Coolie (2025) – A Vintage Rajinikanth Show With Uneven Cargo
Walking into Coolie, I expected a Lokesh Kanagaraj action-thriller with the density and grit of his earlier work. What I got instead was a film that sails on the unshakable charisma of Rajinikanth but often drifts when it comes to story discipline. It’s a crowd-pleaser in many ways, but not without noticeable dents in its hull.
Rajinikanth, as Deva, is in fine form here — his screen presence is magnetic, and his knack for timing, dialogue delivery, and swagger reminds me why his stardom has lasted decades. Whether he’s delivering a punchline or a punch, the theatre energy spikes the moment he’s on screen. Nagarjuna’s antagonist is well-styled and has shades of the Joker’s unpredictability, though I wish the writing gave him a more compelling arc. Shruti Haasan, Upendra, and Soubin Shahir do justice to their parts, with Soubin in particular standing out in the supporting cast. Aamir Khan’s cameo is fun fan service but doesn’t meaningfully push the plot forward.
Musically, Anirudh Ravichander delivers what’s expected — thumping beats, high-energy hooks, and songs that blend into the massy mood. Monica and Powerhouse get the crowd going, though a couple of numbers feel wedged in rather than organic to the narrative. Technically, the film is polished, with strong production design and some inventive action choreography, especially in the port sequences.
Where Coolie falters is in its pacing and cohesion. The first act takes too long to find its stride, and the second half, while intermittently gripping, can feel overstuffed with subplots. Lokesh’s direction shines in moments, but the screenplay sometimes meanders, diluting the emotional stakes. For fans, these gaps are easy to forgive; for casual viewers, they’re harder to overlook.
In the end, Coolie is a solid entertainer carried almost entirely on Rajinikanth’s shoulders. It’s a film where the star makes the movie more than the movie makes the star. For die-hard Thalaivar followers, this is pure nostalgia and mass magic. For everyone else, it’s an enjoyable watch that could have been tighter, sharper, and even more memorable.
My rating: 3.6 out of 5 — worth watching for Rajinikanth’s vintage swagger and select high points, but don’t expect a flawless cargo load.
