Coolie

Parts of it felt like it was trying to be Vikram, then there were parts where it looked like it was trying to be Jailer; suffice to say, it didn't feel like it had any identity of its own. The way it began felt very similar to the flow of the first half of Vikram, with the investigation of a death and stuff surrounding it. The main difference is that it's the Superstar himself doing the investigation. It didn't work as much as Vikram, but it still made you feel like there's something more, which makes you wait for the rest of the movie. But then the rest was just a convoluted mess. It feels like Lokesh has already exhausted all his good ideas by the first half of Leo, and the rest is slowly unveiling as a mess.

Even though this is the weakest Lokesh film, it does have its moments. The buildup was nice, and there were also a lot of scenes that worked really well. Nagarjuna looked stylish as the Villain, but after a point, it felt like he was repeating the same things. Soubin was the one who was the more persistent villain, but it felt like the writing went over the top for that character. The flashback portions were nice, but maybe that was because it was short. Upendra really made the movie better than it was with his screen presence in the few scenes he was in. It really felt like he could've made the movie better. Amir Khan said that he agreed to the movie without reading the script because it was a Rajnikanth film, and that was exactly his character. Even though he had nothing to do, it was fun to see him with Rajnikanth and Upendra.

Even though the script was a convoluted mess, there were enough good moments in it that made it an average watch for me. With a good crowd, this could be fun in the theaters; however, this was a disappointing experience.

As a fan of Rajini, I thoroughly enjoyed his screen presence and energy throughout the movie. Nagarjuna's negative role was outstanding, especially in the opening sequences, adding a strong impact to the story. Shruti delivered a solid performance, and the background music was excellent, perfectly complementing the mood and action. The second half, however, felt a bit stretched, and Upendra's role could have been utilized better. Aamir's cameo added to the excitement. Overall, a good entertainer with memorable performances and powerful moments.

The film opens at a bustling port in Vizag, where Kingpin Simon (Nagarjuna) and his aide Dayal (Soubin Shahir) run an illegal operation. After a police diktat stops them from disposing of bodies at sea, they turn to Rajshekhar (Sathyaraj), a former laborer who has invented a chair capable of cremating bodies instantly, leaving only ashes. Originally discarded by the government for its dangerous potential, the invention now falls into the wrong hands. When Rajshekhar is killed, his longtime friend Deva (Rajinikanth), who had been working in the background, steps into the fray. What begins as a mission to uncover his friend's murderer soon unravels secrets from Deva's own past, tying old loose ends to the present conflict.

The first half of Coolie leans heavily into fan service - complete with songs, dances, punch dialogues, and a fair share of swagger. While it slows the film's momentum and spends a bit too long introducing characters who could have been set up more briskly, the second half is where Lokesh really gets cooking and serves up a treat. Multiple cameos here not only land perfectly but also add real weight to the story, with well-timed twists keeping the audience hooked.

Despite its extended runtime, Coolie roars as a tribute to Rajinikanth's legacy - brimming with energy, nostalgia, and unfiltered mass appeal. Learning from the pacing missteps of his last outing, director Lokesh Kanagaraj crafts a tighter, more impactful second half, putting his pan-India stars to good use with well-etched, purposeful characters. Nagarjuna, as drug lord Simon, embraces his villainy with calculated finesse, while Soubin Shahir proves to be another inspired casting choice whose screen presence lingers. Rachita Ram's surprise role emerges as the scene-stealer - effortlessly commanding the frame and delivering one of the smoothest, most organic action sequences in the film. Upendra exudes effortless swagger as Rajini's silent yet formidable right-hand man, matching the superstar's presence blow for blow in the high-octane set pieces.

