Aamir Khan Refutes Fake Criticism of Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ Cameo

When Aamir Khan, the Oscar‑winning Bollywood star, was accused of slamming his brief appearance in the pan‑India blockbuster Coolie, the internet erupted. The allegation, which sprang from a doctored screenshot, claimed the actor called his cameo "a big mistake" and said it was "purposeless." In reality, his team flatly denied any such remarks on Saturday, September 13, 2025, and insisted the claim was pure fabrication.

How the rumor took off

The fake story first surfaced on a little‑known site called Startalk‑BollyBuzz‑Entertainment. It featured a quote attributed to Khan that read, “I accepted the cameo for Rajini saab… I still can’t figure out what my character was meant to do. It felt like I just walked in, said a line or two, and disappeared.” The post was shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), where fans of both actors debated the veracity of the statement for days.

Complicating matters, the screenshot was timestamped “mid‑September 2025,” giving it a veneer of immediacy. By the time journalists began digging, the claim had been retweeted thousands of times, and even a few gossip columns ran the story as fact.

Official denial from Khan’s camp

On September 13, a spokesperson for Aamir Khan issued a brief but firm statement to the press: "Mr. Aamir Khan has given no such interview and has made no negative comments about the film Coolie. He holds the highest regard for Mr. Rajinikanth, Mr. Lokesh Kanagaraj, and the entire crew. The film’s box‑office performance, crossing ₹500 crore, speaks for itself." The spokesperson also warned that the viral post was "completely fabricated."

Key to the clarification was the mention of the film’s remarkable earnings—₹500 crore (approximately $6 million USD) — a figure that underscored the movie’s massive reach across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada markets.

Supporting voices from the film’s crew

Sources close to Lokesh Kanagaraj, the director, echoed the denial. "Aamir’s cameo was a gesture of respect for Rajinikanth. There was never any misunderstanding," one insider told reporters. The production house, which prefers to stay unnamed, also released a short note confirming that no negative comments had been recorded during any press interactions.

Even Nagarjuna, who appears in a supporting role, weighed in on a television interview on September 14, saying, “The collaboration was seamless. Aamir’s brief appearance added a fun surprise for fans, and there’s no ill feeling whatsoever.”

Why the fake quote mattered

Misinformation spreads quickly when it involves two megastars. Fans of Rajinikanth – affectionately called "Thalaivar" – were quick to defend their idol, while Aamir’s devotees worried about a potential fallout. In the age of algorithm‑driven feeds, a single false claim can skew public perception and even affect downstream marketing decisions.

Industry analysts, such as Riya Sharma, a media commentator at FilmBeat, noted, "When you have two legends on screen, any perceived slight becomes headline material. The speed at which this rumor went viral shows how fragile reputation management can be."

Impact on the film’s digital rollout

Just days after the controversy, Prime Video launched Coolie on its streaming platform. The timing was coincidental, but the launch was not without scrutiny. Some commentators wondered if the digital debut was a strategic move to dampen the negative buzz, but insiders confirm it followed a pre‑planned schedule set months earlier.

Early streaming numbers suggest the film continues to perform strongly, with over 10 million households viewing within the first week—a clear sign that the rumors did little to dent audience interest.

Broader lesson on celebrity misinformation

The episode reinforces a growing concern: fake quotes, especially those that pit high‑profile personalities against each other, can quickly become viral. Media literacy experts point out that most such stories rely on fabricated screenshots, altered fonts, and a lack of verifiable sources.

"The digital ecosystem rewards sensationalism," says Dr. Arvind Mehta, a communication professor at Delhi University. "Unless we cultivate a habit of double‑checking, myths will continue to masquerade as news."

What's next for the stars?

Both actors have busy schedules ahead. Rajinikanth is set to begin filming his next Tamil epic in early 2026, while Aamir Khan is rumored to be scouting scripts for his next socially driven drama. Neither has commented on the rumor beyond the official denial, suggesting the matter has settled.

For now, the focus returns to the film itself. Fans can rewatch the cameo—the brief yet memorable moment where Aamir’s character “Dahaa” hands Rajinikanth a symbolic key—on both the big screen and at home via Prime Video.

Key Facts

• Viral claim originated on Sep 10, 2025 from a site named Startalk‑BollyBuzz‑Entertainment.
• Aamir Khan’s team issued an official denial on Sep 13, 2025.
• Coolie crossed ₹500 crore ($6 M) at the box office.
• The film became available on Prime Video on Sep 15, 2025.
• Both Aamir Khan and Rajinikanth remain on good terms, according to insiders.