Janmashtami 2025 Draws 9,000 Devotees to Houston ISKCON Temple
By JuHi Varma
Houston: The Houston temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was filled with music, prayer, and celebration this past weekend as thousands of devotees gathered to mark Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
On Saturday, Aug. 16, more than 9,000 people came to the temple grounds, making this one of the largest Janmashtami gatherings in the country.
“It was a really magnificent event,” said Sarang Thakur, ISKCON Temple President. “We had record breaking attendance. Even during our morning hours, we had almost 1,500 plus people come through to take darshan. I think only the Washington D.C. ISKCON event was bigger.”
Last year’s attendance was estimated at 7,000.
Before exploring the stalls and food booths set up outside, attendees first paid their respects to the temple deities inside the spacious sanctuary. Volunteers greeted attendees by applying a U-shaped sandalwood tilak on their foreheads.
ATTORNEYS
Despite long lines, volunteers and priests kept the atmosphere festive with music, drumming, chanting and singing. At one point, devotees formed a circle, singing and dancing to bells and percussion.
“The best way to celebrate is by chanting Krishna’s holy name and dancing, so that’s what we are doing,” said temple priest Madhav Charan Das “We are chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, which was introduced by Chaitanya Maha Prabhu.”
Costume Contest
In the cultural hall, children dressed as little Krishnas, Radhas and other characters from Krishna’s life took the stage for the annual costume contest hosted by Hindus of Greater Houston. Participants ranged from one month old to 13 years, across three different age groups
The contest was organized by Shital Rathi and emceed by Girish Naik and Yajat Bhargav. It drew more than 140 participants this year.
“This contest has always been very close to my heart, and this year marks my 13th year serving as the costume coordinator with HGH.
Preparations usually begin about six weeks in advance — from handling registrations and coordinating with the temple team to managing countless other details, she said.
“When I see all the adorable participants shining on stage, it truly makes every bit of effort worthwhile for everyone involved,” said Rathi, who has overseen the costume contest for the past 13 years.
The tradition has carried across generations: Girish Naik once brought his daughter Radhika to participate, and now she brings her own daughter, Rhulani Selena Buggage.
In the 1990s, longtime members Vijay and Sushma Pallod proudly watched their three children step onto the stage for the costume contest. Decades later, the tradition has come full circle, with their four grandchildren now carrying it forward.
“HGH and ISKCON provides a platform for costume contests to the little kids of Houston,” said Rachana Shah, president of HGH and one of the key organizers. “It is absolutely magical to watch these little kids adorned in Krishna and Radha’s costumes, each kid bringing their own sparkle to the stage. It is like watching a mini parade of imagination.”
Continued on Page 3
By sriram iyer
Radha Krishna deities at the ISKCON temple. Right: HGH volunteers Sheetal Rathi, Rajashri Jadhav, Pooja Shah, Shashwat Tripathi, Prashant Tripathi, Srishti Tripathi, Hemant Jadhav, Ayaan Vora, Girishkumar Naik, Yajat Bhargava, Sarita Tripathi, Vijay Pollod, Rachana Shah. Photos by Bijay Dixit and Tejas
More Than 140 Kids of All Ages Participated in the Costume Contest
Continued from Page 2
The contest was judged by a panel of three: Rajeshri Jadhav, Ananya Bhakti Devi (Mrs. Ambika) and Pooja Shah, a player on the USA cricket team.
“I judged around 140 kids, each one dressed in their own vision of Radha and Krishna and it was wonderful to see the effort the kids and the parents put into the costume to make the theme come to life,” Shah said.
Ziva Dangre,6, was participating for the fifth continuous year, dressed as Krishna in bright blue paint.
“We are visiting from Michigan and our friends told us about this event,” said first-time attendee Jessica Pilagala, whose son Vaughn was dressed as Krishna. “I think it’s nice to come to places that are religious, there is a peace every time I go to a church or temple, I wish peace upon everyone here.”
