Coolie Movie Review

“Coolie – Rajinikanth’s charisma meets Lokesh Kanagaraj’s gritty storytelling in a stylish blend of emotion, action, and nostalgia.”

When Rajinikanth headlines a film, it automatically becomes a grand cinematic event, and Coolie, directed by Tamil cinema’s action craftsman Lokesh Kanagaraj, is no exception. The collaboration promised to blend Rajini’s timeless charisma with Lokesh’s contemporary, grounded storytelling — and the result is a film packed with moments designed to thrill fans while offering a fresh narrative approach.

The story follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a once-humble coolie who has risen to become a respected mansion owner. His peaceful life takes a sharp turn when he learns that the death of his dearest friend, Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj), was not natural but a result of foul play. Determined to uncover the truth, Deva steps into a world of crime and betrayal, crossing paths with Dayalan (Soubin Shahir), a cunning and ruthless gangster, and Simon (Nagarjuna Akkineni), a powerful crime lord. Adding emotional complexity is Rajasekhar’s daughter, Preethi (Shruti Haasan), whose strained relationship with Deva gives the film a heartfelt layer.

The first half builds a rich foundation, weaving together backstories and multiple characters while giving audiences glimpses of Rajini’s trademark charm. Memorable moments, like the women’s hostel fight sequence, capture the nostalgic essence of his classic style. Lokesh also stages a gripping graveyard pre-interval scene that stands out for its intensity and visual impact.

The second half delivers more high-stakes confrontations and character-driven drama. Soubin Shahir shines as Dayalan, bringing depth and menace to his role, while Nagarjuna adds gravitas as Simon. Shruti Haasan leaves a mark with her graceful presence, ensuring even smaller moments carry emotional weight.

Lokesh Kanagaraj sprinkles clever nods to Rajini’s earlier films, such as Thee, while experimenting with fresh narrative beats. The film’s action sequences, while grounded, are elevated by Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating background score, which keeps the energy high and amplifies every major moment.

What makes Coolie special is its attempt to present Rajinikanth in a more restrained yet powerful avatar — a man driven by loyalty, loss, and a sense of justice. Lokesh crafts a crime drama that respects the superstar’s legacy while exploring new storytelling textures, making it a unique entry in his filmography.

Ultimately, Coolie is a film that celebrates Rajinikanth’s enduring magnetism while offering a layered, modern cinematic experience. It’s an engaging mix of emotion, style, and action that will delight fans and showcase that the Superstar can shine brilliantly in both mass and grounded storytelling worlds.

Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra Aamir Khan Shruti Haasan Pooja Hegde and others.

Produced by: Kalanithi Maran

Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj

Rating…4.5/5

Riaz K Ahmed, Paras Riyaz Pro

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