Pooja Hegde has set the screen alight with her dynamic performance in ‘Monica’, the latest single from the highly anticipated Tamil film ‘Coolie’. The song, released on 11 July 2025, is a vibrant tribute to Italian actress Monica Bellucci and has quickly captured the attention of fans and critics alike.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Superstar Rajinikanth, ‘Coolie’ marks a stylistic shift for the filmmaker, who is known for his gritty narratives. With ‘Monica’, Kanagaraj introduces a retro-inspired dance number that blends international glamour with the energetic style of Tamil cinema. The track, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, features vocals by Suhashini and Anirudh himself, with a rap segment by Asal Kolaar.
Pooja Hegde, who leads the song’s visuals, delivers a show-stopping performance with her expressive dance moves and commanding presence. Set atop a cargo ship, the music video showcases Hegde dancing alongside a large troupe, including Malayalam actor-director Soubin Shahir, whose energetic moves have also drawn praise from audiences. The choreography and styling evoke the elegance and allure associated with Monica Bellucci, further emphasising the song’s homage.
The tribute is not limited to the song’s title. Monica Bellucci’s influence is woven into the number’s aesthetic, reflecting her celebrated roles in films such as ‘Malèna’, ‘Irréversible’, ‘The Matrix Reloaded’, ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ and ‘The Passion of the Christ’. Bellucci, who famously redefined the “Bond woman” archetype in ‘Spectre’ at the age of 51, continues to inspire global audiences with her charisma and trailblazing career. An interesting connection is that Bellucci’s real-life daughter shares the name Deva, which is also the name of Rajinikanth’s character in ‘Coolie’, adding another layer to the tribute.
‘Monica’ has been released in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu under the Sun Pictures banner as part of the promotional campaign for ‘Coolie’, which is set for worldwide theatrical release on 14 August 2025. The song’s infectious energy and glamorous visuals have already made it a trending topic on social media, with fans lauding Pooja Hegde’s performance as among her finest to date.
With its blend of retro style, international homage and star power, ‘Monica’ stands out as a highlight in ‘Coolie’s’ soundtrack and is poised to become a fan favourite in the lead-up to the film’s release.