Brothers Raman, 10, and Rohan Soni, 7, took the stage dressed as Sudama and Krishna. “Raman has always played Krishna,” their mother shared, “but today he wanted to support his younger brother by taking on the role of Sudama.”
“It was great to see so many people from different organiza-
tions in Houston come together to celebrate this festival enthusiastically,” Shah said.
Preparing for Thousands: Volunteers in Action
Behind the scenes, nearly 300 volunteers worked tirelessly for over 5,000 hours to manage crowds, cook meals for thousands, and coordinate parking, Thakur said.
Because of limited on-site parking, the temple used bus cruises to transport attendees from nearby lots. More than 3,000 parking
spaces had been made available for the event.
Volunteers came not only from ISKCON’s congregation but also from Hindus of Greater Houston, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, and the Leuva Patidar Samaj.
“Preparations have been going on for months, we cooked food for 8,000 people,” said Sanjay Sijapati who volunteers regularly at the temple. “Everyone is invited to volunteer, they send out a Google sheet and you can register, tell them what you want to do.”
For many, the highlight of the festival came at midnight — the moment marking Lord Krishna’s birth. Volunteer Abhay Joshi, who spent nearly two days overseeing sound and video operations, described the atmosphere inside the temple:
“At midnight the temple is completely dark, and everyone is singing in unison,” said Joshi, a software consultant and Cypress resident. “Then the curtain opens, and you see Krishna. If you haven’t experienced it, it’s truly
unique. Every year I stay until that moment.”
“We normally schedule everything from 6-9 p.m., but last night our volunteers were busy until much later, because there were long lines--people were still coming,” said Thakur.
The event also welcomed numerous local dignitaries, including Renu Khator, president of the University of Houston, Fort Bend County Commissioners Andy Meyers (Precinct 3) and Dexter McCoy (Precinct 4), Sugar Land City Council member Sanjay Singhal, Houston Police Chief J.N. Diaz, and Assistant Police Chief Adam Colley.
“It was outstanding,” said Commissioner Meyers. “I was so honored and privileged to be part of this. Certainly going to do it again next year.”
“It is a very special invitation for us,” said Chief Diaz. “This is my second time coming to the temple. For me, it’s about understanding, being part of the community, and learning from the community and just sharing the kindness back and forth. And I’m always looking to meet new people.”
This year marked what is believed to be Lord Krishna’s 5,252nd birth anniversary.
Scene at the midnight aarti
Union Fest 2025: Commemorates One Year of Monumental Hanuman Statue
Houston: One year after the inauguration of the awe-inspiring 90-foot Statue of Union, the Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land hosted Union Fest 2025, a four-day celebration from August 7–10. The event marked the anniversary of the world’s tallest Pancha Loha Hanuman statue, a spiritual and cultural landmark in the United States.
The third tallest statue in the nation, the grand figure of Abhaya Hanuman has drawn thousands of visitors and devotees over the past year. Cast in Pancha Loha—a sacred alloy of five metals —the statue was unveiled on August 18, 2024, as a symbol of unity, strength, and devotion.
Procession of Temples and Traditions
Among the most remarkable events of the festival was the Hanuman Yatra (Procession of Hanuman Deities). Temples across Greater Houston brought their own Hanuman deities to the Temple grounds, where they were honored. Temple authorities and devotees chanting Hanuman’s name created a vibrant and reverent atmosphere that embodied one of the festival’s core themes: standing together in devotion.
Statue of Union Visionary and Spiritual Luminary Graces the Event
The entire event was conducted under the Divine guidance of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji, revered global spiritual and humanitarian leader and visionary of the Statue of Union. Swamiji spoke about the glory of Hanuman, the very embodiment of the commitment in service.
During the Raksha Bandhan ceremony, in a moment that captivated the crowd, Swamiji ascended by crane to offer a rakhi—a sacred thread symbolizing protection—to 90 foot Abhaya Hanuman.
