Coolie Movie Review : Rajinikanth Shines in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Action-Packed Spectacle

Coolie Movie Review, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and released on August 14, 2025, is a high-energy action drama that harnesses the unparalleled charisma of Rajinikanth while delivering a gritty, nostalgic ride for fans and cinephiles alike. With a stellar ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Upendra, and a cameo by Aamir Khan, the film blends mass appeal with Lokesh’s signature storytelling. Here’s an in-depth review of Coolie, exploring its strengths, flaws, and everything in between.

Coolie Movie Review : Plot Synopsis

Coolie centers on Deva (Rajinikanth), a former coolie and trade union leader who now runs a hostel in Chennai, offering affordable stays to students. The story takes a dramatic turn when Deva’s close friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) is murdered under mysterious circumstances. The killing is linked to a powerful smuggling syndicate led by the cunning Simon (Nagarjuna) and his volatile aide Dayal (Soubin Shahir). Rajasekhar’s invention—a portable incinerator—falls into the wrong hands, pulling Deva into a dangerous web of crime, revenge, and secrets from his own past. As Deva seeks justice, he takes on the responsibility of protecting Rajasekhar’s daughters, particularly Preethi (Shruti Haasan), while confronting formidable adversaries and uncovering hidden truths.

The narrative weaves intense action, emotional family drama, and subtle nods to Rajinikanth’s cinematic legacy, all set against the backdrop of Chennai’s underbelly.

What Works

Rajinikanth’s Towering Presence

At 74, Rajinikanth proves why he’s called the Superstar. His portrayal of Deva is a masterclass in balancing gravitas with his signature style. From his electrifying introduction scene to punchy dialogues like “Coolie na cool illa, fire!”, Rajinikanth commands the screen. The de-aging technology used in flashback sequences is a nostalgic treat, seamlessly recreating the younger Rajini from his Baasha days. These moments are a love letter to his fans, evoking cheers in theaters.

Stellar Supporting Cast

The ensemble cast elevates Coolie significantly. Soubin Shahir delivers a career-defining performance as Dayal, a volatile and eccentric antagonist. His manic energy and dance moves in the song Monica are standout moments. Nagarjuna, as the stylish smuggler Simon, brings suave menace, though some feel his character could have been fleshed out further. Shruti Haasan shines as Preethi, delivering a grounded and emotional performance. Rachita Ram’s surprise role as a fierce ally in the second half is a highlight, particularly in action sequences. Sathyaraj and Upendra also leave a mark, with the former’s emotional scenes hitting hard.

Technical Brilliance

Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his slick direction, doesn’t disappoint. The film’s technical aspects are top-notch:

• Anirudh Ravichander’s Music: The background score is pulsating, amplifying the intensity of action scenes. Songs like Monica and Fire Song are instant earworms, with the former already trending on social media.
• Cinematography and Action: Girish Gangadharan’s visuals capture Chennai’s gritty yet vibrant essence, with dynamic camera work during chase sequences. Anbariv’s action choreography is a highlight, blending raw street fights with stylish set pieces.
• VFX and De-Aging: The de-aging technology for Rajinikanth is near-flawless, a rare feat in Indian cinema. The VFX in action sequences, particularly a climactic shipyard showdown, is visually stunning.

Fan Service and Nostalgia

Coolie Movie Review : Coolie is packed with Easter eggs for Rajinikanth fans, from subtle references to his older films like Baasha and Mannan to iconic poses and dialogues. Lokesh cleverly integrates these without derailing the narrative, making it a treat for long-time fans while keeping it accessible for newer audiences.

What Doesn’t Work

Pacing Issues

Coolie Movie Review : While the first half is brisk and engaging, the second half feels slightly bloated with subplots involving secondary characters. The emotional beats, though effective, sometimes slow down the momentum, making the 2-hour-45-minute runtime feel a tad long.

Underdeveloped Antagonists

Nagarjuna’s Simon is stylish but lacks the depth seen in Lokesh’s previous villains like Rolex from Vikram. Dayal’s unpredictability compensates, but the syndicate’s motives remain vague, leaving some questions unanswered.

Predictable Tropes

Despite Lokesh’s attempt to keep the narrative fresh, Coolie occasionally leans on familiar commercial cinema tropes—hero worship, convenient plot twists, and a larger-than-life climax. While these work for Rajinikanth fans, they may feel formulaic for audiences seeking a tighter, more innovative story.

Audience and Critical Reception

Coolie Movie Review : Based on reactions from X posts and early reviews, Coolie has been a crowd-pleaser, particularly among Rajinikanth fans. Theater videos show audiences erupting during Rajini’s entry and key action scenes. Critics have praised the film’s technical finesse and performances but noted its reliance on commercial formulas. On X, fans have called it “a perfect blend of Lokesh’s style and Rajini’s mass appeal,” though some felt the second half needed trimming.

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Coolie Movie Review is a quintessential Rajinikanth film elevated by Lokesh Kanagaraj’s modern sensibilities. It’s a visual and emotional spectacle that delivers what fans expect—high-octane action, memorable dialogues, and Thalaivar’s unmatched charisma—while offering enough substance for general audiences. Despite minor pacing issues and predictable moments, the film’s strengths, from its stellar cast to its technical prowess, make it a worthy big-screen experience.

Rating: 3.5/5
Best For: Rajinikanth fans, action movie lovers, and those seeking a nostalgic yet stylish cinematic ride.
Watch It For: Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence, Soubin Shahir’s electric performance, and Anirudh’s killer soundtrack.