Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, hit theaters on August 14, 2025, and it’s been a hot topic ever since. As a fan of Indian cinema, I was eager to see if this star-studded action drama lived up to the hype. With a cast featuring Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, and even Aamir Khan in a cameo, Coolie promised a grand spectacle. But does it deliver? Let’s dive into my take on this much-anticipated film, which blends Rajinikanth’s vintage charisma with Lokesh’s gritty storytelling.
Table of Contents
A Star-Packed Premise with High Stakes
Coolie follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a former seaport coolie and union leader, who gets pulled into a dangerous web of crime and revenge after his friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) dies under mysterious circumstances. The story unfolds across multiple timelines, introducing a smuggling syndicate led by the stylish yet ruthless Simon (Nagarjuna) and his brutal enforcer Dayal (Soubin Shahir). Deva’s quest to uncover the truth behind Rajasekhar’s death drives the narrative, with Shruti Haasan playing Preethi, Rajasekhar’s daughter, who adds emotional depth to the plot.
- What works: Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life presence anchors the film.
- What doesn’t: The plot feels overstuffed with subplots that don’t always connect smoothly.
The film’s ambition is clear, but the narrative sometimes struggles to balance its many ideas, making it feel like a rollercoaster with a few shaky turns.
Rajinikanth’s Charisma Steals the Show
At 74, Rajinikanth proves why he’s still the “Superstar.” His entry scene, with his face reflected on meat cleavers, is pure cinematic magic, sending audiences into a frenzy. Deva is a multifaceted character—part righteous crusader, part action hero, and part father figure. Rajinikanth nails every shade, from delivering punchy one-liners to showing raw emotion over his friend’s death.
- Highlight: A pre-interval action block where Deva takes on a gang of thugs is vintage Rajini, complete with swagger and wit.
- Fan moment: His de-aging flashback scenes are a visual treat, evoking nostalgia for his 80s and 90s glory days.
While the story doesn’t always do justice to his talent, Rajinikanth’s screen presence ensures Coolie remains a crowd-pleaser.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Vision: Ambitious but Uneven
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for hits like Vikram and Leo, brings his signature style—non-linear storytelling, music-driven action, and gritty visuals—to Coolie. The film starts strong, with a stylish build-up to Rajinikanth’s entry, but it loses steam with half-baked subplots. The transition from a personal revenge tale to a broader crime syndicate exposé feels jarring, and some twists don’t land as intended.
- Strength: Lokesh’s action sequences are raw and intense, with blood and gore adding a realistic edge.
- Weakness: The screenplay feels cluttered, with cameos (like Aamir Khan’s) that add star power but little narrative value.
Lokesh’s attempt to blend his modern sensibilities with Rajinikanth’s old-school charm is admirable, but it doesn’t always click.
Stellar Cast, Mixed Impact
The ensemble cast is a major draw, but not everyone gets their due. Nagarjuna’s Simon is a standout, with his Joker-inspired look and menacing aura, though his role feels underutilized in the second half. Shruti Haasan delivers one of her best performances as Preethi, bringing emotional weight to her scenes. Soubin Shahir’s Dayal is compelling, but his arc doesn’t fully explore his potential. Aamir Khan’s cameo as Dahaa is visually striking but feels forced, adding to the film’s bloated feel.
- Nagarjuna: His purple-clad villain is a highlight, but the script sidelines him too soon.
- Shruti Haasan: Her portrayal of Preethi is heartfelt, though the character often needs rescuing.
- Aamir Khan: His brief role is memorable but doesn’t add much to the story.
The cast shines in parts, but the film struggles to balance their star power with a cohesive narrative.
Technical Brilliance and Box Office Buzz
On the technical front, Coolie is a winner. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography captures the gritty port setting beautifully, while Anirudh Ravichander’s music, though not his best, adds energy to the action. The film’s box office performance is already impressive, with over ₹100 crore in pre-sales and predictions of a ₹200 crore opening weekend, boosted by the Independence Day holiday. Despite competing with War 2, Coolie’s star power and fanbase give it an edge.
- Box office: Over 12 lakh tickets sold for day one, per Sacnilk.
- Music: Anirudh’s BGM elevates key scenes, though songs like “Mobsta” don’t match his past highs.
Social media is buzzing with fans praising Rajinikanth’s swag, though some critique the uneven storytelling. Coolie is a theatrical event that demands the big screen, even if it doesn’t fully live up to its hype.
In conclusion, Coolie is a mixed bag—a film that thrives on Rajinikanth’s unmatched charisma and technical flair but falters with a cluttered script and underused cast. It’s not Lokesh Kanagaraj’s best, but it’s a fun ride for Rajini fans. If you’re looking for a mass entertainer with whistle-worthy moments, Coolie delivers just enough to keep you hooked.