Observances and Sacred Rituals
The festival featured Sankshepa Ramayanam Homam, a three-day ceremony with the sacred retelling of the Ramayana. Devotees and visitors also took part in a Paadabhishekam, ascending to offer sacred water at the feet of the 90 foot Abhaya Hanuman - a rare and blissful experience for many.
Additional rituals included the Hayagriva Puja to the God of wisdom and knowledge for students ahead of the academic year; the Varalakshmi Vratham for family well-being; and the Sita Rama Kalyanam, the divine wedding of Mata Sitha and Lord Sri Ram celebrated with grandeur on the final day.
Culture, Civic Leadership, and Community Spirit
Classical Indian music and dance performances added cultural richness to the event, while remarks on union, harmony and shared community responsibility were central themes of special forums.
At the Harmony of Traditions Sammelan program, leaders from diverse religious and spiritual organizations came together to reflect on shared values. During the Dharma, the Dream, and a Call to Serve event, thought leaders and public officials reflected on the importance of unity and our collective responsibility as a community.
The festival welcomed thousands of attendees, supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers. A dazzling fireworks display lit up the sky on the penultimate evening, capping off the festivities in spectacular fashion.
Union Fest: A Celebration of Shared Values
The festival brought people together, highlighting the universal values that transcend backgrounds and beliefs and the commonalities we share. Looking ahead, temple leaders announced that Union Fest will be an annual tradition, expanding every year. With growing community support, the hope is that Union Fest will grow to be one of Texas’s most anticipated events.
Job Posting
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Candidates must be master storytellers who can identify, develop, shoot, write, edit, produce, and report high-quality, enterprising stories for multiple platforms.
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Must have a desire to serve the community and a knack for quickly cultivating contacts and exclusive story ideas.
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VIP guests at the Union Fest 2025
Fireworks behind the monumental Hanuman statue in Sugar Land.
New Immigration Policy to End H-1B Visa Lottery: Here’s What it Means
wasHington dC: he White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has approved a proposed rule that could change how H-1B visas are given to specialty occupation workers. According to a Bloomberg report, the approval hints that the rule could be made public soon.
As per the report, OIRA cleared the rule on August 8, 2025. Currently, the H-1B visa program is heavily used by the tech industry, allowing 85,000 new visas each year. Employers submit applications in the spring, and a random lottery decides which ones can move forward.
What the new H-1B visa rule may mean
President Donald Trump has long criticized the H-1B program, claiming some companies use it to replace US workers with cheaper foreign labor, especially the tech industry.If the new rule changes the H-1B selection to a wagebased system, only jobs in the top two wage groups (3 and 4) will be filled by H-1B workers. This would help protect entry-level jobs for Americans, but it would also make it harder for foreign graduates to find jobs in the US.
From lottery to wage-based system
Notably, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has not shared details yet, but the plan is expected to bring back a proposal from the first Trump administration. The plan, as per reports, was aimed to replace the current random lottery with a system that gives priority to applicants based on wages.
The first Trump administration introduced the wage-priority idea as part of its “Buy American, Hire American” policy, arguing it would ensure visas went to highly
skilled, well-paid foreign workers.
However, the Biden administration withdrew the plan in 2021 after receiving over 1,000 public comments opposing it. Critics said the rule would sharply cut the number of eligible foreign workers, especially in entry-level positions.
In 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suggested ranking applications based on four wage levels, giving preference to the highest-paid roles. Federal courts also blocked related efforts to raise the minimum wage levels for H-1B holders and narrow the definition of qualifying jobs. However, supporters of the wage-priority system argue it protects American jobs, while opponents say it limits opportunities for talented but lower-paid professionals.
It remains unclear whether the new rule will be identical to the final rule published in January 2021. If so, the same arguments of supporters and opponents will apply. It is also possible the rule will differ substantively, but still produce the same result, i.e., disadvantage international students, early-career professionals and people employed in less highly compensated jobs.
