Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Rating: ***
Coolie, released on August 14, 2025, marks the much-anticipated return of Rajinikanth in a high-voltage action drama directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast, stylish action set pieces, and the signature Thalaivar swagger, the film promises to be a grand celebration for fans. While Coolie delivers on mass appeal and spectacle, it occasionally stumbles in narrative cohesion and emotional depth.
Plot Summary – Revenge, Redemption, and Rivalries
The film centers on Devaraj “Deva” (Rajinikanth), a former coolie union leader who once fought for the rights of laborers in a bustling port town. When the workers fall prey to the greed of a powerful smuggling syndicate led by Simon Xavier (Nagarjuna), Deva emerges from the shadows to challenge the empire.
Simon, a ruthless yet charming kingpin, runs his illegal operations with the help of his fiercely loyal lieutenant Dayalan “Dayal” (Soubin Shahir). The clash intensifies as undercover cops, old family feuds, and Deva’s personal vendetta intertwine, resulting in a layered action-revenge drama laced with moral dilemmas and past grudges.
While the premise sets up for a gripping face-off, the storytelling sometimes feels stretched, with uneven pacing in the first half and a heavier focus on style over intricate plotting.
Cast and Performances – A Showcase of Star Power
Rajinikanth as Devaraj “Deva”
Rajinikanth commands every frame with unmatched charisma, nostalgic mannerisms, and his signature punch dialogues. The film’s flashback portions, combined with the anti-hero undertones, bring back shades of vintage Rajini—something long-time fans will cherish. His mass appeal drives the narrative even in weaker story segments.
Nagarjuna as Simon Xavier
Nagarjuna’s turn as the suave yet menacing antagonist is a refreshing change from his romantic hero image. He exudes authority, balancing villainy with a sophisticated charm that makes Simon a memorable foe.
Soubin Shahir as Dayalan “Dayal”
Soubin delivers one of the most compelling performances in the film. His portrayal of Dayal is intense and layered, offering a rare mix of ruthlessness and vulnerability that elevates his character beyond the usual henchman stereotype.
Supporting Cast
Shruti Haasan (Preethi), Sathyaraj (Rajasekar), and Upendra (Kaleesha) add weight to the ensemble, with surprise cameo appearances by Aamir Khan and others. However, Shruti’s role feels underutilized, missing the opportunity for greater emotional depth.
Direction & Screenplay – Style Over Substance
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his gritty action thrillers, mounts Coolie on an epic scale, blending high-voltage set pieces with atmospheric visuals. However, the narrative struggles to maintain momentum.
First Half:
Slow pacing, scattered subplots, and limited emotional engagement make it feel sluggish.
Second Half:
Picks up with intense confrontations and massy moments but still leans heavily on star power rather than tight storytelling.
The screenplay lacks the sharpness and layered character work seen in Kanagaraj’s earlier hits, opting instead for crowd-pleasing sequences and nostalgic callbacks.
Action, Music & Visuals – A Feast for the Big Screen
Action:
From hostel brawls to explosive face-offs between Rajini and Nagarjuna, the stunt choreography is stylish and designed for theatrical applause.
Music:
Anirudh Ravichander amps up the energy with a pulsating background score that elevates Rajini’s entry and high points. Tracks like “Monica” offer foot-tapping breaks amid intense sequences, perfectly complementing Girish Gangadharan’s dynamic cinematography.
Visuals/VFX:
The de-ageing technology used in flashbacks is impressive, adding authenticity to Rajini’s younger avatar. However, a few VFX-heavy moments lack the finesse of big-budget international productions.
What Works in Coolie
Rajinikanth’s electrifying presence and mass appeal.
Strong antagonist performance by Nagarjuna.
Soubin Shahir’s layered portrayal of Dayal.
Stylish action sequences and memorable dialogues.
Nostalgic moments for long-time Rajini fans.
What Doesn’t Work
Formulaic story with predictable beats.
First-half pacing issues and scattered screenplay.
Underutilized supporting cast.
Limited emotional depth and missed opportunities for innovation.
Verdict – A Celebration for Rajinikanth Fans
Coolie is a quintessential mass entertainer—bursting with swag, action, and larger-than-life moments that celebrate Rajinikanth’s legacy. While it falters in narrative tightness and emotional resonance, its star power, energetic music, and big-screen spectacle make it a treat for fans.