Pooja Hegde lit up the screen with her dynamic performance in ‘Monica’, the latest single from the highly anticipated Tamil film ‘Coolie’. Released on July 11, 2025, the song is a vibrant tribute to Italian actress Monica Bellucci and has quickly caught the attention of fans and critics alike.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring superstar Rajinikanth in the lead role, ‘Coolie’ marks a stylistic shift for the filmmaker who is known for his dark narratives. With ‘Monica’, Kanagaraj introduces a retro-inspired dance number that combines international glamor with the energetic style of Tamil cinema. Composed by Anirudh Ravichander, the track features vocals from Suhashini and Anirudh himself and a rap segment from Asal Kolaar.
Pooja Hegde, who helms the song’s visuals, delivers a stunning performance with her expressive dance moves and commanding presence. The music video is set on a cargo ship and shows Hegde dancing with a large troupe that includes Malayalam actor and director Soubin Shahir, whose energetic moves were also praised by the audience. The choreography and styling evoke the elegance and allure associated with Monica Bellucci, further emphasizing the song’s homage.
The homage is not just limited to the title of the song. Monica Bellucci’s influence is woven into the aesthetic of the number, reflecting her acclaimed roles in films such as Malèna, Irréversible, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions and The Passion of the Christ. Bellucci, who redefined the Bond woman archetype at the age of 51 in Specter, continues to inspire global audiences with her charisma and groundbreaking career. An interesting connection is that Bellucci’s real-life daughter is named Deva, which is also the name of Rajinikanth’s character in Coolie, which adds another layer to the homage.
“Monica” was released in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu under the banner of Sun Pictures as part of the promotional campaign for “Coolie”, scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 14, 2025. The song’s infectious energy and glamorous visuals have already made it a trending topic on social media, with fans praising Pooja Hegde’s performance as one of her best yet.
With its mix of retro style, international homage and star power, “Monica” stands out as a highlight on the Coolie soundtrack and is poised to become a fan favorite leading up to the film’s release.
