| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Coolie |
| Release Date | August 14, 2025 |
| Language | Tamil |
| Genre | Action / Thriller / Drama |
| Director | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| Screenplay | Lokesh Kanagaraj & Chandhru Anbazhagan |
| Lead Cast | Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan (cameo), Upendra, Shruti Haasan |
| Music | Anirudh Ravichander |
| Runtime | 170 minutes |
Coolie was announced with Rajinikanth in the lead and Lokesh Kanagaraj at the helm, expectations were sky-high. Lokesh has built a reputation as one of the most exciting filmmakers in Tamil cinema, thanks to hits like Kaithi, Master, and Vikram. Pairing his gritty, stylish filmmaking with Rajinikanth’s unmatched charisma promised a film that could blend mass appeal with layered storytelling.
However, Coolie turns out to be a mixed bag. While it has moments of brilliance and showcases Rajinikanth in ways his fans will relish, the screenplay struggles to maintain grip. For many, including this reviewer, the film feels stretched, uneven, and at times even boring, making it an average outing rather than the knockout it was hyped to be.
Storyline
The film centers on Deva (Rajinikanth), a former coolie union leader who now runs a sprawling mansion and oversees its affairs. He is respected, feared, and carries an aura of authority. But his life takes a turn when his close friend dies under mysterious circumstances. Deva refuses to believe it was a natural death and suspects foul play.
Determined to uncover the truth, he embarks on an investigation that pits him against criminal networks, political forces, and betrayals buried deep in his past. Along the way, he must balance his sense of justice with his personal grief. The flashback sequences explore his early years, his rise as a coolie, and the sacrifices that shaped him.
This setup has all the ingredients of a gripping thriller, but the execution falters. The investigation lacks urgency, and the emotional core—though promising—doesn’t always resonate.
Performances
The heart of the film is Rajinikanth. At 74, he continues to hold the screen with unmatched charisma. His portrayal of Deva is dignified, powerful, and occasionally playful. The de-aging effects used in the flashback sequences are impressive and allow him to appear convincingly younger, giving fans glimpses of the Superstar in his prime.
Nagarjuna brings gravitas to his role, providing a solid foil to Rajini. Aamir Khan’s cameo is short but effective, and Upendra adds flavor with his unpredictable presence. Shruti Haasan, though given less scope, does her part well. Overall, the performances elevate the film, even when the script doesn’t.
Technical Aspects
Action Sequences: Lokesh’s knack for staging raw, grounded fights comes through in a few places. The hostel fight and mansion showdown stand out, reminding viewers of his earlier brilliance. These scenes pulse with energy and style, though they are fewer in number than expected.
Music and Background Score: Surprisingly, Anirudh Ravichander’s score doesn’t land as strongly as in his past collaborations. The background music lacks the punch to elevate key moments, especially the pre-interval sequence, which should have been explosive but feels flat.
Cinematography and Visuals: The visuals are rich and polished. The mansion is almost a character in itself, and the contrast between Deva’s past and present is captured effectively. The production scale is fitting for a Rajinikanth film.
Editing and Pacing: At nearly 3 hours, the film feels long. Several stretches drag, making the screenplay its weakest point. A tighter edit could have saved the film from feeling bloated.
Positives
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Rajinikanth’s towering presence and charismatic performance.
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Well-executed fight sequences, particularly in the hostel and mansion.
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Impressive de-aging effects in the flashback portions.
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Strong performances from Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, and Upendra.
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High production values and stylish visuals.
Negatives
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Weak screenplay that fails to maintain suspense.
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Several portions drag, making the film feel longer than it is.
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The pre-interval sequence lacks the impact seen in Lokesh’s earlier films.
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Background score doesn’t elevate the action or emotion.
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Over-reliance on star power, with cameos feeling like fan service rather than story-driven choices.
Final Verdict
Coolie is a film that delivers moments of thrill and showcases Rajinikanth in memorable ways, but it never becomes the gripping action-thriller it promised to be. Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for tight narratives and layered storytelling, seems to have played it safe here, relying heavily on star appeal rather than pushing boundaries.
For die-hard Rajinikanth fans, there’s plenty to cheer for—his performance, style, and charisma remain unmatched. The fight sequences and flashback scenes will satisfy those looking for mass entertainment. But for fans of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s craft, this film may feel like a step down, lacking the sharpness and emotional punch of his earlier work.
In the end, Coolie is an average entertainer—watchable but not memorable. It appeals more to Superstar fans than to followers of Lokesh’s cinema.
Rating: 2 out of 5