Coolie, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s much-awaited action spectacle, is now in theatres—and one of its standout elements is Nagarjuna’s striking villainous avatar. In a candid chat with co-star Shruti Haasan, Nagarjuna revealed that his unique look was inspired by Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight, a deliberate creative choice by director Lokesh, a self-proclaimed DC movie enthusiast.
A Bold Costume Transformation
Nagarjuna shared that Lokesh was aiming for a sense of “madness” both in personality and costume. “I think Loki had Heath Ledger’s Joker in his mind,” said Nagarjuna. “He wanted that madness and saw it in the colour too.” The actor sported a purple and cream outfit, including baggy pants and a bold purple jacket—a dramatic shift from his usual style.
“I never wore such colours before,” he admitted. “It’s a very strange dress, even for me.” Shruti Haasan chimed in, calling the outfit “a mix of Heath Ledger’s Joker and the older Joker versions.” To which Nagarjuna jokingly added, “I’m glad he didn’t put on that smile.”
A Rare Role for a Veteran Star
Known for heroic roles, Nagarjuna took his time to commit to this darker turn. “I had several narrations. For the first time, I recorded one and made notes,” he said, referring to the meticulous preparation behind his role as the villain Simon.
Even Rajinikanth was impressed. “After one take, Rajini sir nodded and smiled. That was enough for me,” Nagarjuna recalled.
Also Read: Rajinikanth’s Fiery Dialogues in Coolie will blow your mind
Now Playing in Theatres
Coolie, released on August 14, stars Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and a cameo by Aamir Khan. The film blends stylish visuals, gripping action, and standout performances—particularly Nagarjuna’s unforgettable Joker-inspired villain.
