Rajinikanth’s Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, arrives with high expectations, thanks to the filmmaker’s past successes with Vikram and Kaithi. The star-studded cast — Nagarjuna as the antagonist, Upendra in a crucial role, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, Rachita Ram, and even a cameo by Aamir Khan — promises big-screen fireworks. Yet, while Coolie sparks at times, it never fully ignites.
This time, Lokesh shifts his focus more towards drama than his trademark adrenaline-fuelled storytelling. While that change could have brought freshness, the results are uneven. The first half moves the plot along but misses the sharp, staged elevations that have become a “Loki” hallmark. The second half is stronger, particularly a standout flashback sequence near the climax that recalls the director’s finesse.
Rajinikanth remains magnetic, delivering his trademark swagger effortlessly, though the script surprisingly keeps him more subdued than fans might expect. Nagarjuna’s layered and engaging performance is another highlight, but he too gets sidelined as the story progresses. Cameos, especially Aamir Khan’s, feel more like add-ons than integral parts of the plot.
Technically, Anirudh Ravichander’s background score works hard to lift key moments, but the overall production feels modest for a Lokesh film. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography and Philomin Raj’s editing are competent but lack the visual flair of Vikram.
The film borrows familiar beats — from Vikram’s non-linear reveals and mystery around a death to nostalgic nods to Rajini’s Baashha and Jailer. De-ageing effects and 80s throwback portions are impressive, but several supporting characters, including those played by Soubin Shahir and Rachita Ram, feel underwritten.
At its heart, Coolie is a revenge drama with moments of thrill, multiple loose ends, and a screenplay that plays it commercially safe rather than creatively bold. For Lokesh fans, it’s watchable but restrained; for Rajini fans, it’s a familiar dose of the superstar’s charm — just in a smaller frame than it could have been.
Coolie Movie Review: What’s Good, What’s Bad In Rajinikanth’s Film? Find Out From Viewers’ Words
Verdict: A serviceable action-drama powered by Rajinikanth’s charisma and a few memorable scenes, but let down by a safe, recycled narrative. Keep your expectations in check, and you might enjoy the ride.