Soubin Shahir’s Sensational Show in Coolie: Stealing the Spotlight from Rajinikanth in 2025’s Blockbuster!

Digital Bookish
5 days ago
3 min read

Introduction

Two smiling men on stage, each holding a microphone. They wear dark shirts. Background blurred, bright lighting. Joyful atmosphere.

Soubin Shahir, a beloved Malayalam actor-director known for Premam, Sudani from Nigeria, and Manjummel Boys, has taken Tamil cinema by storm with his debut in Coolie (2025), directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Playing Dayal, a cunning antagonist in this Rajinikanth-starrer, Soubin has captivated audiences with his intense acting and electrifying dance in the viral song “Monica.” His performance has earned praise from critics, co-stars, and fans, with director Lokesh Kanagaraj predicting he’d be the “talk of the town.” This article explores Soubin’s role, standout moments, reception, and impact, drawing from web sources and social media buzz as of August 15, 2025.

The Role of Dayal: A Complex Antagonist

In Coolie, a Tamil action thriller released on August 14, 2025, Soubin plays Dayal (aka Dilip), a ruthless lieutenant in a crime syndicate led by Simon Xavier (Nagarjuna). Set in Visakhapatnam’s harbor, Dayal is involved in gold and heart trafficking, driving key conflicts by killing an undercover cop and targeting Preethi (Shruti Haasan). His arc reveals him as an undercover operative, adding depth to his villainy. Originally meant for Fahadh Faasil, the role was tailored for Soubin, showcasing his ability to blend menace with eccentricity.

Key scenes include:

Pre-Interval Graveyard Sequence: Dayal’s cunning elevates the hero’s arc, earning praise for its intensity.
Rooftop Standoff: His confrontation with Deva (Rajinikanth) highlights his commanding presence.
Character Depth: Dayal’s dual identity as a loyal enforcer and undercover agent makes him the film’s “most well-rounded character.”

The “Monica” Dance Sensation

Soubin’s performance in the song “Monica,” featuring Pooja Hegde, became a viral hit, crossing 10 million views. Composed by Anirudh Ravichander and choreographed by Master Sandy, his high-energy moves overshadowed even Pooja’s glamour. At the Coolie audio launch, his impromptu dance to “Monica” left Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan in splits, with fans raving, “Soubin stole the show!” His performance at the Blacksheep Cine Awards 2025, in a yellow kurta, further amplified his fame, with millions of views online.

Critical and Audience Reception

Critics lauded Soubin as a standout:

The Hindu: “Soubin is easily the performer to watch out for, compelling with his eccentricities.”
Filmy Focus: “Soubin delivers a solid performance in a key role.”
123telugu.com: “He stands toe-to-toe with Rajinikanth, delivering with natural ease.”

Fans on X echoed this, with @idlebrainjeevi praising his “menacing villainy” and @SufidulQuerist calling him “extraordinary.” Rajinikanth himself said, “What an actor, hats off to you!” Lokesh predicted a Tamil fanbase surge, urging Soubin to “move to Chennai.”

On-Set Reflections

Soubin admitted to nerves on set, saying, “I was stunned seeing Rajini sir, messing up lines.” Yet, his ability to deliver under pressure earned him respect. He shared Premam memes, humorously contrasting his “I don’t know anything simple” line with his Monica moves, delighting fans.

Impact on Tamil Cinema

Soubin’s Coolie performance bridges Malayalam and Tamil cinema, positioning him for more Tamil roles. His viral dance and acting have sparked a pan-Indian fanbase, with Coolie’s ₹150-170 crore Day 1 gross partly fueled by his buzz in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. He’s now a contender for lead or villainous roles, following the path of Malayalam stars like Fahadh Faasil.

Conclusion

Soubin Shahir’s Coolie performance is a career-defining moment, blending intense acting with viral dance moves. From Dayal’s menace to “Monica”’s energy, he has stolen hearts and headlines, proving his versatility in a Rajinikanth blockbuster. As Coolie dominates, Soubin emerges as Tamil cinema’s new sensation.