Coolie (2025) Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Swag Meets Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Vision in a Stylish Yet Uneven Action Spectacle
The release of a Rajinikanth film is not merely a cinematic event; it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites fans across generations and geographies. Coolie (2025), directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, arrived in theaters on August 14, 2025, with sky-high expectations, fueled by an ensemble cast featuring Superstar Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Upendra, and a much-talked-about cameo by Aamir Khan. With Lokesh Kanagaraj’s reputation for delivering gritty, interconnected action thrillers like Vikram and Leo, and Rajinikanth’s unmatched charisma, Coolie promised to be a game-changer. But does it live up to the hype? we’ll dive into the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between, exploring its narrative, performances, technical aspects, and overall impact.The Plot: A Familiar Yet Ambitious Revenge SagaCoolie centers on Deva (Rajinikanth), a man with a shadowy past who runs a mansion-turned-hostel in Chennai. The story kicks off when Deva’s close friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) dies under mysterious circumstances. Deva soon discovers that the death was no accident but a murder tied to a larger criminal network. This revelation pulls him into a web of intrigue involving Simon (Nagarjuna), a ruthless smuggler, and Dayal (Soubin Shahir), a volatile henchman overseeing exploitative operations at a port. As Deva seeks justice, he must protect Rajasekhar’s daughters, particularly Preethi (Shruti Haasan), while unraveling the connections between Rajasekhar’s death and the syndicate’s illegal activities. The narrative spans multiple timelines, blending action, drama, and emotional stakes, with cameos and plot twists adding layers to the story.The premise, while engaging, treads familiar ground for Lokesh Kanagaraj fans, echoing elements of Vikram—an aging hero with a dark past dismantling a criminal empire. However, Coolie attempts to distinguish itself with a focus on corruption within the railway system and the exploitation of laborers, giving it a socially relevant edge. Unfortunately, the narrative struggles to balance its ambitious ideas, resulting in a plot that feels overstuffed and occasionally disjointed.Rajinikanth: The Undisputed Heart of CoolieAt 74, Rajinikanth proves why he remains a cinematic titan. As Deva, he delivers a performance that is both nostalgic and electrifying, blending his signature swagger with emotional depth. From his iconic cigarette flips to sharp one-liners, every moment he’s on screen is a celebration of his larger-than-life persona. The theater erupts during his entry scene, a masterfully crafted sequence amplified by Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating background score. Rajinikanth excels in action scenes, particularly in flashback sequences where a de-aged version of him evokes memories of his prime, seamlessly blending nostalgia with modern flair. His ability to command attention with a single glance or gesture is unmatched, making even the film’s weaker moments watchable.However, the script doesn’t always do justice to Rajinikanth’s star power. While his character is well-designed, the narrative’s meandering subplots and excessive cameos dilute the focus on Deva’s journey, leaving some fans wanting more of their Thalaivar.Supporting Cast: Hits and MissesThe ensemble cast is one of Coolie’s biggest draws, but the results are mixed. Nagarjuna, as the antagonist Simon, brings a stylish menace to the role. His confrontations with Rajinikanth are electric, and his Tamil dialogue delivery, guided by Rajinikanth on set, adds authenticity. However, Simon’s character lacks depth, making him a compelling but not particularly memorable villain compared to Lokesh’s past antagonists like Vijay Sethupathi’s Sandhanam in Vikram.Soubin Shahir, as Dayal, is the film’s surprise package. His portrayal of a psychotic, unpredictable henchman steals the show, with his dance sequences and chilling dialogue delivery becoming instant highlights. Fans have already dubbed him a “scene-stealer,” and his performance adds a much-needed edge to the film. Shruti Haasan, as Preethi, delivers one of her most impactful performances, balancing strength and vulnerability. Her emotional scenes with Rajinikanth resonate, though the script underutilizes her in the second half.The cameos by Upendra and Aamir Khan generate buzz but yield mixed results. Upendra’s action-packed entry and tandem fight scenes with Rajinikanth are a treat for fans, delivering pure fan service. Aamir Khan’s role as Dahaa, however, feels forced, an attempt to create a “pan-India” moment that doesn’t add much to the narrative. Unlike Suriya’s Rolex in Vikram, Dahaa’s inclusion feels inorganic, and Aamir’s performance, while solid, lacks the payoff fans expected. Sathyaraj, Rachita Ram, and others in supporting roles leave a mark but are often overshadowed by the film’s crowded canvas.Direction and Writing: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Ambitious MisfireLokesh Kanagaraj, known for his tight narratives and interconnected cinematic universe (LCU), delivers a film that is both visually stunning and narratively uneven. His direction shines in action sequences, which are slick, brutal, and beautifully choreographed by Anbariv. The use of old songs and non-linear storytelling, hallmarks of Lokesh’s style, is evident, but they don’t always land as effectively as in his previous works. The first half builds momentum with Rajinikanth’s entry and intriguing setups, but the second half drags with repetitive subplots and pacing issues.As a writer, Lokesh falters in maintaining narrative cohesion. The film tries to juggle too many ideas—revenge, family drama, social commentary, and crime syndicate takedowns—resulting in a scattered plot. While the screenplay has moments of brilliance, such as unexpected plot twists and a time-bending climax, it lacks the crispness of Vikram or the emotional heft of Kaithi. Fans hoping for LCU connections are left disappointed, as Lokesh has denied Coolie’s inclusion in the universe, though speculation persists.Technical Brilliance: A Visual and Auditory FeastTechnically, Coolie is a triumph. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography captures the gritty realism of the railway settings and the grandeur of action sequences with equal finesse. Each frame is visually arresting, from moody port scenes to vibrant fight choreography. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score is a standout, elevating even the film’s slower moments. While the songs, like “Mobsta” and “I Am The Danger,” don’t match the viral appeal of his past hits, they complement the film’s tone. The editing by Philomin Raj is decent, though trimming some dragged sequences could have tightened the 2-hour-50-minute runtime. Kalanithi Maran’s production values under Sun Pictures are top-notch, ensuring a polished big-screen experience.The Fan Experience: A Rajini FestivalFor Rajinikanth fans, Coolie is a celebration of their Thalaivar’s 50th year in cinema. Social media reactions describe it as a “mass tsunami,” with fans praising Rajinikanth’s electrifying presence and whistle-worthy moments. The film’s advance bookings, crossing Rs 41 crore in India alone, reflect the frenzy surrounding its release. However, some fans have noted that the second half feels underwhelming compared to the explosive first half, echoing critics’ sentiments about pacing and narrative focus.Verdict: A Mixed Bag Elevated by RajinikanthCoolie is a film that thrives on Rajinikanth’s charisma and technical excellence but stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. Lokesh Kanagaraj delivers a stylish actioner with moments of brilliance, but the overstuffed plot and uneven pacing prevent it from reaching the heights of his previous works. The supporting cast, particularly Soubin Shahir and Shruti Haasan, adds value, but the cameos and subplots often distract from the core story. For Rajinikanth fans, it’s a must-watch for his vintage swag and powerful performance. For general audiences, it’s an entertaining, if flawed, action-drama that doesn’t fully live up to its colossal hype.Rating: 3.25/5
