In a major setback for the makers of Coolie, the Madras High Court has dismissed Sun Pictures’ petition seeking a U/A certificate for Rajinikanth’s latest
action thriller. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film had received an A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The production house approached the court a few days after the movie’s release, arguing that the A certification was unfairly limiting access to Rajinikanth’s diverse fan base, which spans all age groups. However, Justice TV Thamilselvi ruled that the plea had 'no merit,' upholding the CBFC’s decision.
No relief for Coolie makers
As per a report in Cinema Express, Coolie makers' plea to get a U/A certificate has been dismissed. Representing the CBFC, Additional Solicitor General ARL Sundaresan argued that Sun Pictures was informed well in advance about the edits required for a U/A certificate. He said that the decision to give an A certificate was taken unanimously by all the concerned panels as it had strong threatening, gruesome killing, smoking and drinking. He added that the certification was granted on August 4, while the challenge was only filed on August 18. The CBFC maintained that the makers could reapply for a U/A rating only after removing violent scenes, a condition the Coolie team did not accept.
ALSO READ: Coolie Distributor Threatens Legal Action Against Fake Box Office Figures Of Rajinikanth, Lokesh Kanagaraj's Film
Sun Pictures keeps their side
Senior Advocate J Ravindran, representing Sun Pictures, contended that Tamil cinema often includes fight sequences and that all objections raised by CBFC, including the removal of offensive language and blurring of alcohol-related visuals, had been addressed. He argued that Coolie does not glorify violence and cited comparisons with other intense action films like KGF, which received a U/A certificate.
Despite the legal battle, Coolie continues its successful box office run. The film features an ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and Aamir Khan, with music by Anirudh.
