Shruti Haasan reacts to unfair ‘damsel in distress’ tag for her Coolie role: ‘It is someone else's vision’

Shruti Haasan is basking in the success of her latest release Coolie. Starring Rajinikanth in the lead role, the gangster drama directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj was released in theatres on August 14. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Shruti did an AMA session on Friday where a fan asked her whether it is fair that her character Preethi is shown as a ‘damsel in distress’ in the film.

What Shruti Said

Shruti posted the question on her Instagram Stories, which read, “Don't you think Preethi's portrayal as a damsel in distress is unfair?” In response, Shruti said in the caption, “She was in distress and it is someone else's vision. Not about fair or unfair.”

Her candid response reflects her pragmatic attitude towards acting. For Shruti, portraying Preethi was not about labeling the role but about aligning herself with the director’s creative vision. Actors often emphasize that each character belongs to the filmmaker’s imagination, and Shruti’s reply reinforced this understanding.

About Her Role in Coolie

Coolie tells the story of a former union leader named Deva (Rajinikanth) who seeks answers after the sudden death of his friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj). Preethi plays the daughter of Rajasekhar who then takes the help of Deva to avenge her father’s death. In the film, her character is abducted several times.

Preethi’s arc adds a personal dimension to Deva’s larger journey. While Rajinikanth’s role drives the core of the story, Shruti’s character serves as a bridge that emotionally ties the protagonist’s mission to the narrative. Her vulnerability was an intentional creative choice by Lokesh Kanagaraj, designed to highlight both her fragility and her resilience.

Shruti’s Interactions with Fans

During her AMA session, Shruti also answered several lighthearted questions from her fans. She revealed that her least favourite colour is yellow and promised to take on more Tamil film projects in the future. Such personal interactions endear her to audiences, as they see both the actress and the person behind the screen.

Fans appreciated her honesty in addressing both serious and fun questions, which shows her comfort in engaging directly with her audience. This also highlights the growing importance of social media, where actors are no longer distant figures but accessible personalities who build genuine connections with their followers.

Why She Said Yes to Coolie

Ahead of the release, Shruti had spoken to HT in an interview where she shared what made her say yes to the project. "When a project like this comes to you with an actor like that, a director like that, it’s already exciting. But I really liked the character of Preethi and what she brought to the story,” she said.

Her remarks underline that Preethi wasn’t simply a supporting character, but a role with depth and emotional weight. Even though the audience might debate her portrayal, Shruti approached the role with commitment, knowing it was integral to the narrative crafted by Lokesh Kanagaraj.

Box Office Success

Coolie also stars Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Upendra and Aamir Khan. The film is produced by Sun Pictures and has music composed by Anirudh Ravichander. It was released in theatres on August 14 and clashed with Ayan Mukerji’s War 2. Remarkably, Coolie made ₹150 crore worldwide on its opening day. In India, the film has so far crossed ₹230 crore.

The extraordinary numbers underline the sheer anticipation surrounding the collaboration between Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj. Shruti Haasan’s presence only added to the ensemble, ensuring the film reached a wider audience.

Shruti Haasan’s Career Momentum

The success of Coolie has further strengthened Shruti’s position in cinema. Over the years, she has navigated Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films with versatility, balancing commercial entertainers with experimental roles. Playing Preethi may not have been about heroics or action, but it gave her an opportunity to bring out a softer, more emotional side of her craft.

For Shruti, the film also signals her commitment to Tamil cinema. She has repeatedly mentioned her desire to work more in the industry, which continues to hold a special place in her career.

Looking Ahead

As Coolie continues its run, Shruti Haasan has once again proven her adaptability as an actress. The debates about her character’s portrayal reflect the impact she left on audiences. Far from being sidelined, Preethi remains a key part of the narrative, reminding viewers that vulnerability and courage often exist side by side.

With upcoming projects lined up, Shruti is clearly focused on exploring diverse characters. Her journey reflects an artist who embraces challenges, values her audience, and respects the vision of the directors she collaborates with.