A head of a private company has declared 14 August a paid holiday so employees can watch Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated film Coolie on its release day. Not only has the company given staff the day off, but it has also purchased movie tickets for them, along with extra cash for snacks during the interval.
The unusual gesture has won widespread attention online, with many hailing the boss as a true superfan of the Tamil superstar. “If I ever meet him, I’d garland him and bow down,” one user commented on social media.
The holiday comes at a time when Rajinikanth is marking a remarkable milestone — 50 years in the film industry. To honour the occasion, the company is also sponsoring charitable meal programmes at orphanages. This blend of fan devotion and social responsibility has only added to the admiration for the firm’s chief.
Rajinikanth’s fan base has long been known for its unparalleled passion, stretching well beyond India’s borders. From organising massive celebrations to charitable acts in his name, his admirers treat every new release as a festival. Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has already generated massive buzz thanks to its star power and the director’s hit track record sets its release on August 14.
Industry analysts predict the film could bring in over ₹1,000 crore globally, making it one of the biggest blockbusters in Tamil cinema history. Given this scale of anticipation, it’s perhaps not surprising that even companies are making adjustments to ensure fans don’t miss the first-day, first-show experience.
While the identity of this generous boss remains a mystery, netizens are keen to find out who he is. Until then, he remains the symbol of a fan culture so intense that it reshapes work schedules and company policies — something that perhaps only Rajinikanth could inspire.