Coolie movie review

Cast – Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Kanna Ravi, Monisha Blessy, Kaali Venkat, Pooja Hegde
Directors – Lokesh Kanagaraj
Producers – Kalanithi Maran
Banner – Sun Pictures
Music – Anirudh Ravichander
Runtime – 170 minutes
Genre – Action Thriller
Release Date – 14 August 2025

Background
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his gritty storytelling, teams up with Superstar Rajinikanth for a pan-Indian action thriller that celebrates the actor’s 50-year cinematic journey. “Coolie” is not part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, but it carries the director’s signature intensity. With a star-studded cast spanning multiple industries—Nagarjuna from Telugu, Upendra from Kannada, Aamir Khan from Hindi, and Soubin Shahir from Malayalam—the film aims for a national impact. The story revolves around Deva, a former coolie union leader, and his quest for justice after the mysterious death of his friend. The film’s raw tone, intense action, and emotional undercurrents are designed to appeal to audiences across regions. Anirudh Ravichander’s music adds a pulsating layer to the narrative, while the film’s runtime allows for deep character exploration. With high expectations and a massive budget, “Coolie” attempts to be Tamil cinema’s first ₹1,000 crore grosser.

Plot
Deva (Rajinikanth), who runs a men’s mansion in Chennai, learns of his friend Rajasekar’s death. At the funeral, Rajasekar’s daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) blames Deva for an unknown reason. As Deva investigates, he discovers Rajasekar was murdered. The trail leads to Simon (Nagarjuna) and Dayal (Soubin Shahir), revealing a dark past. Deva uncovers secrets linking him to Simon’s syndicate. The film explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and vengeance. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks and confrontations, culminating in a high-stakes showdown.

Artists Performances
Rajinikanth delivers one of his most stylish performances in recent years. His portrayal of Deva is layered, commanding, and emotionally resonant. Nagarjuna excels as Simon Xavier, bringing menace and charisma to the antagonist role. Shruti Haasan adds emotional depth as Preethi, while Sathyaraj’s brief role leaves a lasting impact. Upendra and Soubin Shahir bring regional flavor and intensity. Aamir Khan’s cameo is brief but memorable. Rachita Ram and Reba Monica John provide strong support. The ensemble cast works cohesively, each adding weight to the narrative.

Technicalities
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction is taut and uncompromising. The screenplay balances action with emotional beats. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography captures the gritty urban landscape with flair. Philomin Raj’s editing maintains pace despite the long runtime. Anirudh Ravichander’s score is electric, enhancing tension and drama. The production design reflects the film’s raw tone. Action choreography is brutal and well-executed. Dialogues are sharp and impactful. Visual effects are minimal but effective. Sound design adds immersive depth to key sequences.

Positives

• Rajinikanth’s powerful screen presence and performance
• Nagarjuna’s compelling antagonist role
• Lokesh Kanagaraj’s intense direction and storytelling
• Anirudh’s pulsating background score

Negatives

• Overextended runtime affects pacing in the second half
• Some character arcs feel underdeveloped
• Excessive violence may alienate family audiences

Analysis
“Coolie” is a bold and ambitious film that blends mass appeal with gritty realism. Lokesh Kanagaraj crafts a layered narrative that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and justice. Rajinikanth’s Deva is a character built on legacy and pain, and the actor brings gravitas to every frame. Nagarjuna’s Simon is a worthy adversary, and their confrontations are among the film’s highlights. The film’s structure relies on flashbacks and reveals, which are handled with finesse. The emotional core, centered around Rajasekar’s death and Preethi’s accusations, adds depth to the action-heavy plot.

The film’s violence is unflinching, earning it an A certificate—the first in Rajinikanth’s career. Lokesh doesn’t compromise, and the blood-soaked visuals reflect that. The action sequences are choreographed with precision, especially the crowbar vs. hammer showdown between Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna. Anirudh’s music elevates these moments, with tracks that blend emotion and adrenaline.

Supporting performances from Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan add texture to the narrative. Aamir Khan’s cameo, though short, adds star value. The film’s production values are top-notch, with Sun Pictures backing the scale and vision.

However, the film isn’t without flaws. The second half drags slightly, and some subplots feel rushed. The emotional payoff, while strong, could have been more nuanced. Despite these issues, “Coolie” succeeds in delivering a cinematic experience that is both entertaining and intense.

The film’s pan-Indian casting and universal themes make it accessible across regions. Lokesh’s decision to keep it outside the LCU allows for creative freedom, and he uses it to craft a standalone story with high stakes. Rajinikanth’s fans will find plenty to cheer for, while general audiences will appreciate the film’s ambition.

“Coolie” may not be perfect, but it’s a significant entry in Tamil cinema’s evolution. It pushes boundaries, celebrates legacy, and delivers a story that resonates. With a rating of 2.6/5, the film leans more toward the good than the bad, offering a memorable experience despite its imperfections.

Final verdict :- A gritty, star-powered powerhouse thriller that mostly delivers.
Rating :- 2.6/5