Rajinikanth, of course, delivers exactly what fans crave - charisma, style, and a commanding screen presence that feels effortless. The flashback portions, especially the Rajini-Sathyaraj sequences, are a treat, as the two icons come together on screen after 40 years. Sathyaraj and Shruti Haasan bring solid support, never tipping into excess, while the mass appeal and emotional beats keep the second half gripping, with well-timed outbursts landing just right. The de-aging of Rajinikanth is pure mass - seamlessly done, it adds a nostalgic punch. Shruthi's character is the anchor of the film. Even Aamir Khan's cameo is smartly placed, adding intrigue without feeling forced. Lokesh seems to have learned from the tonal missteps of his previous outing, striking a smarter balance this time. He directs Rajinikanth with the enthusiasm of a fanboy but never lets it overshadow his own filmmaking sensibilities, blending style, story, and spectacle with confidence. Though this film may not reach the heights of Kaithi or Vikram, it is far from disappointing, delivering a thoroughly entertaining experience that keeps audiences engaged. Anirudh's music is a highlight - the songs are proper crowd-pleasers, and the BGM elevates action sequences brilliantly, though emotional scenes stick to somewhat stereotypical musical cues.

While the first half could have been tighter, the second half more than compensates, making Coolie a high-energy, nostalgic, and entertaining ride for fans. Coolie emerges as one of Rajinikanth's most electrifying outings in recent years, surpassing his previous films in sheer energy and style. It caters not just to die-hard fans but also to casual viewers, balancing nostalgia with interesting storytelling. The cameos, in particular, outshine Lokesh's previous outings, delivering memorable performances that enhance the story without ever feeling forced. With high-octane action, charismatic star power, and well-placed surprises, Coolie is a perfect blend of mass appeal and crowd-pleasing entertainment.

And now, to the million-dollar question - is it part of the LCU ? Lokesh cleverly slips in the word "drug" in the film, leaving it to the fans to decide whether to see it as part of the larger universe or enjoy it as a standalone story.

This movie is really entertaining and packed with excitement. It keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time! You'll want to pay close attention to all the details unfolding on the screen, as there's so much happening that could easily slip by if you're not careful. It's definitely a film that demands your focus to fully appreciate the thrilling twists and turns of the story!

Thalaivar is back! #Coolie is pure mass with vintage Rajini swag, killer dialogues, and Lokesh's gritty style. Anirudh's BGM = goosebumps guaranteed. This one's going to set the box office on fire! 🚂💥 #Rajinikanth #LokeshKanagaraj #Coolie

Coolie is a celebration of pure mass cinema, bringing together the unbeatable combination of Superstar Rajinikanth and director Lokesh Kanagaraj for the first time. From the opening frame to the final shot, the film is an adrenaline-charged ride packed with style, swagger, and solid storytelling.

Rajinikanth shines as Devaraj "Deva," a fearless and charismatic figure who stands up for exploited coolie workers. His screen presence is magnetic - every dialogue, gesture, and slow-motion walk is greeted with whistles and cheers in theatres. This is Thalaivar at his vintage best, blending the fiery energy of his earlier roles with the refinement of experience.

Lokesh Kanagaraj's direction keeps the momentum high, delivering tightly choreographed action sequences with the signature Anbariv stunt magic. The harbor-set fights and hand-to-hand combat scenes are standout moments, perfectly balancing grit with cinematic grandeur.

The supporting cast adds tremendous value - Shruti Haasan impresses with both style and substance, Nagarjuna brings gravitas to his role, and special appearances by Aamir Khan and others are pure treats for fans.

Anirudh Ravichander's music and background score are electrifying, with the "Monica" song becoming an instant crowd favourite. His pulsating BGM elevates both emotional and high-voltage moments, ensuring the theatre experience is immersive.

Cinematography captures the film's industrial, gritty setting beautifully, while the production design gives the narrative an authentic yet larger-than-life feel. The interval block is a masterstroke, guaranteed to leave audiences roaring for the second half.

In short, Coolie is a power-packed entertainer that delivers everything fans expect - action, drama, style, music, and of course, Rajinikanth's unmatched charisma. It's more than just a film; it's a festival on screen.