A Rajinikanth film release is more than just cinema — it’s a celebration. With Coolie, marking the superstar’s 50th year in the industry, expectations were sky-high, especially with Lokesh Kanagaraj, the current torchbearer of Tamil mass action cinema, in the director’s seat. The pairing promised a perfect blend of larger-than-life star power and contemporary filmmaking. Unfortunately, while Coolie has its moments, it never quite rises to the occasion.
The Setup
Lokesh draws inspiration from Rajini’s 1981 film Thee, reimagining it for today’s audience. Rajinikanth plays Deva, once a blue-collar port worker who now lives in luxury. When his close friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) dies under suspicious circumstances, Deva is pulled into a web of smuggling, betrayal, and vengeance. The story pits him against Dayalan (Soubin Shahir), the ruthless port controller working for crime boss Simon (Nagarjuna Akkineni), who trades in luxury watches.
First Half: Plot-Heavy, But Uneven
The opening half is surprisingly dense with plot — a rarity for recent Rajini films. While Rajinikanth’s age is acknowledged on screen, he still delivers flashes of vintage charm, particularly in his rousing intro song “Chikutu.” However, the pacing often sags, and the absence of signature “Rajinisms” until a lively pre-interval sequence may leave die-hard fans restless.
Second Half: Strong Villainy, Weak Emotional Connect
Post-intermission, Soubin Shahir steals the spotlight as Dayalan, bringing eccentric energy even to slower moments like the item song “Monica.” Nagarjuna’s Simon, while menacing, is underused, and Shruti Haasan’s character arc feels underdeveloped despite her solid performance. Several promising subplots — including one involving Simon’s son Arjun — drag without delivering a satisfying payoff.
Where It Falters
The film’s biggest weakness is its lack of emotional depth. Lokesh’s earlier successes (Kaithi, Vikram) worked because the high-octane action was anchored by strong emotional cores. Here, character relationships — especially those with Deva — feel underwritten. Cameos, including Aamir Khan’s Dahaa, are underwhelming, serving more as fan service than narrative necessity.
Technical Aspects
Anirudh Ravichander’s thumping score is the film’s heartbeat, often elevating otherwise flat sequences. The action, however, lacks the grit and originality expected from Lokesh, with repetitive shots and tame violence that don’t justify the pre-release hype of an ‘A’ certificate.
Verdict
Coolie is an ambitious mix of grounded crime drama and star vehicle, but it falls short of being either a defining Rajinikanth film or a Lokesh Kanagaraj milestone. While there are moments that remind you why Rajini remains a phenomenon, the film ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Watch it for Rajinikanth’s charisma and Soubin Shahir’s standout villain, but lower your expectations for a Lokesh-style knockout.