Coolie Review: Thalaivar's Mass Magic or Miss?
Coolie positions itself as a mass entertainer that blends drama, action, with the vintage Superstar Rajinikanth swagger. The film opens on a high note with a gripping setup that instantly draws the audience into its gangster world. Packed with whistle-worthy moments, patriotic undertones, and a star-driven narrative, it is clearly designed for festive box-office domination. Yet, beneath the grandeur and larger-than-life sequences lies a screenplay that occasionally struggles to balance depth with spectacle.
The director ‘Lokesh Kanagaraj’ who delivered blockbuster movies earlier i.e Leo, Vikram and Kaithi etc. He made his footprints in Coolie also, but the question is it up to the mark? Let’s find out…
Rajinikanth’s Magnetism Drives the Film
If there’s one element that holds Coolie together, it is undoubtedly Rajinikanth himself. At 74, the superstar proves once again why he commands the title “Thalaivar.” His entry scenes are electric, his one-liners brim with punch, and the flashback portions showcase a fierce yet emotional side that fans will treasure. Even when the narrative slows, Rajini’s charisma keeps the momentum alive, making Coolie less about the story and more about experiencing his screen presence
Star-Studded Cast with Uneven Impact
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj assembles an impressive lineup—Nagarjuna as the formidable antagonist, Shruti Haasan in a pivotal role, and appearances by Upendra, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, and Aamir Khan in a much-talked cameo.
While this ensemble adds weight, not all characters are fleshed out equally. Nagarjuna delivers menace but is sidelined in the second half, and Upendra’s arc feels underutilized. Shruti Haasan, however, provides emotional grounding, while Soubin Shahir’s performance wins hearts. Aamir Khan’s cameo adds star value but feels like a missed opportunity.
Pacing and Second-Half Drag
The first half of Coolie is a cocktail of high-voltage action, stylish visuals, and punchy dialogues that keep the crowd engaged. But as the film progresses, the pacing becomes uneven. The second half leans heavily on melodrama and predictable tropes, losing some of the energy that made the opening so gripping. Lengthy dialogues and repetitive sequences dilute the impact, making viewers wish the editing had been tighter and the screenplay more layered.
Music and Technical Flair
Anirudh Ravichander’s music is one of the film’s biggest assets. His background score injects energy into even the most ordinary scenes, and songs like “Monica” have already become chartbusters.
The choreography and screen presence of Pooja Hegde in that number are particularly crowd-pulling. Cinematography captures both the gritty underworld and the glossy mass-masala style, while the action choreography feels tailor-made for Rajini’s persona. On the downside, some CGI and editing choices feel rushed, reducing the overall polish.
Box Office and Reception
At the box office, Coolie roared past expectations—smashing records with one of the highest opening day collections in Tamil cinema history and swiftly crossing the 200-crore mark.
Critics, however, were more divided: many praised Rajinikanth’s unmatched screen dominance and Anirudh’s music, but pointed out the thin storyline and uneven screenplay as clear drawbacks. Among fans, though, Coolie has already achieved cult status as a “festival Rajini film,” where logic takes a backseat and entertainment reigns supreme.
Final Verdict
Coolie (2025) thrives on Rajinikanth’s charisma, foot-tapping music, and celebratory fan moments. It is a film that plays to the gallery, filled with whistle-worthy mass sequences and nostalgic throwbacks. While its uneven writing and dragging second half prevent it from becoming a modern classic, it still remains an unmissable watch for Thalaivar fans and anyone seeking a larger-than-life cinematic experience.
However, as an LCU universe follower and considering the massive pre-release hype, the film didn’t quite meet my expectations. The overcrowded ensemble cast could have been handled with more finesse by Lokesh. Still, there’s optimism that future projects will showcase his vision in a stronger light.
Rating:
What did you think of Coolie? Did it live up to the hype or fall short for you too? Share your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to hear your take! 😊
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Amit Mitra
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