Coolie 2025 Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Explosive Action Flick Delivers Mass Appeal but Falters in Storytelling

A Tale of Revenge and Redemption

Coolie is a standalone action thriller distinct from Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Cinematic Universe (LCU) focusing on themes of worker exploitation and retribution. The story centres on Deva played by Rajinikanth a charismatic former trade union leader who now runs Deva Mansion a hostel offering affordable lodging for students. The narrative kicks off in Visakhapatnam where a smuggling syndicate led by the ruthless Simon (Nagarjuna) and his aide Dayal (Soubin Shahir) operates with impunity exploiting port workers and disposing of bodies using a sinister invention a chair that cremates bodies instantly created by Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj).

When Rajasekhar, Deva’s close friend is mysteriously killed Deva uncovers that the death was not due to natural causes but a deliberate act tied to the syndicate. Driven by grief and a thirst for justice Deva infiltrates the criminal underworld unravelling a web of corruption betrayal and secrets from his own past. The 170-minute film spans multiple timelines and locations weaving a revenge saga that intertwines Deva’s mission with the struggles of Rajasekhar’s daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) and her sisters.

While the premise is gripping the screenplay falters with an overstuffed narrative juggling multiple subplots that don’t always connect seamlessly. The first half leans heavily on fan service with punchy dialogues, songs and Rajinikanth’s trademark swagger but it suffers from sluggish pacing. The second half picks up momentum delivering intense action and surprising cameos, yet struggles with disjointed storytelling and convenient plot devices.

Rajinikanth’s Performance: The Heart and Soul of Coolie

At 74 Rajinikanth proves why he remains the undisputed Thalaivar of Indian cinema. His portrayal of Deva is a masterclass in balancing charisma emotional depth and action-hero grit. From delivering sharp one-liners to executing high-energy fight sequences Rajinikanth commands the screen with effortless charm. His close-up shots especially a single eye close-up are designed to send audiences into a frenzy and they deliver every time. The de-aging sequences particularly in the flashback scenes with Sathyaraj add a nostalgic punch seamlessly blending Rajinikanth’s vintage style with modern visual effects.

A standout moment is a three-minute monologue reminiscent of his iconic dialogue in Annamalai which has been hailed as a theatrical highlight. Fans on social media have praised this scene for its intensity and emotional weight with one X user noting “Rajinikanth’s monologue in Coolie is a blast in theatres pure vintage Thalaivar!”. However while Rajinikanth’s performance elevates the film the weak screenplay doesn’t always do justice to his star power leaving some moments feeling repetitive or formulaic.

Supporting Cast: Hits and Misses

The ensemble cast of Coolie is one of its biggest draws but the execution is uneven. Nagarjuna as the antagonist Simon brings a calculated menace to the role with his stylish demeanour adding flair to the crime lord. However his character is underwritten often reduced to a one-dimensional villain who smiles through atrocities. Nagarjuna himself described the role as “too bad” to share with his grandchildren hinting at its dark nature but his dialogue delivery lacks the punch needed to make Simon truly memorable.

Soubin Shahir as Dayal is a revelation embodying pure evil with chilling intensity. His screen presence drives much of the plot and his arc is one of the more compelling aspects of the film. Shruti Haasan playing Preethi delivers a solid performance grounding the emotional core of the story. Her scenes of physical and psychological turmoil are impactful though her character’s monotonous tone in parts has drawn criticism. Rachita Ram emerges as a surprise standout stealing scenes with her organic action sequences and commanding presence. Upendra as Deva’s silent right-hand man matches Rajinikanth’s energy in action set pieces while Sathyaraj’s brief but poignant role adds emotional heft, especially in the flashback sequences.

The much-hyped cameos by Aamir Khan and Upendra however fail to make a significant impact. Aamir’s appearance while spirited feels like a “cardboard star cameo” that adds little to the narrative. Similarly Upendra’s role though stylish seems inspired by the Jailer template of introducing star cameos for shock value leaving audiences wanting more substance.

Direction and Storytelling: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Ambitious Yet Flawed Vision

Lokesh Kanagaraj known for his sleek and gritty action films brings his signature style to Coolie dark shadowy frames non-linear storytelling and music-infused fight sequences. However the film feels like a departure from his best works such as Vikram and Kaithi. While Coolie starts with a stylish introduction and high-energy action it struggles to maintain cohesion. The narrative jumps between timelines and subplots from a revenge thriller to a commentary on worker exploitation without a smooth transition. Critics have noted that the film feels like a “pale imitation” of Kanagaraj’s earlier works with scenes lacking connective tissue and a reliance on delayed information delivery that crashes in the second half.

Kanagaraj’s attempt to balance Rajinikanth’s star persona with his own filmmaking sensibilities is admirable but inconsistent. The first half heavy on fan service slows the momentum while the second half compensates with well-timed twists and action. The inclusion of old Rajinikanth songs and references to his 1970s classics adds nostalgia but sometimes feels forced. Fans have debated whether Coolie is part of the LCU with Kanagaraj cleverly slipping in the word “drug” to fuel speculation leaving it open to interpretation.

Technical Brilliance: Cinematography, Music, and Action

Coolie shines on the technical front with Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography creating a gritty atmospheric world. The port setting is captured with shadowheavy frames and muted tones enhancing the film’s dark narrative. The action sequences choreographed by the Anbariv duo are high-energy but occasionally feel monotonous lacking the innovation seen in Kanagaraj’s previous films. The mansion fight sequence featuring Rajinikanth and Upendra is a highlight blending style with raw intensity.

Anirudh Ravichander’s music is a standout with the background score elevating action scenes and the song Monica earning praise despite weak picturisation. The BGM infused with classical folk motifs for Upendra’s character contrasts with the EDM-inspired soundscape, adding depth. However some emotional scenes rely on stereotypical musical cues diluting their impact. The production design, VFX and sound design are top-notch contributing to the film’s polished look.

Why You Should Watch Coolie (2025)

Coolie is a cinematic event that caters to Rajinikanth fans and action enthusiasts alike. Despite its flaws the film delivers high-energy entertainment stunning visuals and a commanding performance by Thalaivar. It’s a nostalgic yet modern take on the action genre making it a must-watch on the big screen especially in IMAX or 4DX formats. For those passionate about Indian cinema Coolie offers a glimpse into Rajinikanth’s enduring legacy and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ambitious vision even if it doesn’t reach the heights of his earlier works.

A Flawed Yet Entertaining Mass Spectacle

Coolie (2025) is a mixed bag a high-octane action thriller that thrives on Rajinikanth’s charisma and technical brilliance but stumbles with a convoluted screenplay and uneven pacing. While it doesn’t match the brilliance of Vikram or Kaithi it’s a worthy addition to Rajinikanth’s illustrious career offering enough mass appeal to keep audiences hooked. Whether you’re a die-hard Thalaivar fan or a casual viewer Coolie promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions action and nostalgia.