Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth & Soubin Shahir Struggle to Lift Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Lacklustre Crime Drama
Coolie brings together Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj in a much-anticipated crime drama, but despite strong performances — especially from Soubin Shahir — weak writing and lack of emotional depth make it a missed opportunity.
Rajinikanth in a still from Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
A Superstar’s Milestone Let Down by Weak Writing
Rajinikanth’s 50-year cinematic journey has given audiences countless moments of mass entertainment. With Coolie, fans expected a fiery collaboration between the Superstar and Tamil cinema’s new-age action craftsman, Lokesh Kanagaraj. However, despite the powerhouse combination, the film delivers a mixed bag — lacking the emotional punch and thrill that such a pairing promised.
The Setup: Promise on Paper
Lokesh Kanagaraj draws inspiration from Thee (1981), Rajinikanth’s remake of Deewar, blending nostalgia with contemporary filmmaking. The story follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a former port worker turned mansion owner, who is pulled back into the underworld after the mysterious death of his best friend, Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj). His investigation pits him against the ruthless Dhayalan (Soubin Shahir) and his boss, Simon (Nagarjuna Akkineni), who run a luxury watch smuggling operation.
Performances: Soubin Steals the Show
While Rajinikanth brings charisma to Deva, the film acknowledges his age, showing moments of weariness amid his trademark heroics. Soubin Shahir delivers the standout performance, giving Dhayalan depth and eccentricity. Nagarjuna makes an imposing villain but is underutilised, while Shruti Haasan brings intensity to Preethi, despite her underwritten role.
Where ‘Coolie’ Falters
The first half is heavy on plot but light on urgency, with only the pre-interval graveyard sequence offering real spark. The second half drags with dull stretches, underdeveloped character arcs, and predictable twists. Even Lokesh’s signature fan service and cameos — including Aamir Khan as Dahaa — fail to ignite excitement.
Action sequences lack the flair of Lokesh’s earlier works (Kaithi, Vikram), and the promised ‘A’ certificate violence feels tame and repetitive. The emotional core that made Lokesh’s previous films resonate is missing here, leaving Coolie feeling hollow.
Technical Aspects
Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating score is the film’s biggest asset, elevating even the weaker sequences. Cinematography and production design create a gritty atmosphere but can’t mask the screenplay’s shortcomings.
Verdict
On paper, Coolie had all the makings of a blockbuster — Superstar charisma, Lokesh’s gritty style, and a strong supporting cast. In execution, it’s an underwhelming crime drama that struggles to balance fan service with engaging storytelling. Fans hoping for a landmark Rajini–Lokesh collaboration will leave wondering where the promised magic went.
Film Details:
- Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
- Cast: Rajinikanth, Soubin Shahir, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shruti Haasan, Upendra
- Runtime: 170 minutes
- Genre: Crime Action Drama
- Rating: ★★☆☆☆
