The makers are reportedly quoting over Rs 40 crore
If negotiations for dubbing rights succeed, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming action drama Coolie could set a new benchmark in the Telugu market, with the rate expected to cross a staggering Rs 40 crore.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and backed by Sun Pictures, Coolie is slated for release on August 14, and has already sparked massive interest among Telugu producers. “Five to six top Telugu producers are in the race to bag the rights and are stationed in Chennai,” reveals a leading exhibitor. “Sensing the buzz, the Tamil production house is quoting Rs 40 crore-plus – the highest price for any dubbed Tamil film in recent times.”
Fuelling the frenzy is the film’s all-star cast that spans multiple Indian film industries. While Rajinikanth headlines the project, the ensemble includes Telugu superstar Nagarjuna, Kannada veteran Upendra, Malayalam actor Soubin Shahir, and a surprise cameo by Bollywood’s Aamir Khan.
“Nagarjuna commands a strong following in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and the makers are looking to leverage that. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth’s Jailer was a massive hit in the Telugu states, and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s earlier dubbed films, like Kaidhi and Vikra,m also performed exceptionally well here,” the exhibitor adds.
This rising demand isn't unprecedented, but it will certainly be a game-changer. Earlier, Suriya’s Kanguva fetched Rs 25 crore, Vijay’s Leo was sold for Rs 20 crore, and Jailer was pegged at Rs 17 crore, indicating a clear upward trend.
“Telugu audiences have long embraced Tamil stars, and now, with their expanding fan base and the growing success of dubbed releases, producers are confidently pushing the envelope,” he concludes.