The only clue so far is the titles for the two rules differ. DHS called the final rule published in January 2021 “Modification of Registration Requirement for Petitioners Seeking To File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.” However, the title of the new rule under review at OMB is “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking To File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.”
“Weighting would suggest giving a higher probability of being selected for certain applicants, but everyone would still have some
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chance at being selected,” said economist Mark Regets, a senior fellow at NFAP. Weighting implies that USCIS would still conduct a lottery but, for example, if weighted solely by salary, an H-1B applicant with a proposed salary of $200,000 per year would have twice the chance of being selected as an applicant who earns $100,000 annually.
Another way the new rule could implement weighting is to conduct a lottery, as in the above example, but give a registrant paid at the Level 4 wage four chances to be selected, a Level 3 registrant three chances, a Level 2 registrant two chances and a Level 1 registrant one chance. A significant shortcoming of this approach is that it establishes, for H-1B selection purposes, a policy that foreign nationals paid a Level 4 wage are four times more valuable to the country than people paid a Level 1 wage, or twice as beneficial as someone paid at
a Level 2 wage, even though there is no evidence to support this contention. The four DOL wage levels primarily consider an individual’s current level of experience in the labor market, rather than their talent or potential contributions.
Trump officials have stated an intention to end Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT and eliminate duration of status for international students.
-- ToI, Forbes
FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’: Woman Accused of Killing Son, Caught in India
By sriram iyer
new deLHi: The FBI arrested Cindy Rodriguez Singh, one of its “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives,” in India in connection with the murder of her 6-year-old son, Noel Rodriguez Alvarez. Rodriguez Singh had been wanted for the 2022 murder of her son and was placed on the FBI’s most wanted list. On October 3, 2024, Interpol issued a Red Notice against her, which was circulated to all member countries, including India.Singh has been transported to the United States and will be turned over to Texas authorities. Rodriguez Singh was added to the “most wanted” list in July this year. FBI had also raised the reward for information leading to her arrest from $25,000 to $250,000. Fox News Digital reported that Rodriguez Singh was facing an active federal warrant for “unlawful flight to avoid prosecution” and a Texas state warrant for “capital murder of a person under 10 years of age.” Authorities said Noel was one of ten children born to Rodriguez Singh. While three siblings lived with their grandparents, the others stayed with her and her husband, Arshdeep Singh, in Everman, a suburb of Fort Worth under squalid conditions. Investigators said Arshdeep Singh, Noel’s stepfather, was of Indian origin. They believed Rodriguez Singh fled the US with him and six of her children to India. Just days after Noel was officially reported missing, the couple and their children boarded a one-way flight to India on March 22, 2023. Noel was not on that flight and had not been seen since.
Federal investigators have not yet released any details about Rodriguez Singh’s capture, but FBI Director Kash Patel thanked partners in India for assisting in the investigation and arrest. On March 22, 2023, surveillance video showed Singh with her husband and six other juvenile children boarding a flight to India two days after the Everman Police Department performed a welfare check on her son, Noel.
During their investigation, Everman Police learned the boy had not been seen since October 2022 and wasn’t among the children who boarded the international flight.
Over the next few months, investigators ran down claims the child had been left with family or friends, or even sold to a woman at an area grocery store. After finding no evidence to support those claims, investigators said the boy was presumed dead and on Oct. 31, 2023, charged his mother with capital murder.
The FBI added Rodriguez Singh to the 10 Most Wanted list in July and offered a $250,000 reward for information leading to her capture. It’s unclear if her arrest resulted from a tip or if anyone can collect the reward.
Following a tip in March 2023,
Everman police began looking into the welfare of 6-yearold Noel RodriguezAlvarez.
Within days of opening that investigation, police learned Cindy Singh and the rest of the boy’s family had suddenly left the country. Investigators said a day before the family departed, the couple used a credit card to buy one-way airline tickets to India for the boy’s stepfather, mother, and siblings.
