Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Vintage Swag Saves an Average Story with a Weak Screenplay
Rating: 3/5 Stars

The much-anticipated Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring the legendary Rajinikanth, hit theaters on August 14, 2025, sparking a frenzy among fans worldwide. With a stellar cast including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and a cameo by Aamir Khan, the film promised a high-octane action drama. While Rajinikanth’s charisma and action sequences deliver the expected mass appeal, an average storyline and weak screenplay prevent Coolie from reaching the heights of classics like Kabali. Here’s our in-depth review for MasalaMirror.com.

Plot Overview: A Familiar Revenge Saga

Coolie follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a former gold smuggler seeking to reclaim his past glory by reviving his old gang using stolen technology hidden in vintage golden watches. The story unfolds at a port controlled by a menacing mob boss, Simon (Nagarjuna), leading to a tale of vengeance, betrayal, and action. The narrative also explores Deva’s connection to his late friend’s daughter (Shruti Haasan) and a mysterious death that sets the plot in motion. However, the storyline feels like a rehash of familiar tropes, lacking originality and depth, which weakens the overall impact.

What Works: Rajinikanth’s Charisma and Action

Rajinikanth, at 74, remains the heart and soul of Coolie. His vintage swag, powerful dialogues, and commanding screen presence make every frame electrifying. Fans have hailed his performance as his best since Kabali, with mass elevation scenes and action sequences that turn theaters into stadiums. The first half is engaging, blending Rajinikanth’s charisma with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s stylish direction. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score is another highlight, amplifying the film’s high-energy moments, particularly the “Monica” song and pre-climax buildup. Nagarjuna’s portrayal of the antagonist Simon is gripping, adding intensity to the conflict, while Shruti Haasan delivers a strong supporting role.

What Falls Short: Weak Screenplay and Predictable Climax

Despite its strengths, Coolie stumbles with a weak screenplay that fails to capitalize on its promising premise. The second half feels bloated, dragging with excessive elevation scenes and a predictable climax that lacks emotional weight. Critics and fans have noted that the screenplay is chaotic, with underdeveloped subplots and forced emotional beats that don’t resonate. The ensemble cast, including Upendra, Sathyaraj, and Soubin Shahir, is underutilized, with their arcs lost in the narrative’s chaos. Aamir Khan’s much-hyped cameo as Dahaa feels forced and adds little to the story, disappointing those expecting a significant contribution. The film’s 2-hour-48-minute runtime feels overly long, with pacing issues that dilute the excitement.

Technical Aspects: Mixed Bag

Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography captures the gritty port setting effectively but fails to evoke the 1970s aesthetic promised by the trailer. The production design feels inconsistent, with sets that lack authenticity. Philomin Raj’s editing is choppy, particularly in action sequences, which could have been sharper to maintain momentum. However, Anirudh’s music, including the rousing background score and catchy songs, keeps the energy alive.

Audience and Critic Reactions

Fan reactions on X highlight the polarized response. Some praised Coolie as a “Rajini rollercoaster,” giving it 4.5/5 for its action and Rajinikanth’s unmatched aura. Others called it a “full-blown headache,” criticizing the loud, style-over-substance approach and rating it as low as 1.5/5. Early reviews label it a “mass entertainer” but acknowledge the screenplay’s shortcomings, with Shruti Haasan and Nagarjuna earning consistent praise. The film’s A-rating for intense action suggests it’s tailored for mature audiences, but the lack of a fresh plot may limit its appeal beyond Rajinikanth’s fanbase.

Box Office Buzz and Competition

Coolie made history with Rs 100 crore in pre-sales, reflecting its massive hype. However, it faces stiff competition from War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, especially in North India, where its weak plot may struggle to compete. In the South, Rajinikanth’s star power ensures a strong opening, but the film’s longevity depends on word-of-mouth.

Final Verdict

Coolie is a quintessential Rajinikanth film that delivers for die-hard fans with its mass appeal, action-packed sequences, and Thalaivar’s timeless charisma. However, an average story and weak screenplay hold it back from being a classic. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction shines in parts but feels like a parody of his tighter narratives in Vikram or Kaithi. For fans, it’s a theatrical experience worth catching on the biggest screen possible. For others, it’s a mixed bag that may not live up to the hype.

Rating: 3/5
Watch it for Rajinikanth’s unmatched screen presence and Nagarjuna’s intense performance, but don’t expect a groundbreaking story.

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