Coolie Movie Review – Rajinikanth’s Mass Action Drama

Coolie hit theatres on August 14, 2025, in Tamil and dubbed in various languages. Lokesh Kanagaraj directed it, and it stars Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Soubin Shahir. Aamir Khan makes a special appearance. Anirudh Ravichander composes the soundtrack.

Everyday Story, Big Punch

The story unfolds around dock workers fighting a powerful syndicate at a bustling port. Rajinikanth plays a gritty, street-smart hero who jumps in to protect the laborers. Kanagaraj builds the movie in rising layers: small battles escalate into major showdowns. The first half races along, the interval gives audiences a high-energy moment, and the second half delivers bold action—but its pace wavers sometimes.

Rajinikanth Steals the Show

Rajinikanth brings full swagger. He mixes classic moves—like flicking a cigarette or giving a knowing glare—with age-aware strength. The camera gives him epic moments: slow walkways, dramatic close-ups, and impressive quiet confidence. Whenever the story drags, his energy brings it back to life.

Strong Cast, but Mixed Results

Nagarjuna and Sathyaraj get substantial roles. Shruti Haasan adds emotional depth. Soubin Shahir gives the story more texture. Aamir Khan appears as “Dahaa” at the end. Some fans love how this cameo expands fan theories. Others feel it distracts from the main flow.

Lokesh Directs Boldly, But Loses Focus

Lokesh brings his trademark precision. He fills each scene with clear geography, thoughtful choreography, and mythic style. But the movie carries too many threads—labor politics, crime lords, legacy themes, fan service—without binding them effectively. The second half feels crowded with ideas.

Style, Sound, and Visual Flair

Anirudh’s music pulses through every frame. It keeps the energy high, even when the story slows. The visuals stay intense, with metallic tones and strong staging at the docks, warehouses, and mansions. The flashback scenes use de-aging VFX. Many viewers praise the quality—they say it looks convincing and sharp, especially for a big commercial film.

Sets That Hit Hard

The hostel fight scene and the mansion raid feel designed for cheering crowds. Lokesh lets cameras linger to capture Rajinikanth’s energy and the choreography. The final twenty minutes unleash spectacle. Audiences overseas highlight the climax as a visual treat—cinema at full blast.

Standalone or Connected Universe?

Many expected Coolie to belong to Lokesh’s expanding film universe (LCU), but before release, people treated it as standalone. After viewers watched it, discussions erupted. The film includes subtle nods and hints that fans interpret as links to other Lokesh films. You can enjoy it without knowing those connections, but fans who love piecing things together will enjoy searching for them.

Runtime, Budget, and Locations

Coolie runs about 169 minutes. The film looks vast and built for spectacle. The crew shot scenes in Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City and around Visakhapatnam’s port, which give the story a real sense of place. People report the cost reached around ₹300–350 crore, mostly due to grand production values and Rajinikanth’s big paycheck.

Box-Office, Piracy, and Streaming News

The movie started strong at the box office, especially in Tamil Nadu. However, experts say it might not beat the opening numbers of another blockbuster, Leo. Pirates leaked the film online just hours after release, which worries industry analysts. They urge fans to watch it only in the theatre to support the film. Industries anticipate that Amazon Prime Video will host Coolie after its theatrical run.

What Works

1. Rajinikanth’s power presence lifts many scenes. He commands attention from start to finish.
2. Anirudh’s energetic music keeps the film lively, even during slow moments.
3. Lokesh’s direction gives clear, exciting action that fans love.
4. Key moments—especially the interval and climax—feel made for cheering crowds.

What Doesn’t

1. The second half lags under too many ideas. It tries to do too much.
2. Some supporting characters feel underwritten, given the large cast.
3. Aamir Khan’s cameo divides opinion. Some feel it overshadows the emotional core.

Early Verdict

Critics gave mixed reviews. Some praised the film’s energy and Rajinikanth’s presence. Others criticized the cluttered screenplay and sprawling storytelling. If you love mass-style hero films, Coolie will fire you up. If you prefer tight, focused stories, you may enjoy the style, but find yourself wishing for more clarity.

Nationwide reactions on social media lean positive. Audiences share how much fun they had. Yet piracy creates concern. Box office numbers look healthy, but not record-breaking. The streaming release remains unannounced, although Amazon seems likely.

Final Word

Coolie entertains with bold style and bigger structures. Rajinikanth anchors the film with effortless charisma. Lokesh builds cinematic fireworks—but sometimes sacrifices narrative clarity for spectacle. Watch it on the big screen if you want to feel the frenzy. For fans, Coolie brings energy, swagger, and cheers. For casual viewers, it delivers a colorful, noisy ride—though the story may feel scattered. Either way, this movie carries the conversation through the holiday weekend and beyond.