Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Power-Packed Comeback With Lokesh Kanagaraj — Nostalgia, Mass Moments & Mixed Impact

Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.5/5)
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Cast: Rajinikanth, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Rachita Ram, Upendra, Aamir Khan (cameo)
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Music: Anirudh Ravichander

Plot Overview

In this Coolie movie review, we follow Devaraj, fondly known as Deva (Rajinikanth), a charismatic and respected owner of Deva Mansion — a safe space for students with affordable lodging. His peaceful life is disrupted when his close friend Rajshekhar (Sathyaraj) suddenly passes away, reportedly from a heart attack. However, when Deva stumbles upon the original death certificate, the truth turns darker — Rajshekhar’s death was not natural but caused by an injury.

Determined to uncover the truth, Deva begins tracing the chain of events that led to his friend’s murder. His search leads him to Visakhapatnam, where he crosses paths with Simon (Nagarjuna), a powerful drug lord, and Dayal (Soubin Shahir), his ruthless aide. The plot thickens when Deva discovers that in pursuing justice, he is also reopening a hidden chapter of his own past — one filled with betrayal, unfinished business, and enemies who have waited years for revenge.

The First Half — Pure Rajini Fan Service Coolie movie review

The first act of Coolie is a slow burn. Lokesh Kanagaraj leans heavily into fan service here — elaborate slow-motion walks, iconic punch dialogues, peppy dance numbers, and those classic Rajini reaction shots that light up the big screen. The production design is rich, with grand sets for songs and port sequences that immerse you in the world of smugglers, dockyards, and political undercurrents.

However, this Coolie movie review must note that while these moments bring whistles and applause, they slow down the film’s pacing. Several character introductions — though visually stylish — could have been tighter. It’s in these sections that the narrative occasionally feels overstuffed.

The Second Half — Lokesh Finds His Rhythm

The film’s second half is where Coolie truly soars. Lokesh sharpens the writing, integrating thrilling twists and emotional payoffs. Cameos from big stars feel organic rather than forced, a marked improvement from the reveal-heavy approach in Jailer.

Rajinikanth’s flashback arc, especially scenes with Sathyaraj, is handled with warmth and gravitas, reminding audiences of the duo’s legendary on-screen chemistry from four decades ago. Rachita Ram delivers one of the film’s most stylish action sequences, while Upendra matches Rajini’s presence with understated swagger. Shruti Haasan’s role is surprisingly meaty — she’s not just a token female lead but an emotional pillar for the narrative.

Performances & Screen Presence

• Rajinikanth — This Coolie movie review cannot stress enough how effortlessly he commands the frame. Every smirk, every line delivery, every fight sequence oozes charisma.
• Nagarjuna — As Simon, he’s the kind of villain who blends charm with menace. His screen presence alone elevates the tension.
• Soubin Shahir — A revelation in a Tamil commercial film, bringing unpredictability to every scene.
• Rachita Ram — A surprise package; her choreography and combat scenes are top-notch.
• Upendra — A stoic, silent powerhouse — his minimal dialogues amplify his intimidating presence.
• Shruti Haasan — Provides emotional depth, grounding the action with moments of vulnerability.
• Aamir Khan — Short but memorable cameo, executed with restraint.

Technical Highlights

From a technical standpoint, Coolie is polished to perfection:

• Anirudh Ravichander’s music pumps adrenaline into every high-energy scene, with foot-tapping songs and roaring BGM.
• Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography uses tight close-ups and sweeping port landscapes to great effect.
• Action choreography blends massy punches with stylized sequences, ensuring both fan satisfaction and visual freshness.
• De-aging VFX for Rajini is seamless, creating moments of pure nostalgia without looking artificial.

High Points

• The emotional core between Rajini & Sathyaraj
• Rachita Ram’s jaw-dropping action sequence
• Stylish villainy from Nagarjuna
• Balanced placement of cameos
• Second-half pacing and payoffs

Low Points

• First-half pacing issues
• Some subplots feel underexplored
• Over-reliance on fan moments in early acts

Verdict of Coolie movie review

To wrap up this Coolie movie review — Lokesh Kanagaraj delivers a spectacle that celebrates 50 years of Rajinism without losing his own directorial identity. It’s not as taut or groundbreaking as Kaithi or Vikram, but it packs enough action, emotion, and nostalgia to satisfy both die-hard fans and casual audiences.

Whether or not Coolie is officially part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) is left deliberately ambiguous, with a sly “drug” reference serving as a wink to fans.

Final Take: Coolie is a high-energy entertainer that blends Rajinikanth’s unmatched screen presence with Lokesh’s flair for action-driven storytelling. A celebration of a legend, wrapped in mass appeal and cinematic spectacle.

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