'Coolie': TN Multiplexes Stress On 'Proof Of Age' For The 'A' Rated Film

In what might seriously dent the box-office prospects of Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the social media handles of popular multiplex chains located in Tamil Nadu have reiterated that the screening of the film will begin only after viewers display proof of age. “This Film Is 'A' Rated. Do Not Bring Your Kids For an A-Rated Film. Valid Proof Of Age Required For A-Rated Films,” read the post issued by PVR INOX in both Tamil and English.

Similarly, AGS Cinemas, another multiplex chain, issued a statement reiterating that, “Those Below 18 Years OF Age Are Strictly Not Permitted To “A” Certified Movies.” Both posts also included a poster of the Rajinikanth film. Earlier, THR India had reported that film exhibitors predicted the August weekend to be the biggest box-office run in the history of Indian cinema, with Coolie releasing alongside War 2.

Coolie, had earlier received an 'A' certificate from the CBFC, making it Lokesh Kanagaraj's first adult-rated film. It will also be Rajinikanth’s first A-rated film in 36 years, with his last A-rated release being Siva in 1989. With family audiences staying away from the film’s release, we will have to wait to see how the A-rating affects the prospects of the multi-starrer in the long run.

Last Saturday, during the audio launch of the film, Rajinikanth playfully pulled director Lokesh Kanagaraj's leg by recalling the time he went to meet the Coolie and Vikram director. Lokesh’s third film, Kaithi, had become a huge success, and Rajinikanth wanted to secure his shot at working with the filmmaker. “I wanted to meet him before other actors begin to line up. He said ‘yes’ and added that he was a Kamal Haasan fan. ‘Did I ask you? Did I ask you whose fan you are?” the superstar was quoted as saying. He added that this was Lokesh’s way of indicating that he had an “intelligent story” without “any punch dialogues”, which is Rajinikanth’s trademark.