Coolie Review: A Rajinikanth Spectacle Fueled by Style, Star Power, and Split Opinions

Introduction

The cinematic universe is buzzing with anticipation—and now reaction—to Coolie, the 2025 action thriller starring Rajinikanth, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Released on August 14th during India’s Independence Day weekend, the film has been heralded as a powerful ode to vintage Rajini-style mass entertainment. With a star-studded ensemble, electrifying music, and de-aging visual flair, Coolie delivers on grandeur… but does it deliver on substance? This review delves into the film’s triumphs, missteps, and overall impact.

The Setup – Ambition Meets Star Power

Premise & Production Highlights

Coolie follows Deva, a former coolie union leader played by Rajinikanth, who investigates the suspicious death of his friend. The trail leads him into a smuggling syndicate, unveiling secrets that intertwine with his own past .

The film boasts high production values:

• Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, written by Lokesh and Chandhru Anbazhagan 

• Cinematography by Girish Gangadharan

• Music by Anirudh Ravichander, marking his fourth collaboration with Lokesh 

• Soundtrack singles like “Chikitu,” “Monica,” and “Powerhouse” generated significant buzz—“Monica” in particular went viral thanks to Pooja Hegde’s hook step 

The cast includes Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and a cameo from Aamir Khan—all contributing to the film's massive appeal 

What Works – Energy, Charisma, Craft

Rajinikanth’s Undiminished Magnetism

Critics and audiences agree: Rajinikanth remains magnetic. His signature swagger, stylized punches, and screen presence continue to enthrall fans. Even at 74, he commands every frame with effortless ease.

Technical Brilliance & Music Power

Technically, Coolie shines:

• Girish Gangadharan’s visuals are described as “magic,” delivering crisp, grandeur-framed sequences 

• Anirudh's background score elevates action and Rajni’s moments, turning scenes electric 

• VFX, including Rajinikanth’s de-aging flashback, garnered praise for nostalgia-plus realism 

Supporting Cast & Nostalgia Factor

Nagarjuna, as antagonist Simon, brings stylish menace inspired by the Joker archetype—his performance generating buzz . Soubin Shahir's Dayal and Shruti Haasan’s Preethi provide emotional anchoring, particularly praised in ensemble-heavy scenes . The film also injects mass nostalgia with fan-service moments, including iconic Rajini–Sathyaraj flashbacks.

What Falters – Story, Pacing, and Cohesion

Overstuffed Narrative & Detached Emotions

Critics note the film’s narrative suffers from overstretch:

• India Today called it a revenge thriller “with too many ideas, but too little impact,” pointing to underdeveloped storytelling and overstuffed subplots 

• New Indian Express criticized it for carrying too many characters and emotional arcs superficially, diluting impact

• Onmanorama echoed this, citing emotional disconnect despite polished visuals and big moments 

Structural Imbalance & Second-Half Dips

Multiple reviews mention imbalance:

• The second half gains momentum but never fully justifies the sprawling setup

• ABP Live saw it as flashy and loud but lacking depth, praising Rajinikanth but assigning thin substance to the rest of narrative 

• Times Bull pointed out the diluted focus on Rajini amid ensemble chaos, praising technicals but critiquing plot coherence 

Audience Buzz & Box Office Hype

Pre-Release Frenzy & Social Lift

Before release, Coolie was one of the most-anticipated films of 2025—IMDb ranked it second only to War 2, reflecting mounting excitement for Rajinikanth-led mass entertainment. Social media reacted strongly post-release, lauding Rajinikanth’s “one-man show” energy and calling his de-aging “the finest ever in Indian cinema”.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin attended a private screening and declared it a “mass entertainer” that gave him immense pleasure.

Review Summary Table

Five Takeaways from Coolie

1. Rajinikanth is still the box-office magnet — His screen presence alone keeps audiences engaged.

2. Technically impressive — From visuals to sound, the film is a technical achievement.

3. Music plays a vital role — Anirudh’s score elevates even the weakest narrative moments.

4. Narrative is the Achilles’ heel — An ambitious script collapses under its own weight and complexity.

5. Big on nostalgia, light on coherence — Flashbacks and mass-friendly beats deliver thrills but lack emotional grounding.

Conclusion

Coolie is a high-voltage cinematic spectacle, finely tuned for Rajinikanth’s loyal fandom and mass-entertainment seekers. With technical finesse, powerhouse music, and charismatic performances, it delivers what has become known as a “mass tsunami” experience. However, beneath its glossy surface, the film struggles with plot depth, emotional resonance, and narrative clarity.

If you're looking for a nostalgic Rajini dose wrapped in grand visuals and pulsating music, Coolie is built for the screen. But if your bar includes storytelling cohesion and emotional impact, the film may leave you longing for more.