Release Date: August 14, 2025

Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj

Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Aamir Khan (guest role), Upendra, Pooja Hegde (special appearance)

Rating: 3/5

The much-awaited action thriller Coolie, starring Superstar Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna, has finally hit the screens. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Sun Pictures, the film promised high-voltage drama, intense action, and gripping storytelling. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.

Plot Overview

The story revolves around Simon (Nagarjuna), a ruthless kingpin running illegal operations at a port. His loyal henchman, Dayal (Soubin Shahir), eliminates anyone who poses a threat to Simon’s empire. When an undercover operation leads to the murder of Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj), his old friend Deva (Rajinikanth) steps in to protect Rajasekhar’s daughters, especially Preethi (Shruti Haasan).

As Deva digs deeper, he uncovers Simon’s dark secrets—drug trafficking, human exploitation, and cold-blooded murders. The film raises several questions: Why was Rajasekhar killed? What is Deva’s real connection to Simon? Who is the mysterious "Coolie" linked to a crucial phone call? The answers unfold in a series of high-stakes confrontations.

Performance Analysis

Rajinikanth – The Showstopper

As expected, Rajinikanth steals the show with his magnetic screen presence. His character, Deva, is a mix of raw power and emotional depth. Whether it’s high-octane action sequences or poignant moments, Rajinikanth delivers effortlessly. His stylish swagger and impactful dialogue delivery keep fans hooked.

Nagarjuna – A Missed Opportunity?

Nagarjuna as Simon had potential, but his performance felt inconsistent. While he looked menacing in some scenes, his portrayal lacked the depth needed for a formidable villain. The character’s writing also didn’t fully exploit Nagarjuna’s capabilities.

Soubin Shahir – The Dark Horse

Soubin Shahir as Dayal is the film’s biggest surprise. His menacing yet layered performance stands out, making him one of the strongest assets of Coolie. His screen presence and intensity overshadow even the lead actors in several scenes.

Supporting Cast

Shruti Haasan delivers a decent performance as Preethi, though her role is limited. Aamir Khan’s guest appearance adds intrigue, while Upendra leaves a mark in his brief role. Pooja Hegde’s special song is visually appealing but doesn’t contribute much to the plot.

Direction & Screenplay

Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his gripping narratives (Kaithi, Vikram), tries to blend emotion with action. However, Coolie suffers from pacing issues—while the first half is engaging, the second half drags. The screenplay lacks freshness, relying heavily on Rajinikanth’s star power.

The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the buildup around Rajinikanth’s character is impressive. Yet, the emotional conflicts fail to fully resonate with the audience. The film follows a predictable template of revenge and redemption, missing the innovative touch expected from Lokesh.

Technical Aspects

Music (Anirudh Ravichander): The background score elevates the film, especially in Rajinikanth’s scenes. The songs are situational but don’t stand out as chartbusters.

Cinematography (Girish Gangadharan): The visuals are sleek, with well-framed action sequences and atmospheric lighting.

Editing (Philomin Raj): The film could have been tighter, especially in the second half. Some scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged.

Coolie is a mixed bag—Rajinikanth’s charisma and Soubin Shahir’s stellar performance make it worth watching. However, the weak screenplay and inconsistent villain arc hold it back. If you’re a Rajinikanth fan, you’ll enjoy his electrifying presence. For others, it’s a one-time watch with decent action but little novelty.

Rating: 3/5

Watch For: Rajinikanth’s swag, Soubin Shahir’s acting, and Anirudh’s background score.

Read Also: A Lokesh Kanagaraj Take on Commercial Cinema: Coolie Movie Review

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!