Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth Shines in Mass Action Drama, But Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Latest Divides Fans
Rajinikanth’s Coolie blends mass action and star power but receives mixed reviews for its old-school approach and uneven pacing.
Rajinikanth in a high-octane action sequence from Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie.
The Rajinikanth–Lokesh Kanagaraj partnership was one of the most eagerly awaited projects in Indian cinema from the time Coolie was revealed. Fans were excited to see Thalaivar's comeback to the big screen, and teasers, posters, and promotions kept social media buzzing. The film promised an amazing cinematic experience, supported by a stellar cast that included Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan (special cameo), Shruti Haasan, and Pooja Hegde. The upbeat soundtrack by Anirudh Ravichander increased the anticipation.
A Return to Traditional Action
Coolie heavily relies on a conventional action format, in contrast to Lokesh's typical high-concept thrillers. The second half is criticised for losing momentum, despite the first half being interesting and well-paced. While Soubin Shahir dazzles with a multi-layered performance, Rajinikanth gives a grounded yet commanding performance. Although Shruti Haasan is strong, Upendra's and other supporting parts seem undeveloped.
Vintage Rajinikanth Moments
Standout scenes like the fights in the mansion and the hostel are praised by fans, who refer to them as "classic Rajinikanth." Anirudh's throbbing background score and the action's high intensity maintain the momentum for the majority of the film. While Nagarjuna's portrayal of the antagonist receives a mixed response—effective but not as impactful as anticipated—Soubin's on-screen persona and organic acting are frequently praised.
A Varying Mix of Reactions
While many fans describe Coolie as a powerful action-loving entertainer, others believe it is not as good as Lokesh Kanagaraj's earlier hits, such as Vikram and Kaithi. Because of its star power, some netizens give it a rating of 4/5, while others give it a rating of 1.5/5, pointing to a draggy second half, a dated plot, and a predictable screenplay. Despite being highly anticipated, some audience members are calling Aamir Khan's cameo unimpressive.
Conclusion
There are many heart-pounding battles, foot-tapping songs, and Rajinikanth-worthy moments in Coolie. But a cliched plot and pacing problems prevent it from living up to the expectations that fans had of a Lokesh Kanagaraj movie. It's still a theatrical extravaganza for ardent Thalaivar fans, but it's a mixed bag for others.
