Every so often, a Rajinikanth movie comes along that makes the entire Tamil film industry stop and take notice. Coolie, released on August 14, 2025, is one of those films. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and powered by Rajinikanth’s timeless charisma, the movie had massive expectations riding on it. With advance bookings crossing records, fan shows at 4 AM, and social media buzzing with theories about Rajini’s character, the hype was undeniable.
But here’s the real question: does Coolie live up to the expectations of fans and critics alike? Well, the answer is both yes and no. Let’s dive into the details.
Storyline: Familiar Beats With Fresh Energy
At the heart of Coolie lies the story of Devaraj, affectionately called Deva, a generous man who runs a low-cost hostel for students. His peaceful life takes a dark turn when his trusted confidant Rajshekhar (played by veteran actor Sathyaraj) dies under mysterious circumstances. When Deva stumbles upon inconsistencies in the death certificate, he realizes there’s something much bigger at play.
His search for the truth leads him into the murky world of smuggling and crime in Visakhapatnam. Along the way, he uncovers shocking secrets about his own past. It’s classic Lokesh territory—mixing emotional drama with action-packed thrills, layered with social commentary.
The screenplay works well for the most part, though the first half feels a bit slow. Some sequences could have been trimmed, especially around the investigative buildup. But the second half kicks into high gear, with emotional confrontations, stylish action blocks, and a strong climax that ties it all together.
Rajinikanth’s Performance: Still the Undisputed Superstar
Let’s be honest—Rajinikanth is the soul of this film. At 74, he still manages to electrify the screen the moment he appears. From powerful punch dialogues to emotional moments, Rajini carries the movie with effortless charm.
What really stands out this time is the emotional depth. Rajini’s bond with his on-screen daughter adds a softer layer to his otherwise massy persona. And yes, there are moments of nostalgia—thanks to some clever de-aged sequences—that transport fans back to his golden era.
It’s fair to say that Coolie is one of Rajinikanth’s strongest outings since Kabali.
Supporting Cast: Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir & Cameos
While Rajini steals the spotlight, the supporting cast makes a solid impact. Shruti Haasan delivers one of her best performances in recent years, anchoring the movie with emotional weight rather than being sidelined as just a glam addition.
Soubin Shahir brings his trademark naturalistic acting style to the table. Playing a crucial supporting role, he adds both grit and dark humor to the narrative, especially in scenes where his character clashes with Rajini’s Deva. Soubin’s casting may have surprised many, but it pays off by grounding some of the larger-than-life sequences.
The film also features some exciting cameos—Nagarjuna and Aamir Khan appear in well-placed roles that enhance the narrative instead of feeling like distractions. It’s a clever move by Lokesh, who knows how to surprise his audience.
Watch Coolie Tamil Movie Trailer here
Technical Aspects: Stylish Action & Gritty Visuals
Action Sequences: Lokesh Kanagaraj is known for designing grounded, raw action sequences, and Coolie is no exception. The dockyard fight scenes are brutal yet realistic, avoiding over-the-top gimmicks. The stunts are choreographed in a way that highlights Rajini’s screen presence without overexerting him physically.
Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan deserves a shout-out for his gritty, atmospheric visuals. The way he captures the dimly lit docks of Chennai and the bustling streets of Vizag gives the movie a raw, lived-in texture.
Editing: If there’s one weak spot, it’s the editing. Some portions, especially in the first half, drag unnecessarily. A tighter cut could have elevated the pacing.
Music & Background Score: Anirudh’s Energy Booster
When you pair Anirudh Ravichander with Rajinikanth, fireworks are expected. And he delivers. The title track was already a fan favorite before release, but in the theatre, it had fans dancing in the aisles.
The background score is another highlight—it amplifies both the emotional beats and the adrenaline-pumping action sequences. However, in a few emotional scenes, the music felt predictable, almost like a “template Anirudh track.” Still, the highs far outweigh the lows.
Direction: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Balancing Act
Directing a Rajinikanth movie is no easy task—you have to serve die-hard fans while also delivering a story worth telling. Lokesh Kanagaraj walks this tightrope with confidence. He clearly made Coolie as both a fanboy tribute and a serious action drama.
Yes, some will argue that the fan service could have been toned down, but let’s face it—when you’re directing the Superstar, fireworks are mandatory. Lokesh keeps the emotional stakes high while ensuring Rajini gets his mass moments.
Conclusion: Final Verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
At the end of the day, Coolie is a solid entertainer that blends nostalgia, action, and emotion. It’s not perfect—the pacing issues in the first half and some predictable tropes hold it back from being a masterpiece. But what it does deliver is Rajinikanth in top form, supported by Lokesh’s stylish direction, Shruti Haasan’s strong performance, and Soubin Shahir’s gritty presence.
For fans, this is a celebration. For casual viewers, it’s an enjoyable action drama with heart. Either way, it’s worth a watch on the big screen.
👉 Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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