Coolie  Movie Review: Is the Rajinikanth–Lokesh Kanagaraj Combo a Match Made in Heaven?

Image Source- Filmibeat

When Rajinikanth teams up with Lokesh Kanagaraj, it’s never just another movie hitting the theatres; it’s a full-on cultural moment. From the announcement itself, fans were predicting box-office fireworks, and every teaser only turned the hype dial higher. You’ve got Rajini’s magnetic presence colliding with Lokesh’s flair for gritty, high-voltage storytelling a combo that’s too good to ignore.

Coolie comes packed with everything you’d expect: signature mass moments, whistle-worthy action, a star-studded cast, and enough cameos to make fans chatter for weeks. The opening bursts onto the screen like a festival of style and swag. But as the film moves forward, you start wondering: does it keep that fire alive till the end, or does it shine brightest in flashes?

A Plot of Vengeance and Unveiled Secrets

Celebrating his 50th year in cinema, Rajinikanth steps onto the screen in a role that balances nostalgia with freshness. He’s Deva, a man living a quiet, principled life, running a boarding house and keeping his mysterious past tucked away. He’s loyal, calm, and someone who’s clearly earned the audience’s affection before we even meet him.

Everything changes with the sudden, suspicious death of his best friend, Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj). While the official report points to a heart attack, Deva’s instincts tell him something darker is going on. His investigation pulls him back into a world of danger, shadows, and long-buried secrets.

Deva’s journey takes him face-to-face with a ruthless criminal syndicate, a gold-smuggling empire led by the stylish yet menacing Simon (Nagarjuna) and his unpredictable lieutenant, Dayalan (Soubin Shahir). As he works to infiltrate this deadly ring, flashbacks reveal a chapter of Deva’s past that makes his connection to the underworld far more personal than you’d expect.

And here’s something the film doesn’t underline enough: Dayalan and Preethi (Shruti Haasan), despite being worlds apart, are essentially two sides of the same coin. Both are trapped in situations they didn’t choose, yet can’t escape. That parallel is fascinating, but the film never fully explores it, which could have added serious emotional weight to the action-packed story.

The screenplay keeps things moving with a mix of tension, reveals, and mini-fireworks in the confrontations. Some twists in the second half give the narrative fresh energy, but there are moments where the pacing wobbles and the story feels like it’s spinning off its own axis.

Standout Performances and Cameos

Let’s talk about the people who truly make this movie tick. Rajinikanth, at 74, still owns the screen. Every walk, every glance, every subtle smirk, he’s in full control, blending his classic flair with the modern edge that Lokesh’s world demands. Watching him is pure joy, especially for long-time fans who catch nods to his Baasha-era charisma.

Soubin Shahir as Dayalan is unforgettable, volatile, intense, unpredictable, and human. His arc is one of the best-written in the film, and you almost wish the story gave him more room to shine. Rachita Ram quietly steals moments as Preethi, standing out even against the massive presence of Rajinikanth. She brings depth and charm that could have been explored further, especially the parallel her character shares with Dayalan. Sathyaraj also delivers an impactful performance in his brief but pivotal role, setting the entire plot in motion.

Nagarjuna’s Simon is stylish and menacing, but the writing doesn’t give him the depth to become a truly iconic villain. Shruti Haasan as Preethi delivers better than some of her recent outings, but her character spends too much of the film looking worried and reactive, often just absorbing events instead of actively shaping them.

The cameos are fun but mixed. Upendra’s appearance is pure style and swag. I honestly wished he had appeared earlier. Aamir Khan’s role is short and playful, more of a fun nod than anything that changes the story.

Writing, Direction, and Music

Lokesh Kanagaraj clearly sets out to celebrate Rajinikanth, giving him a perfect blend of retro charm and modern grit. The “A” certificate is earned, thanks to intense, high-voltage action sequences choreographed with precision. The camera work, slick fights, and Rajinikanth's charisma keep the energy high. But here’s the thing: while the first half moves beautifully, the second half spirals a bit. The flashbacks meant to tie everything together sometimes feel lost, leaving unanswered questions and moments that rely heavily on Rajini’s stardom to carry the narrative.

Anirudh's music is the heartbeat of the film. From adrenaline-pumping action cues to the catchy number Monica, along with  Soubin’s high-voltage steps, remains one of the highlights of this movie. The film has all the ingredients: writing, style, music, and action, but occasionally struggles to combine them into a perfectly cohesive whole.

Final Verdict

Coolie is a dazzling showcase of Rajinikanth at his very best. The first half is a pure celebration of style, swag, and electrifying energy, with the action, music, and performances firing on all cylinders. The second half, however, shows cracks in the storytelling. It’s a movie that sometimes feels burdened by its own ambition, with flashbacks that don’t always connect and a climax that leans on predictability rather than surprise.

But here’s the thing: none of that diminishes the joy of watching Rajini command the screen. It’s a film that fans will adore, full of mass moments, memorable performances, and enough retro charm to remind you why he’s a legend. Coolie may not be perfect, but as a celebration of a 50-year cinematic journey and the sheer charisma of its star, it’s impossible not to love. If you’re a fan looking for high-voltage action, unforgettable style, and classic Rajini moments, Coolie delivers — just maybe with a few bumps along the way.

By the way, if you’re into grounded film thoughts, underrated thriller picks, or just plain honest recommendations, I’m over on Instagram: @bingewatch_perspective. That’s where I post quick recaps, hot takes, and those offbeat gems you might’ve missed. 

Also, if you’re in the mood to line up some patriotic or thought-provoking watches for Independence Day, don’t miss my curated list here.

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