Who Is Soubin Shahir? The Actor Who Stole the Show from Pooja Hegde in Coolie’s Song “Monica”

The song “Monica” from the upcoming Tamil film Coolie was released on Friday, July 12, 2025, and while fans were expecting Pooja Hegde to steal the spotlight with her energetic dance moves, it was actor Soubin Shahir who surprised everyone and became the highlight of the track.

Netizens and cinema lovers alike took to social media to praise Soubin’s performance in the song, with some saying he “set the place on fire.” So, who is this unexpected scene-stealer?

Who Is Soubin Shahir? A Versatile Talent from Malayalam Cinema

Soubin Shahir is a well-known and respected actor in the Malayalam film industry. He began his journey in cinema as a child actor and later took up work behind the scenes as an assistant director for several popular Malayalam films. His knowledge of filmmaking from both sides of the camera has helped shape his nuanced acting style.

Soubin made his acting debut in minor and supporting roles in films like Annayum Rasoolum, Premam, and Charlie. His natural acting style and comic timing quickly gained him recognition in the industry.

Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim

In 2018, Soubin took on his first lead role in Sudani from Nigeria, a heartfelt drama that won him the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. The film showcased his emotional depth and cemented his place as a leading performer in Indian regional cinema.

Following this, his role in Kumbalangi Nights received critical and popular praise. His portrayal of a flawed yet deeply human character further demonstrated his range as an actor.

2024: A Blockbuster Year with Manjummel Boys

In 2024, Soubin starred in and co-produced Manjummel Boys, a massive commercial success that grossed ₹242.30 crore worldwide. It became the first Malayalam movie to enter the ₹200 crore club, solidifying Soubin’s influence both as an actor and a producer.

Stealing the Spotlight in Coolie

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie is one of the most anticipated films of 2025. With a star-studded cast including Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, and Pooja Hegde, Soubin’s appearance in the song “Monica” caught everyone off guard—in the best way.

His surprising dance performance in the track made him trend online, with fans applauding Lokesh’s creative choice to give the dance spotlight to someone not known for flashy moves. Social media users praised Soubin’s charisma and presence, with one calling the decision to cast him in the song “thinking out of the box.”

Coolie Cast and Release Date

Coolie is set to hit theatres on August 14, 2025. The film’s ensemble cast includes:

• Rajinikanth

• Aamir Khan

• Nagarjuna

• Upendra

• Soubin Shahir

• Pooja Hegde

• Shruti Haasan

• Reba Monica John

• Junior MGR

• Monisha Blessy

• Kaali Venkat

With Soubin’s unexpected moment in “Monica,” fans are now even more excited to see what role he plays in the film’s storyline.