In April 2023, cadaver dogs assisting investigators at the child’s home on Wisteria Drive “alerted” to a discarded rug and topsoil underneath
a recently poured concrete porch at the family’s rented home. The “alert,” police said, indicated human remains had been present at some time in the past; however, no physical evidence was found that could be tested and identified.
In the spring of 2023, investigators said they believed Noel was deceased after finding no evidence to support claims or rumors that he was either living with family members abroad or had been sold to a woman outside of a local grocery store.
Singh was indicted in October 2023 on four charges, in-
cluding a charge of capital murder, two charges of injury to a child, and one charge of abandoning a child without the intent to return.
“We’ve talked a lot about Cindy and her comments [lying, claiming Noel was in Mexico],” said then Everman Police Chief C.W. Spencer in 2024. “We’ve talked a lot and shared with you that family was aware some of these things [Noel appearing malnourished]. There are some failures for this child, absolutely, which is why we are here to seek justice for these failures.”
The City of Everman will officially dedicate a playground on Monday in memory of a missing boy who is presumed to be dead.
Angel is the child’s middle name. The name Rodriguez is conspicuously and purposefully missing from the name of the new playground. It is Noel’s mother’s maiden name, and Everman city leaders determined not to include it in the playground’s name.
-- ToI, NBC DFW.
DAVSS Begins New Year with Vedic Ceremony
Houston: DAVSS welcomed the new academic year with the Vedarambha Sanskar, a traditional ceremony that marks the beginning of formal studies for new students and reaffirms returning students’ commitment to learning. The 2025 event brought together parents, teachers, volunteers, and well-wishers from both DAVSS and DAVMES, making it a true community celebration.
The ceremony began with students receiving the Angavastra, Tilak, and Yajnopaveeta (Janeu). They then offered Samidhaas (woodsticks) and ahutis (oblations) into the sacred fire while chanting the Gayatri Mantra, echoing the age-old traditions of
ancient Gurukuls. The ceremony was led by Acharya Surya Nanda and Acharya Bramdeo.
Addressing the gathering, Acharya Bramdeo, Acharya of Arya Samaj Greater Houston, spoke about the value of discipline and consistent study. Using the metaphor of the “Tree of Wisdom,” he explained that knowledge nourishes like rain, humility forms the crown, fruits bring health and prosperity, shade offers peace, and truth with dharma bestows lasting happiness.
He emphasized that weekly sessions on Sanatan Dharma, Hindi, and culture would help students develop clarity of thought, pride in their roots, and balance in life.
Parents were encouraged to engage with their children’s learning, nurturing strong values of truth, dharma, and heritage.
The last 30 minutes were marked by a vibrant celebration of India’s Independence Day.
DAVSS curriculum includes Dharma Shiksha, Hindi, Vedic mantras, Dance, Music, Yoga, Vedic Maths, Arts, Crafts, Heritage & Culture, blending tradition with holistic education.
Admissions for current semester open till August 31, 2025: davss. org/admissions
Contact: Acharya Bramdeo (832) 219-5079
Email: davss@aryasamajhouston.org
Dilip Desai: Inspiration to Seniors
By diLiP desai
sugar Land: My name is Dilip Desai, and I am an 83-year-old resident of Sugar Land. I've lived here for 35 years and have been an active participant in the Senior Olympic Games since 2012.
I'm writing to you today because I was recently honored with a prestigious national award that I believe would be of interest to your readers.
I was selected as one of just ten athletes nationwide to receive the Humana Game Changer award. This honor celebrates senior athletes who embody healthy aging and inspire others to stay active. Humana is the prime sponsor of the National Senior Games, also known as the Senior Olympics, which take place every two years.
This year's games were held in Des Moines, Iowa, where more than 13,000 athletes competed. I
competed in table tennis in my age group and brought home a silver and a bronze medal. I have been representing Texas in the games since 2012 and have won a total of three silver and one bronze medal over the years.
Table tennis and Game Changer awards winner: Dilip Desai
Students and parents participated in the traditional Vedic ceremony.
