Coolie (2025) Review: Rajinikanth’s Massy Triumph Shines Amid Narrative Hiccups

Introduction
Coolie (2025), directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, hit theaters on August 14, 2025, celebrating Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema. With a star-studded cast including Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan, this action-packed Tamil drama has taken the box office by storm. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s our take on this mass entertainer.

Plot Snapshot
Rajinikanth plays Deva, a former coolie running Deva Mansion, a hostel for students. When his friend Rajshekhar (Sathyaraj) dies mysteriously, Deva uncovers a smuggling ring led by Simon (Nagarjuna) in Visakhapatnam. A revolutionary invention—a chair that cremates bodies instantly—ties into a larger conspiracy, blending revenge, action, and nostalgia across multiple timelines.

What Stands Out

• Rajinikanth’s Swagger: Thalaivar’s charisma is the heart of Coolie. His action sequences, dialogues, and de-aged flashbacks are a treat for fans.
• Supporting Cast: Nagarjuna’s menacing Simon and Soubin Shahir’s intense Dayal elevate the stakes. Shruti Haasan and Rachita Ram add emotional and action-packed moments.
• Technical Brilliance: Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying score and Girish Gangadharan’s visuals make every fight scene pop. The song Monica is a chartbuster.
• Box Office Buzz: With ₹105 crore in pre-sales and ₹47 crore nett on day one, Coolie is a commercial juggernaut, reflecting strong market sentiment.

What Falls Short

• Slow First Half: The 2-hour-49-minute runtime drags early on, with a cluttered setup.
• Weak Narrative: The story feels overstuffed, with disjointed subplots and limited emotional depth.
• Cameo Overload: Aamir Khan and Upendra’s appearances, while exciting, feel forced and dilute the climax.

Verdict
Coolie is a Rajinikanth spectacle—perfect for fans craving action and nostalgia but less satisfying for those seeking a tight story. It’s a theatrical must-watch for its energy and star power. Rating: 3.2/5.