Coolie Review:- Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj Deliver a Thunderous Crowd-Pleaser
When Rajinikanth steps into a frame, the air changes. With Coolie (2025), that unmistakable presence meets Lokesh Kanagaraj’s gritty, stylized filmmaking. The result? A full-throttle action spectacle that tips its hat to vintage Rajini magic while charging headfirst into the modern era of pan-Indian blockbusters. In this Coolie review, we’ll unpack everything — from performances and direction to music, pre-release buzz, and early critical chatter.
Coolie – Official Hindi Trailer
The story and setting
Set in a bustling port city, Coolie follows a man whose past is shrouded in mystery but whose mission is crystal clear: take down a powerful syndicate exploiting dock workers. Lokesh Kanagaraj wastes no time pulling us into a high-stakes world of betrayal, brotherhood, and bone-crunching showdowns.
Unlike some recent mass entertainers that take forever to get going, Coolie fires up almost immediately. The plot weaves classic revenge beats with emotional subplots, giving Rajinikanth plenty of space to play both the larger-than-life hero and the emotionally grounded man behind the swagger.
Performances that power the film
Rajinikanth is… well, Rajinikanth. There’s a certain electricity in the way he tosses a punch or delivers a one-liner, and here it’s dialed up for maximum impact. But it’s not just style — he sprinkles in moments of vulnerability that make the character more than just a poster icon.
Shruti Haasan walks away with one of her most assured performances in recent years. She’s not just a romantic interest or an ornamental presence — her role carries weight in the narrative, and she owns every frame she’s in.
Then there’s Nagarjuna, embracing the dark side with a performance reportedly inspired by the Joker. He makes his villain both menacing and oddly charismatic, which keeps you glued whenever he’s on screen. Even the much-talked-about Aamir Khan cameo earns its applause — brief but memorable, and clearly crafted to surprise the audience.
Direction, writing, and action design
Lokesh Kanagaraj has built a reputation for stylish, tightly-wound action films, and Coolie fits snugly into his portfolio. He directs Rajinikanth with evident reverence but doesn’t shy away from putting the superstar in gritty, uncomfortable situations.
The screenplay balances whistle-worthy “mass” moments with quieter beats that give the story heart. The action sequences — choreographed with precision and shot by Girish Gangadharan — have a raw physicality. You can almost feel the grit, the sweat, and the impact of every hit.
Editor Philomin Raj deserves credit for keeping a nearly three-hour runtime moving at a brisk pace. Even when the film pauses to breathe, it never loses momentum.
Music, songs, and the vibe they set
Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack is Coolie’s beating heart. The thumping “Chikitu” sets the film’s energy early on, while “Monica” — with Pooja Hegde’s irresistible hook step — became a TikTok and Instagram sensation weeks before release. The final pre-release single, “Powerhouse,” does exactly what the title promises: it explodes through the speakers, pairing perfectly with high-octane action.
These songs aren’t just fillers; they’re woven into the film’s rhythm, amplifying its emotional highs and adrenaline spikes.
The build-up and fan anticipation
Few films in recent memory have matched Coolie’s pre-release buzz. Advance bookings shot past ₹110 crore, and the audio launch in Chennai felt like a celebration of Rajinikanth’s five-decade journey. Fans traveled from across states, waving flags, chanting slogans, and turning the stadium into a sea of tricolors and movie banners.
On social media, countdown posters, fan edits, and dance challenges kept the hype machine roaring. For many, Coolie wasn’t just a film — it was an event.
What the early reviews reveal
Early reactions have been largely glowing. Udhayanidhi Stalin called it a “power-packed mass entertainer,” while several outlets praised it as Rajinikanth’s best since Kabali. Shruti Haasan’s performance in particular has been singled out as a highlight, and Nagarjuna’s layered villainy has also earned applause.
That said, a few critics point out that the climax feels a tad overstretched, and the film doesn’t break radically new ground for the genre. Still, the consensus is clear: Coolie delivers exactly what its audience came for — big moments, big fights, and even bigger charisma.
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a three-hour meditation on the human condition, Coolie isn’t that film. But if you want a front-row seat to Rajinikanth at full throttle, framed by Lokesh Kanagaraj’s sleek direction and Anirudh’s pulsing beats, you’ll walk out smiling.
It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to cheer, whistle, and maybe even dance along to “Monica” in the aisles. Imperfections aside, it’s an unapologetic celebration of star power.
Conclusion
Coolie demonstrates that the outcome of Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s collaboration is both recognizable and exciting. Even though it caters to the gallery, it does so with enough flair and earnestness to appeal to casual viewers. The opening numbers suggest a blockbuster in the making, and its staying power will depend on how repeat audiences respond in the coming weeks.
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Disclaimer:
This article by Zen Thoughts is written based on personal interpretation and publicly available sources. The views expressed here reflect the film’s portrayal and general cinematic analysis, not exact historical records. This review is for entertainment and informational purposes only.
