Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Massy Return Sparks Frenzy and Friction
Headline Buzz & Box Office Heat
Rajinikanth’s Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, dropped on August 14, 2025, igniting a global frenzy well before its release. Pre-sale numbers soared past ₹100 crore, and analysts anticipate an eye-popping opening day worldwide collection of ₹150 crore—potentially eclipsing past records like 2.0 and Leo. The excitement wasn’t limited to India: North America alone crossed $2 million in premiere pre-sales, while in Chennai, tickets spiked up to ₹4,500.
Adding momentum, Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin called Coolie a “power‑packed mass entertainer” and lauded Rajinikanth for 50 glorious years in cinema.
Critical Reception: Thunderous Swagger Meets Script Woes
The film’s reception has been a mix of roaring applause and cautious critiques.
What Receivers Loved:
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Rajinikanth’s charisma: Fans and critics alike hailed his vintage swagger—the real MVP of the film.
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Action & visuals: Stylish sets, punchy choreography, and slick cinematography by Girish Gangadharan stood out.
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Anirudh’s music: Rampant praise for pulse-raising BGM and hit tracks like “Monica” and “Powerhouse”.
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Supporting cast moments: Nagarjuna’s menacing presence, Soubin Shahir’s gritty turn, and surprise turns (e.g., Rachita Ram) got nods.
What Critics Flagged:
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Overstuffed plot: Many felt too many subplots, loose threads, and uneven pacing diluted the core story.
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Script weaknesses: Despite its energy, the screenplay lacked cohesion, emotional depth, and narrative clarity.
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Cameos underwhelming: Aamir Khan’s brief appearance and others—while visually striking—didn’t always enhance the story.
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Second-half fatigue: Some noted a dip in momentum after the interval, contrasting sharply with the film’s strong start.
Audience Reactions Snapshot
| Platform | Reactions |
|---|---|
| Twitter/X (Fans) | Hailed as a "one‑man show," praising Rajinikanth’s swag and energy; some called it a “blockbuster”. |
| Critical Voices | Refer to it as overhyped, citing pacing issues and lack of originality; dubbed by some as "Cartoon‑like" or "threshold-entertainment". |
What’s Working & What’s Not: Key Takeaways
Strengths:
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Rajinikanth’s indomitable screen presence—powerful enough to carry the film.
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Technical brilliance: cinematography, music, and editing deliver immersive spectacle.
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Mass‑appeal ingredients—songs, stylized fights, and vintage callbacks—for die‑hard fans.
Weaknesses:
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A bloated screenplay that overreaches.
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Cameos and subplots feel ornamental rather than narrative‑driven.
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Pacing slips in the second half, hurting dramatic momentum.
Summary
Coolie is unmistakably designed for Rajinikanth fans and mass‑culture enthusiasts. It delivers swagger, chutzpah, and high-voltage entertainment that ignites crowds, especially in theatres ready for cheers and whistles. Technically, it shines—visually dynamic, richly musical, and kinetic.
However, viewers seeking a tight, emotionally gripping tale may find Coolie lacking. The underdeveloped writing and diluted narrative coherence prevent it from soaring beyond “fan service” territory.
Conclusion: Coolie — A Fan Spectacle, Not a Cinematic Classic
Coolie is a celebration of Rajinikanth’s legacy, crafted with every frame tailored to elevate his larger-than-life presence. It delivers high-octane action, electrifying music, and enough whistle-worthy moments to thrill die-hard fans. Lokesh Kanagaraj succeeds in crafting a mass masala experience, but stumbles in delivering a tight, cohesive narrative.
While Coolie might not win over critics looking for depth or innovation, it succeeds brilliantly as an event film—meant to be experienced in theatres with cheering crowds, flying confetti, and echoes of "Thalaivar!"
