In a delightful crossover of global cinema admiration, Italian screen icon Monica Bellucci has watched the much-talked-about song Monica from superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming action drama Coolie. The special number, performed by Pooja Hegde, has already become a hot topic among fans—and now, it has earned the admiration of the legendary European actress it was inspired by.
Recently, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Pooja Hegde was told about Monica Bellucci reaction to the song. Her surprised yet heartfelt response reveals just how much this moment meant to her.
The Inspiration Behind the Song ‘Monica’
Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj with music composed by Anirudh Ravichander, includes a vibrant special track titled Monica Bellucci. The song serves as a tribute to Monica Bellucci, whose elegance, poise, and unique screen presence have captivated audiences worldwide for decades.
Pooja Hegde, who takes center stage in the song, delivers a glamorous and high-energy performance. The song’s retro-meets-modern vibe and pulsating choreography have already generated buzz on social media, especially after it was revealed that Bellucci herself had watched it.
How Monica Bellucci Came to See the Song
The connection between the Italian star and Coolie’s tribute came through Mélita Toscan, the head of the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM). During a conversation, Mélita showed Monica from Coolie to Bellucci, who, according to reports, “loved it.”
When this news was shared with Pooja Hegde during her interview, she was visibly taken aback and overjoyed.
“That’s the biggest compliment ever. I’ve actually really loved Monica Bellucci. She’s so iconic in her own way for her persona. She didn’t need to do much; she has such a unique voice and style. I’m glad she liked it,” Pooja said, smiling.
The actress also mentioned that many Tamil fans had been actively tagging and commenting on Monica Bellucci’s social media, encouraging her to watch the song. Clearly, the internet’s persistence paid off.
Shooting ‘Monica’ – A Physically Demanding Challenge
While the song looks glamorous on screen, Pooja revealed that filming Monica Bellucci was no easy task. Known for her memorable dance numbers like Butta Bomma, Arabic Kuthu, and Kanimaa, the actress said this one tested her stamina more than most.
“Monica was one of the toughest songs I’ve shot due to the conditions. It was outdoors, and it was really hot and humid. I looked unfazed, but the steps were heavy. The frames were wide, my hair was loose, and I had to look like I was not sweating even a little bit,” she recalled.
Filming took place over five days, and despite the physically draining nature of the shoot, Pooja managed to keep up the energy and poise required for such a high-profile number. However, she admitted that by the end of it, she had tanned considerably due to the intense sunlight.
The Star-Studded World of Coolie
Coolie is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films of 2025. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj—known for his blockbuster hits—and with music by fan-favorite Anirudh Ravichander, the movie has all the ingredients for a massive box office success.
The film boasts a powerhouse cast that includes Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and even Aamir Khan. This ensemble ensures that the film will attract audiences from across India and beyond.
According to the synopsis listed on the British Board of Film Certification website:
“A mysterious man takes a stand against a corrupt syndicate exploiting and abusing the workers of a port town in this action drama.”
The premise suggests a gripping narrative that blends social commentary with high-octane action sequences—hallmarks of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s filmmaking style.
The Big Clash at the Box Office
Coolie is scheduled for release on August 14, setting the stage for a major box office showdown. It will directly compete with Ayan Mukerji’s War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and *Jr NTR.
Both films cater to different yet overlapping audience bases, making Independence Day week an exciting period for cinema lovers. The competition is expected to be fierce, with trade analysts predicting record-breaking opening collections for both titles.
Why This Moment Matters for Pooja Hegde
For Pooja Hegde, Monica Bellucci’s acknowledgment is more than just celebrity approval—it’s a career highlight. Bellucci is celebrated worldwide for her roles in films like Malèna, The Matrix Reloaded, and Spectre. Being recognized by someone of her stature is a testament to Pooja’s performance and screen presence in Monica.
The moment also reflects the increasingly global nature of cinema today. A Tamil song inspired by an Italian actress, performed by an Indian star, and watched by the original muse herself—this is cultural exchange at its finest.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
Unsurprisingly, fans have taken to Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to celebrate the news. Comments range from admiration for Pooja’s performance to excitement over Monica Bellucci’s praise. Many have pointed out how rare it is for Indian film tributes to directly reach and impress the global celebrities they honor.
Memes, edits, and dance challenges based on Monica have also flooded social platforms, helping the song gain further traction ahead of Coolie’s release.
The Legacy of Monica Bellucci in Global Cinema
Bellucci’s charm lies in her effortless screen presence. Whether portraying complex emotional roles or delivering understated elegance, she has maintained an aura of mystique throughout her career. Her recognition of Monica is not just a nod to the song but also a sign that she acknowledges the creative admiration behind it.
With Coolie set to storm theaters this August, the buzz around its music—especially Monica—has already set the tone for a blockbuster release. For Pooja Hegde, this project has brought both challenges and unforgettable moments, the highlight being the warm reception from Monica Bellucci herself.
As fans count down the days to see Rajinikanth back on the big screen, Monica stands as a shining example of how art can transcend borders, languages, and cultures.