the villain role needed more emotional depth to match Rajinikanth’s presence.
- Outcome: Akshay Kumar took the role, and 2.0 went on to earn ₹800 crore worldwide.
Aamir later clarified:
“I loved the idea, but the role didn’t feel complete for me at the time.”
Why Coolie Worked Where 2.0 Didn’t
Unlike 2.0’s VFX-heavy spectacle, Coolie offers Aamir:
- A grounded, emotional story with real-world grit.
- A 15-minute impactful cameo that ends with a climactic face-off against Rajinikanth.
- Creative freedom to collaborate closely with the director.
- No schedule clashes like during Dangal.
As per Pinkvilla, this cameo is crucial to the climax not just a blink-and-miss appearance.
Fan Frenzy Across India
From Bengaluru’s Rajini fan clubs to Mumbai multiplex crowds:
- An August 2025 survey shows 80% of Indian moviegoers expect Coolie to cross ₹1000 crore, beating 2.0’s record.
- Social media is buzzing with posts like: “Aamir + Rajini = Baahubali moment!”
- Box Office Rivalry: Coolie releases alongside War 2, but trade analysts expect Rajinikanth’s mass pull and Aamir’s star value to dominate.
What’s Next?
- Coolie’s trailer drops in September 2025.
- If the film meets expectations, it could kickstart more Bollywood–South collaborations.
- For Aamir, this is a return to mass cinema after years of selective roles.
FAQs: Why Aamir Khan Joined Coolie for Rajinikanth but Said No to 2.0
Q1: Why did Aamir Khan choose Coolie but reject 2.0?
A: Timing and fit Coolie offered a role he loved alongside Rajinikanth, while 2.0 clashed with Dangal and lacked character depth.
Q2: What role does Aamir play in Coolie?
A: A 15-minute cameo as a powerful rival in the film’s climax.
Q3: When is Coolie releasing?
A: August 14, 2025, in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and more.
Q4: Could Coolie beat 2.0’s box office record?
A: Analysts say yes it’s expected to cross ₹1000 crore.
Q5: Where can I watch Coolie?
A: In theaters nationwide tickets on BookMyShow.