Coolie Review: Rajinikanth Delivers High-Octane Action in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Crime Saga

At 74 years old, Tamil cinema legend Rajinikanth continues to prove why he remains the undisputed king of mass entertainment. In Coolie, his 171st film as a lead actor, the superstar delivers a performance that effortlessly combines charisma with raw intensity under the expert direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj. This Coolie review examines how the film balances spectacular action sequences with complex storytelling, creating a cinematic experience that has already shattered multiple box office records.

Coolie Review: Plot and Storytelling Excellence

Coolie presents Rajinikanth as Deva, an altruistic labor leader who operates a hostel for wayward youth. The film transforms into a cheer-out-loud crime saga where hyper-violence has the gracefulness of dance, with a lead character so magnetic that even the story’s messiest, most convoluted parts remain fixed around his orbit. The narrative kicks into high gear when Deva’s estranged friend Rajasekar, a kindly inventor, turns up dead, prompting our protagonist to seek justice.

Kanagaraj’s screenplay weaves together themes of labor solidarity, religious corruption, and moral redemption. The initial plot revolves around a secret invention that cremates bodies within seconds via an electric chair-like contraption, perverting religious traditions. This technological element serves as both a plot device and a metaphor for how modern methods can corrupt traditional values.

Technical Brilliance Elevates the Coolie Review

The technical aspects of Coolie deserve special mention in this review. Philomin Raj’s clockwork editing and Anirudh Ravichander’s enrapturing electronic score complement the film’s first half, which sets up each theme and subplot with laser precision. Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan captures the industrial grittiness of dock life while maintaining the larger-than-life aesthetic that Rajinikanth films demand.

The sound design and background score by Anirudh Ravichander have become instant crowd favorites, with the “Monica” song becoming a viral sensation across social media platforms. The music seamlessly blends traditional Tamil elements with contemporary electronic beats, creating an audio landscape that perfectly complements the film’s modern sensibilities.

Rajinikanth’s Performance: A Master Class in Screen Presence

Rajinikanth’s performance in Coolie showcases why he remains unmatched in Indian cinema. The film features flashbacks to three decades prior, which de-age Rajinikanth to the peak of his action career, disguising the seams of this imperfect digital process by adding the flaws and texture of faded film grain. These sequences not only serve the narrative but also celebrate the actor’s enduring legacy.

The superstar’s ability to convey moral complexity while maintaining his mass appeal shines throughout the film. His portrayal of Deva breaking three decades of sobriety to tap into violent instincts adds psychological depth to what could have been a straightforward action role.

Box Office Performance and Records

Coolie has proven to be a commercial juggernaut, demonstrating Rajinikanth’s continued box office supremacy. The film opened with a jaw-dropping ₹65 crore net domestically on its first day, making it Rajinikanth’s career-best domestic opener and achieving ₹151.7 crore worldwide.

In just 72 hours, Coolie became the third-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 at the worldwide box office, with a gross collection of ₹319.41 crore. The film has particularly excelled in overseas markets, earning $8.76 million internationally on opening day, making it the second biggest overseas opener in Indian cinema history.

Box Office Milestones and Records

Critical Reception Analysis

The Coolie review consensus reveals a film that succeeds primarily on Rajinikanth’s star power and Kanagaraj’s directorial vision, despite some narrative shortcomings. After its intermission, “Coolie” gets a bit sloppy, between head-spinning twists that pile up too fast to process, and some uncomfortable optics around how frequently Preethi’s part is reduced to a crying damsel in distress.

Critics have particularly praised the film’s aesthetic achievements and thematic depth. The story eventually builds to a rousing saga of union solidarity in the face of wealthy predators, who get rich off workers before discarding their bodies, giving the action-heavy narrative a socially conscious core.

Cast Performance Breakdown

Supporting Cast and Performances

The ensemble cast of Coolie brings considerable star power to support Rajinikanth’s central performance. Nagarjuna delivers a particularly menacing portrayal as the villainous Simon, while Soubin Shahir transforms effectively from his comedic roots to play the sinister Dayal. However, some critics note that Shruti Haasan’s role as Preethi could have been better developed beyond the traditional damsel-in-distress archetype.

Aamir Khan’s cameo appearance has generated significant buzz, marking his debut in a South Indian production and his reunion with Rajinikanth after nearly three decades since “Aatank Hi Aatank” (1995).

Final Verdict: A Triumphant Return

This Coolie review concludes that while the film may have narrative inconsistencies, it succeeds as a showcase for Rajinikanth’s enduring appeal and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s distinctive directorial style. The film’s aesthetic triumphs outweigh its imperfections, thanks to some of the most dazzling and thematically turbo-charged on-screen bloodshed you’re likely to see this year.

Coolie represents more than just another Rajinikanth vehicle; it’s a celebration of Tamil cinema’s ability to blend commercial entertainment with meaningful social commentary. The film’s record-breaking box office performance validates both the star’s continued relevance and audiences’ appetite for well-crafted mass entertainers.

For fans of Rajinikanth and action cinema enthusiasts, Coolie delivers the high-octane entertainment expected while providing enough thematic depth to satisfy critics seeking substance beneath the spectacle. Despite its flaws, the film stands as a testament to the enduring power of star charisma when coupled with skilled filmmaking.

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