The wait is over—Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated film Coolie has finally arrived in cinemas, bringing with it high-octane action and the signature flair fans expect from the superstar. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film boasts a stellar ensemble including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Aamir Khan.
Here’s a breakdown of what works—and what doesn’t—in this action-packed entertainer.
Film Details
- Title: Coolie
- Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
- Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Aamir Khan, Sathyaraj
- Writers: Lokesh Kanagaraj, Chandhru Anbazhagan
- Release Date: August 14, 2025
Plot Summary
Coolie follows the story of Deva, a former daily wage worker whose life takes a dark turn after the mysterious death of his friend Rajasekhar. As Deva digs deeper into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, he uncovers a criminal underworld tied to his friend’s past. What secrets was Rajasekhar hiding—and how far will Deva go to seek justice?
What Works
- Rajinikanth’s Screen Presence: The superstar commands attention in every frame, seamlessly blending vintage charisma with modern action beats.
- Stylish Direction: Lokesh Kanagaraj brings his trademark flair to the screen, with slick action choreography, stylish visuals, and nods to classic Rajini cinema.
- Technical Brilliance:
- Music by Anirudh Ravichander elevates key scenes, with clever integration of retro tracks like Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa.
- Cinematography by Girish Gangadharan enhances the mood with crisp visuals and dynamic compositions.
- VFX and Fight Choreography (especially Rajini’s de-aged sequences) are executed with finesse.
What Doesn’t Work
- Weak Screenplay: Despite a compelling premise, the writing lacks consistency. Subplots feel forced, characters remain underdeveloped, and emotional moments often fall flat.
- Uneven Pacing: The first half drags with prolonged suspense, while the second half rushes through key developments, including unnecessary song placements that break narrative flow.
- Underused Cast:
- Aamir Khan’s cameo is visually striking but ultimately inconsequential.
- Shruti Haasan and Rachita Ram are given little to do, while Nagarjuna and Upendra deliver solid performances despite limited screen time.
Performances
- Rajinikanth delivers a performance that will satisfy long-time fans, especially those nostalgic for his 80s-90s era.
- Soubin Shahir stands out with a menacing villainous role.
- Upendra surprises with his intense action presence, though his role deserved more depth.
Final Verdict
Coolie isn’t Lokesh Kanagaraj’s best work—but it’s an enjoyable action flick that leans heavily on Rajinikanth’s star power. While the film lacks the tight narrative of Kaithi or the intensity of Vikram, it offers enough style and spectacle to entertain.
If you’re a Rajini fan or a lover of mass-action cinema, Coolie is worth a watch on the big screen—just temper your expectations.
