ISPs Ordered to Block Pirated ‘Coolie’: Madras High Court Protects Rajinikanth’s Film

The upcoming film ‘Coolie,’ starring Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is highly anticipated, with a release planned for 2025. Its release is set to be a major event, potentially competing with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s ‘War 2’ for a large pan-India audience during the Independence Day period. In response to reports of pirated versions circulating online, the Madras High Court has intervened. On August 11, the court issued an injunction to prevent the unauthorized distribution and streaming of ‘Coolie’ on illegal websites. Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy’s order targeted 36 Internet Service Providers (ISPs), preventing them from hosting pirated copies. The court’s decision followed a review of the film’s certification, confirming Sun TV Network Limited as the rightful producer, and the court warned of ‘irreparable injury’ without the order. Cable TV providers in Chennai, such as Action Lane, JAK Communications, and Thamizhaga Cable TV, are also subject to the ban on illegal screenings. The directive applies to major ISPs, including BSNL, MTNL, Airtel, Vodafone, Idea, Hathway, Reliance Communications, and Tata Teleservices.