Coolie Movie Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
Coolie Movie Review – The much-hyped Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj collaboration, Coolie, has finally hit theatres. Marketed as one of the biggest Tamil film releases of the year, the movie promised a blend of high-octane action, mass moments, and a gritty crime narrative. However, while Rajinikanth delivers his trademark charisma, the film’s screenplay struggles with cohesion, leaving fans divided.
Coolie Movie Plot & Storyline
The film begins with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s trademark intercut style, dropping us into the gritty underworld of smuggling syndicates. A police informer delivers vital intel, setting the stage for a cat-and-mouse gangster drama. We meet Deva (Rajinikanth), a hostel owner with a mysterious past, who is pulled back into the world of crime after the death of his old friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj). Deva stays close to Rajasekhar’s daughters, sensing a looming threat, but the reasons remain unclear for much of the film.
From here, Coolie tries to weave suspense and emotional beats, but the narrative often meanders, relying heavily on delayed flashbacks to build intrigue. While some setups pay off, others drag on without the emotional weight that Lokesh’s earlier films like Vikram and Kaithi delivered.
Rajinikanth’s Performance in Coolie
Rajinikanth in Coolie is the movie’s biggest strength. Lokesh plays with the superstar’s legacy, blending old-school hero introduction moments with a touch of irony. Rajinikanth’s charm elevates even the weaker sequences, especially in silent emotional moments where his acting prowess shines through. His screen presence alone keeps audiences engaged, even when the writing falters.
Supporting performances from Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir bring menace and style, though their characters remain archetypal villains. Shruti Haasan gets a more emotionally demanding role, grounding the story despite enduring intense physical and psychological challenges. Aamir Khan’s late cameo adds a few lighthearted moments, but it arrives too late to significantly shift the narrative energy.
Coolie Movie Direction & Technical Aspects
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction retains flashes of brilliance, particularly in the “Mansion” action sequence featuring Upendra and Rajinikanth. Gireesh Gangadharan’s cinematography captures the contrast between high-energy action and quiet, character-driven scenes beautifully. Anirudh Ravichander’s music is a standout, with a folk-infused theme for Upendra’s character and a pulsating background score elsewhere.
Unfortunately, the editing lacks tightness. Many scenes feel overextended, and some transitions are jarring. While Lokesh’s past films thrived on breadcrumb storytelling, here the delayed reveals often feel frustrating rather than exciting.
Coolie Movie Verdict
Coolie is a mixed bag. For Rajinikanth fans, it delivers enough mass moments and star power to make it worth a watch. But for those expecting another tightly crafted Lokesh Kanagaraj thriller, it might feel like a missed opportunity. With sharper writing and more emotional depth, Coolie could have been a memorable addition to both Rajinikanth’s and Lokesh’s filmographies.
Coolie Movie Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir
Coolie Movie Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Coolie Movie Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Language: Tamil
Watch Coolie Movie Trailer Here:
