Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s 'Coolie' Locks Runtime of Two Hours and 50 Minutes

On Thursday, the Censorship certificate of Rajinikanth’s Coolie was doing the rounds and it says that the Lokesh Kanagaraj film would have a runtime just short of two hours and 50 minutes.

Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth’s previous solo release, was almost eight minutes shorter in duration. The censor certificate also highlights the film’s “Adult” or 18+ rating, becoming the Superstar’s first film since 1989’s Siva to be restricted to ages 18 and above. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s previous release Leo was eight minutes shorter as well.

This may dent the box-office prospects of upcoming Coolie, 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.

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. Co-starring Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan and Aamir Khan, Coolie will be out in theatres on August 14.

Reports have also started to circulate about the chances of Kamal Haasan lending his voice to the film as well. In an earlier conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Lokesh had said they would only release one trailer of the film, and no teasers or other footage.  "I want to deliver one trailer and then, the film. More than that, anything will be a giveaway... You can relax and have the complete satisfaction of watching a commercial film."