Superstar Rajinikanth is back in the spotlight as he prepares to star in the action-packed thriller ‘Coolie’, directed by the talented Lokesh Kanagaraj. Although an official release date has yet to be announced, the production team recently dropped an intriguing promo after completing the film’s shoot, generating buzz among fans.

In a recent social media reveal, the makers shared exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the ‘Coolie’ sets, showcasing first looks at Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shruti Haasan, and other key cast members. This sneak peek has excited audiences eager to see their favourite stars in new roles.

‘Coolie’ is poised to be an engaging action entertainer, diverging from typical narratives by featuring Rajinikanth in a role with a darker edge. He will be joined by renowned actors like Nagarjuna Akkineni and Upendra Rao, both playing significant characters that add depth to the storyline. The film is set to be more than just a standard action flick, as it explores the complexities of its characters.

Notably, the cast also includes talented actors such as Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj, who will portray pivotal roles that enhance the film’s ensemble nature. Adding to the excitement, Aamir Khan will make a cameo appearance, while actress Pooja Hegde is confirmed to showcase her dance talent in the film, promising a visually captivating experience.

On the directing side, Lokesh Kanagaraj has recently stirred anticipation with a social media post featuring actor Karthi, hinting that ‘Kaithi 2’ is on the horizon—putting to rest any rumours regarding further delays. In interviews, Kanagaraj has expressed his ambition to further build his cinematic universe, with plans for a standalone ‘Rolex’ movie and a sequel to ‘Vikram’, marking significant expansions for his directorial universe.

Rajinikanth’s last project was ‘Vettaiyan’, where he portrayed an IPS officer, showcasing his versatility in a high-stakes police drama. Fans can also look forward to his role in ‘Jailer 2’, where he reprises his character “Tiger” Muthuvel Pandian, continuing the thrilling narrative from the original ‘Jailer’.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently shared an update on India’s Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras, announcing that the tube, currently 410 meters long, will soon be extended to become the world’s longest Hyperloop test tube. The facility, located at the IIT Madras Discovery Campus in Chennai, is already the longest in Asia.

“This is one of the longest tubes in Asia at 410 meters. Another 40 meters will be added, then it will become the longest in the world” the minister said.

He also witnessed a live demonstration of the Hyperloop test tube, further showcasing India’s progress in futuristic transportation.

Hyperloop: The future of high-speed transport

Hyperloop technology, originally conceptualized by Elon Musk in 2013, is considered the fifth mode of transportation. The system utilizes vacuum-sealed tubes to transport pods at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h, significantly reducing travel time while being energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

During his visit, Vaishnaw also revealed that Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory will develop electronic components for the Hyperloop project, reinforcing India’s commitment to indigenous innovation in transportation technology. Sharing a video of the Hyperloop demonstration on Instagram, he wrote, “Longest Hyperloop tube in Asia (410 m)… soon to be the world’s longest.”

India’s push for Hyperloop innovation

The Ministry of Railways had earlier allocated ₹8.34 crore to IIT Madras in May 2022 to support the development and validation of Hyperloop technology. The ongoing testing has yielded promising results, and Vaishnaw emphasized India’s readiness to embrace this groundbreaking transport system.

Congratulating IIT Madras for its role in advancing Hyperloop research, he said, “This place is so full of energy that I cannot describe it. I’m happy to see young, energetic engineers working on this technology. We are only providing small help, but I believe this will lead to great solutions for India and the world.”

IIT Madras: Leading India’s Hyperloop revolution

IIT Madras has been actively engaged in Hyperloop research for over seven years, playing a crucial role in its development. The institute has made remarkable strides, including:

Hosting Asia’s first Global Hyperloop Competition, supported by the Ministry of Railways.

Developing a 422-meter operational Hyperloop test tube and track at its Discovery Campus.

Incubating TuTr Hyperloop, a deep-tech startup, which is set to launch the world’s first commercial Hyperloop-based project in India next month.

The successful implementation of Hyperloop technology in India aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and the country’s goal of achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.

The much-anticipated dance track “Sikandar Naache” has officially been released, generating excitement as it marks the promotional lead-up to Salman Khan’s upcoming film, Sikandar, set to debut during the festive Eid celebrations. This energetic number features Bollywood sensations Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, who light up the screen with their captivating chemistry and exuberant dance moves.

The song is a vibrant creation from the talented musical duo JAM8 and Siddhant Miishhraa, known for their catchy beats and upbeat compositions. It has been masterfully choreographed by Ahmed Khan, who integrates striking elements from Dabke, a timeless Levantine folk dance characterized by rhythmic stomping and dynamic line or circle movements. This infusion of cultural dance sets “Sikandar Naache” apart, promising an exhilarating visual experience for audiences.

In a delightful addition, the production features a group of skilled dancers from Turkey who join Salman and Rashmika in a stunning display of synchronized choreography, further enhancing the song’s appeal. The catchy vocals of Amit Mishra, Akasa, and Siddhant Miishhraa enrich the track, making it a must-listen for fans eager for a festive anthem.

In a related buzz, Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan were recently spotted visiting Aamir Khan, igniting speculation among fans regarding a potential sequel to the beloved comedy classic Andaz Apna Apna. The meeting has left many eagerly wondering what collaborative projects the iconic trio might be pursuing next.

Sikandar, directed by renowned filmmaker AR Murugadoss—who is celebrated for his successful films like Ghajini and Holiday—has undergone a gruelling 90-day shooting schedule across diverse locations including Mumbai and Hyderabad. As Salman Khan’s first major theatrical release in over a year, the film has generated significant anticipation.

The narrative unfolds with Tamil actor Sathyaraj portraying the main antagonist, adding depth to the film’s storyline. The ensemble cast also brings together notable talents such as Kajal Aggarwal and Prateik Babbar. Sikandar is set to grace the big screen on March 28, perfectly timed to coincide with the joyous Eid-al-Fitr celebrations, ensuring a festive cinematic treat for fans eagerly awaiting its release.