ENTERTAINMENT
“American Warrior”: An Indie Film with Both Grit and Heart
By anJaniKa waLKer
Houston: In the crowded landscape of sports dramas, American Warrior stands apart as an indie film with both grit and heart. Produced by a female-led team, the film dives deep into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), but at its core, it’s a story about redemption, family, and second chances.
Written by and starring Vishy Ayyar, who draws inspiration from his own life, the film is layered with a realism that elevates it beyond the familiar underdog formula.
The story follows Jai (Ayyar), a man born into wealth but brought low by his own actions. Convicted for mortgage fraud, Jai emerges from prison a humbled figure, working as a janitor in a bustling MMA training gym. Once an amateur fighter himself, Jai is now consumed by the shame of his fall from grace. His path unexpectedly shifts after he stops a robbery, a heroic act that makes him an internet sensation and opens the door to step back into the ring, this time not only for a title, but for redemption.
The ensemble cast blends Hollywood and Bollywood talent seamlessly. Taylor Treadwell (Big Little Lies, Knight and Day) plays Melissa, Jai’s love interest. She por-
trays a recovering addict and single mother fighting to rebuild her own life. Her chemistry with Ayyar is natural and layered, especially in moments of vulnerability. Danny Trejo, ever the reliable veteran, shines as Jai’s friend and trainer, bringing both grit and humor.
Verónica Falcón (Ozark, Queen of the South) delivers a standout performance as the tough but warmhearted gym owner. Andrew Gray (Power Rangers) is convincing as Jai’s menacing adversary
in the cage, while Omi Vaidya (3 Idiots) provides a moving turn as Jai’s empathetic relative. Together, the cast delivers compelling performances that ground the film in authenticity.
What makes American Warrior compelling is not just its narrative but the real-life parallels woven into its making. Ayyar began shooting just after being discharged from an 18-day hospital stay; the catheter is still fresh in his arm. In a scene where Jai
punches a heavy gym bag, his pain is visible as is his freedom free of the catheter and the bandages, not merely as acting, but as lived reality (since it was the same day that the nurse removed the catheter from his arm). In another poignant moment, Jai visits his hospitalized mother onscreen, mirroring Ayyar’s heartbreak as his real mother lay in a coma at the same time. These layers of lived experience bleed into the film, creating a rawness and honesty rarely captured
in scripted drama.
Taylor Treadwell’s contributions also enhance the film’s natural feel. She recalls setting up her kissing scene with Ayyar alongside director Gustavo Martin, whom she dubs an “actor’s director” for his willingness to grant freedom and encourage spontaneity. That openness translates onscreen into performances that feel unpolished in the best way, genuine, improvised, and deeply human.
Shot on a modest budget, American Warrior carries the scrappy spirit of Rocky, with MMA’s brutal rhythms standing in for boxing’s old-school grit. Yet this is more than a fight film. It is about fractured families, cultural blending, and the tenuous path of rebuilding after mistakes. The film’s intercultural cast and blend of Indian and American life provide an additional texture that keeps it fresh. For fans of martial arts dramas with a dash of romance, American Warrior offers a heartfelt, authentic experience. It may lack the polish of big-budget sports films, but it more than makes up for it with sincerity, raw emotion, and the kind of personal truth only indie filmmaking can deliver.
Verdict: A scrappy, heartfelt drama that punches with authenticity.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘Coolie’: An Ode to Rajnikanth’s Legacy
By srideVi s.
Movie Plot: Deva, aka Devaraj (Rajinikanth), is the charismatic owner of Deva Mansion, a haven where students can stay at discounted rates. When his close friend Rajshekhar (Sathyaraj) suddenly dies of a cardiac arrest, Deva stumbles upon the original death certificate — and the truth is far from natural. It reveals his friend died from an injury, not illness. Determined to uncover the killer, Deva infiltrates a smuggling ring in Visakhapatnam. But in chasing justice, he inadvertently unlocks a hidden chapter of his own past — one filled with secrets, unfinished business, and dangerous loose ends that demand closure.
