By Aanya Rajput For Tab2Mag 15^th August

Movie Review: ‘Coolie’ – A Star-Studded Misfire

‘Coolie’ Review: Rajinikanth’s Star Power Can’t Save Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Overstuffed Thriller

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s highly anticipated collaboration with Rajinikanth proves that even the most promising combinations can falter when ambition overshadows execution.

Quick Verdict

Rating: ★★½ (2.5/5)

Strengths: Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence, stellar technical work, strong supporting performances
Weaknesses: Convoluted plot, underdeveloped subplots, wasted ensemble cast

The Setup

‘Coolie’ begins with promise as Deva (Rajinikanth) arrives to pay respects to his deceased friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj), only to be rebuffed by the grieving daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan). What starts as a straightforward revenge narrative quickly spirals into a complex web involving smuggling syndicate leader Simon (Nagarjuna) and port authority Dayalan (Soubin Shahir).

The 2-hour-49-minute runtime attempts to weave multiple timelines and locations, but the ambitious scope ultimately becomes the film’s downfall.

What Works

Rajinikanth’s Enduring Appeal: At 74, the superstar’s screen presence remains undiminished. His trademark wit and charisma shine through, particularly in the film’s opening sequences that effectively build anticipation for his entry.

Technical Excellence: The film succeeds brilliantly on technical fronts. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography captures the film’s varied settings with visual flair, while Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating score elevates key moments. The sound design, production values, and VFX work demonstrate professional competence throughout.

Supporting Cast Highlights: Shruti Haasan delivers one of her most compelling performances in recent years as Preethi, bringing genuine emotion to her role. Soubin Shahir’s Dayalan shows promise with an intriguing character arc, while brief appearances by Kanna Ravi and Rachitha Ram leave lasting impressions.

Where It Falters

Narrative Overload: The film’s primary weakness lies in its inability to balance multiple storylines effectively. What begins as a focused revenge thriller transforms into a broader crime syndicate exposé, but the transition lacks smoothness and coherence.

Underdeveloped Characters: Despite featuring talented actors like Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir, their characters remain frustratingly one-dimensional. Nagarjuna’s Simon relies solely on style without substance, while Soubin’s potential remains largely untapped.

Misplaced Cameos: The much-publicized appearances by Aamir Khan and Upendra feel more like marketing gimmicks than meaningful plot devices. Their early reveal diminished any surprise factor, leaving audiences wondering about the purpose of their inclusion.

Lokesh’s Departure from Form

Known for his distinctive visual storytelling and tight narratives, Lokesh Kanagaraj seems to have compromised his signature style to accommodate Rajinikanth’s mass appeal. While trademark elements like vintage music integration and non-linear storytelling appear, they lack the impact of his previous works.

The film bears uncomfortable similarities to ‘Jailer’ in its reliance on star cameos and spectacle over substantial storytelling, suggesting a concerning trend in contemporary Tamil cinema’s approach to big-budget entertainers.

Final Assessment

‘Coolie’ represents a frustrating case of wasted potential. Despite boasting every ingredient for success—a proven director, beloved superstar, talented ensemble, and substantial production values—the film struggles to create a cohesive viewing experience.

While Rajinikanth’s dedicated performance and the technical team’s excellent work prevent the film from complete failure, they cannot mask the fundamental issues with storytelling and character development.

For Rajinikanth fans, ‘Coolie’ offers enough moments of the star’s trademark charm to justify a watch. However, those expecting Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature filmmaking excellence may leave disappointed.

Bottom Line: ‘Coolie’ serves as a reminder that in cinema, the sum of parts doesn’t always equal a satisfying whole. Despite its individual strengths, the film’s inability to merge its various elements cohesively makes it one of 2025’s most disappointing spectacle films.

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