Balancing films with music passion

OOLIE may be the first time Lokesh Kanagaraj is directing Shruti Haasan, but it's not the first time the two have collaborated on a project.

- BH HARSH

OOLIE may be the first time Lokesh Kanagaraj is directing Shruti Haasan, but it's not the first time the two have collaborated on a project. In March 2024, the duo took everyone by surprise with their joint appearance in the innovative music video 'Inimel,' sharing impressive chemistry on screen. "I remember meeting Lokesh briefly on Vikram sets. Much later, when it came to 'Inimel' casting, we all zeroed in on Lokesh. I like pairing the unexpected, both in music and life," Shruti says.

However, when Lokesh came to hear the music video idea, he turned the tables on Shruti. "Lokesh pitched the film to me while I was pitching 'Inimel' to him. It was a major plot twist," Shruti chuckles as she recalls. She plays Preethi in Coolie, and is understandably hesitant to share many details about her role. "One thing I can say is she will be relatable to many women. The men, too, will think, 'We know a woman like her'," she states.