Review: The film opens at a bustling port in Vizag, where Kingpin Simon (Nagarjuna) and his aide Dayal (Soubin Shahir) run an illegal operation. After a police diktat stops them from disposing of bodies at sea, they turn to Rajshekhar (Sathyaraj), a former laborer who has invented a chair capable of cremating bodies instantly, leaving only ashes.
Originally discarded by the government for its dangerous potential, the invention now falls into the wrong hands. When Rajshekhar is killed, his longtime friend Deva (Rajinikanth), who had been working in the background, steps into the fray. What begins as a mission to uncover his friend’s murderer soon unravels secrets from Deva’s own past, tying old loose ends to the present conflict
The first half of Coolie leans heavily into fan service — complete with songs, dances, punch dialogues, and a fair share of swagger. While it slows the film’s momentum and spends a bit too long introducing characters who could have been set up more briskly, the second half is where Lokesh really gets cooking and serves up a treat. Multiple cameos here not only land perfectly but also add real weight to the story, with welltimed twists keeping the audience hooked.
Despite its extended runtime,
Coolie roars as a tribute to Rajinikanth’s legacy — brimming with energy, nostalgia, and unfiltered mass appeal. Learning from the pacing missteps of his last outing, director Lokesh Kanagaraj crafts a tighter, more impactful second half, putting his pan-India stars to good use with well-etched, purposeful characters. Nagarjuna, as drug lord Simon, embraces his villainy with calculated finesse, while Soubin Shahir proves to be another inspired casting choice whose screen presence lingers. Rachita Ram’s surprise role emerges as the scene-stealer — effortlessly commanding the frame and delivering one of the smoothest, most organic action sequences in the film. Upendra exudes effortless swagger as Rajini’s silent yet formidable right-hand man, matching the superstar’s presence blow for blow in the high-octane set pieces Rajinikanth, of course, delivers exactly what fans crave — charisma, style, and a commanding screen presence that feels effortless. The flashback portions, especially the Rajini–Sathyaraj sequences, are a treat, as the two icons come together on screen after 40 years. Sathyaraj and Shruti Haasan bring solid support, never tipping into excess, while the mass appeal and emotional beats keep the second half gripping, with well-timed outbursts landing just right. The de-aging of Rajinikanth is pure mass — seamlessly done, it adds a nostalgic punch. Shruthi’s character is the anchor of the film. Even Aamir Khan’s cameo is smartly placed, adding intrigue without feeling forced. Lokesh seems to have learned from the
tonal missteps of his previous outing, striking a smarter balance this time. He directs Rajinikanth with the enthusiasm of a fanboy but never lets it overshadow his own filmmaking sensibilities, blending style, story, and spectacle with confidence. Though this film may not reach the heights of Kaithi or Vikram, it is far from disappointing, delivering a thoroughly entertaining experience that keeps audiences engaged. Anirudh’s music is a highlight — the songs are proper crowd-pleasers, and the BGM elevates action sequences brilliantly, though emotional scenes stick to somewhat stereotypical musical cues.While the first half could have been tighter, the second half more than compensates, making Coolie a high-energy, nostalgic, and entertaining ride for fans. Coolie emerges as one of Rajinikanth’s most electrifying outings in recent years, surpassing his previous films in sheer energy and style. It caters not just to die-hard fans but also to casual viewers, balancing nostalgia with interesting storytelling. The cameos, in particular, outshine Lokesh’s previous outings, delivering memorable performances that enhance the story without ever feeling forced. With high-octane action, charismatic star power, and well-placed surprises, Coolie is a perfect blend of mass appeal and crowd-pleasing entertainment.And now, to the million-dollar question — is it part of the LCU? Lokesh cleverly slips in the word “drug” in the film, leaving it to the fans to decide whether to see it as part of the larger universe or enjoy it as a standalone story..-- ToI
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