Coolie villain Nagarjuna’s hair and beard game is ageing backwards, thanks to one man

Kollywood superstar Rajinikanth’s latest venture with director Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie, has already set the box office on fire. Despite mixed reviews, the Rajini–Lokesh combo proved too magnetic for fans, raking in over ₹400 crores so far. But amidst all the action, one name from the Tollywood fraternity is making serious style waves, Nagarjuna Akkineni.

In Coolie, Nagarjuna steps into uncharted territory, a full-fledged villain role. Playing Simon, he exudes a menacing charm that’s equal parts magnetic and menacing. But what’s really got fans and social media buzzing is his killer new look. Some are even saying he doesn’t just look like Naga Chaitanya’s father anymore, he could easily pass as his elder brother.

For Simon’s look, celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim was brought in to create a style that would redefine Nagarjuna’s screen persona. The result? A perfect blend of rugged maturity and youthful swagger. Gone are the heavily styled, over-groomed hairdos of the past - this is a confident, modern man’s hairstyle that breathes attitude.

Looking at the behind-the-scenes photo Aalim shared, we can see exactly why this hairstyle works so well:

Medium-length volume – The hair is kept medium-long on top, giving it natural height and body without looking stiff. This adds youthfulness and movement.

Textured layers – Instead of a uniform cut, subtle layers add texture, making the hair look effortlessly cool rather than overly polished.

Back-swept flow – The strands are styled away from the face with a slight tousle, creating a windswept, lived-in look. This keeps it casual yet cinematic.

Natural side volume – No harsh fades here, the sides maintain volume, blending smoothly into the top for a fuller silhouette that suits mature faces.

Matte finish – The product used is likely a matte clay or paste, giving hold without shine, perfect for that “I woke up like this” masculine vibe.

Nagarjuna’s hairstyle in Coolie is a masterclass in age-defying grooming. It doesn’t try too hard to look “young” instead, it’s about looking modern and confident. The extra texture softens any signs of thinning, while the longer top elongates the face, giving a sharper jawline effect.

Pairing this hairstyle with well-kept facial hair - a full, dense beard with clean edges, completes the look. The beard is slightly longer at the chin, subtly elongating the face while adding gravitas. Combined with a crisp black shirt, sunglasses, and that unshakable Akkineni charm, Nagarjuna’s Simon look is both villainous and irresistible.

It’s no wonder fans are saying he could pass off as Naga Chaitanya’s elder brother. When grooming is this good, age really is just a number.