Coolie

🎬 First Half - Slow paced, but still engaging. Not boring.

🔥 Second Half - Filled with twists, unexpected scenes, and a powerful climax!

✨ Performances:

Superstar Rajinikanth - Outstanding! He proves again why he's a legend 👑

King Nagarjuna - Nailed his role perfectly 💥

Soubin Shahir - Crucial role, performed brilliantly 👌

Sathyaraj Sir - Solid performance 🙌

Shruti Haasan - Did justice to her role 👍

Upendra - Grand entry + strong BGM 💯

Anirudh - BGM was good, but just okay compared to his usual

🎥 Direction - Lokesh Kanagaraj Good movie overall, though not his signature "touch." Still worth a watch!

🤔 Aamir Khan's Role - Felt underpowered, but he did well with what was given.

📌 Overall: A complete Superstar Rajinikanth movie - engaging, entertaining, and never boring. Best enjoyed with zero expectations.

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.

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.

Coolie number 5821 - This is more of a Lokesh (Loki) movie which is driven by our super star Rajinikanth loaded with multiple star casts and Anirudh BGM is very enjoyable and elevated the movie to different level. When Vikram movie came, everyone went crazy because it was a excellent storyline, screenplay etc and it created a Loki universe (LCU) and was a trend setter.

To continue Loki legacy with actor like Rajnikanth, it is difficult to think something completely different story and it may not work as well. So, he sticked on to same (Vikram) kind of a cinematic experience to present to the audience (To attract rajini's wide fan base from various generations) which is really good to see. But there is no concrete storyline to support this movie and audience gets bit confused when this kind of a story moves so fast with not a big purpose (storyline). This movie is really a good one loaded with Rajnikanth swag and style on a big screen and it is a cinematic gift for 50 years completion and also to see Vintage Rajnikanth in falshback gives goosebumps. I like loki movies with the way he takes it in his style and so I like this movie as well and worth to watch in theatres. This movie has lots of attractive action sequence to enjoy. Actor Soubin Sahir acting was too good and eye catching and acted effortlessly, Ratchagan hero Nagarjuna is back in negative shade & did a decent job in acting with his style, look & charm, Sathyaraj comes only in flashback and he is too good as usual & Shrutihasan role was really good, cameos by Upendra & Amir khan is really good. Other actors Kanna Ravi, Rachita Ram, Charle did a good supporting role.

Overall, a cinematic gift to our beloved Superstar Rajnikanth at the age of 75 to cherish with overlaoded violence in Loki style and only he can manage these kind of stories with lot of stars studded with excellent screenplay but he needs to move on with different kind of storyline or subjects to continue his legacy forward.

Watched Coolie today, and as a long-time Rajinikanth fan, I can say one thing right away this is a treat for anyone who loves his signature style and screen presence. From the very first scene, you know you're in for that trademark Rajni charisma the walk, the punchlines, the larger-than-life action. The man still knows how to hold the screen like no one else.

The film packs plenty of those "whistle" moments. The theatre crowd was electric cheering, clapping, and even shouting punch dialogues along with him. Honestly, the energy inside was so infectious that even during a few predictable stretches, you never felt bored. This is one of those movies where the audience becomes part of the entertainment.

Action sequences are vintage Rajni exaggerated in the best way possible. He throws in his usual mix of swag, charm, and sharp timing, making sure fans get exactly what they came for. The cinematography and background score definitely add to the larger-than-life feel. You get the sense that more depth in the writing could have turned this into a truly memorable outing rather than just a fun ride. Still, the pacing is fast enough that you rarely have time to dwell on these shortcomings.

In short, Coolie is pure Rajni-style mass entertainment - a festival in the theatre. If you're a fan, this is a must-watch just for the joy of experiencing him on the big screen again. If you're not... well, the crowd might just convert you.