Coolie Review
Movie Name: Coolie
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Producer: Kalanithi Maran
Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematographer: Girish Gangadharan
Editor: Philomin Raj
Story:
Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) invents a mobile cremation system with noble intentions, but ruthless smuggler Simon (Nagarjuna) twists it to his advantage. Rajasekhar’s sudden death leaves his daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) and her sisters devastated.
Deva (Rajinikanth), Rajasekhar’s close friend, steps in to uncover the truth. Is Simon really behind the tragedy, or is there a darker layer beneath? Who is Dayal (Soubin Shahir), and what is his link to Deva’s mysterious past? The answers unfold in a story packed with action, betrayal, and hidden truths.
Plus Points:
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Lokesh Kanagaraj once again assembles a stellar ensemble cast, balancing screen space for Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir.
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Soubin Shahir shines in a role originally meant for Fahadh Faasil, delivering intensity in both emotional and action-driven moments.
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Nagarjuna’s turn as an antagonist is refreshing, even if his menace doesn’t fully land.
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Rajinikanth’s flashback portions are a treat, enhanced by impressive de-aging effects. His charisma dominates, especially in scenes opposite Nag and Soubin.
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Sathyaraj delivers gravitas in limited screen time, and Rachitha Ram’s brief role is supported by a clever twist.
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The mansion fight sequence, Rajini–Nag face-off, and a few emotional beats stand out.
Minus Points:
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The storyline is weak, with pacing issues and little depth. Lokesh’s writing leans heavily on star power instead of substance.
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Shruti Haasan’s role is underwritten, reduced mostly to emotional breakdowns, further hindered by uneven dubbing.
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Upendra is wasted in a role that offers neither impact nor substance.
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Aamir Khan’s cameo is predictable and adds little freshness.
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The climax is flat and predictable, lacking twists or emotional highs.
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Fans hoping for an LCU (Lokesh Cinematic Universe) connection will be disappointed, as none exists.
Technical Aspects:
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Direction & Writing: Lokesh Kanagaraj disappoints with a weak script that doesn’t elevate beyond average.
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Music: Anirudh’s songs work in parts, but his background score misses the adrenaline factor.
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Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan’s work is decent but not standout.
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Editing: Philomin Raj could have trimmed several sluggish stretches.
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Production Values: Solid but not groundbreaking, typical of a Sun Pictures biggie.
Verdict:
On the whole, Coolie is a watchable action drama elevated by Rajinikanth’s screen presence, Soubin Shahir’s layered performance, and Sathyaraj’s dignified cameo. Nagarjuna does fairly well as the antagonist but lacks the menace hyped in promotions.
While there are fan-pleasing moments—stylish fights, Rajini’s flashback, and a few powerful confrontations—the storyline is generic, execution flat, and climax predictable.
Final Word: Watch it for Rajini, and you’ll find it decent, especially if you’re a true fan. For others, it’s just another big-budget actioner with missed potential.
