Premiere snapshot
The buzz around Coolie has been massive, and walking into the theater you can feel the weight of expectations. Rajinikanth’s entry is greeted with whistles, and the film quickly sets up a mix of drama, action, and mystery. Lokesh Kanagaraj builds intrigue from the start, though it’s also clear that the film is balancing a large set of characters and subplots.
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| Image Credit: © Sun Pictures |
Plot in a nutshell
The story begins with Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj), who designs a mobile cremation system for a noble purpose. His vision, however, falls into the wrong hands when smuggler Simon (Nagarjuna) exploits it for personal gain. Rajasekhar’s sudden death leaves his daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) and her sisters vulnerable. Stepping into the picture is Deva (Rajinikanth), Rajasekhar’s trusted friend, who starts digging for answers. Is Simon the mastermind behind the tragedy, or is there a deeper connection between the two men? Adding to the intrigue is Dayal (Soubin Shahir), whose presence ties into the larger puzzle. How Deva unravels these links and faces his own past shapes the rest of the film.
Performances to remember
Rajinikanth as Deva is exactly what you expect and more. His screen presence alone can lift an entire scene, and his whistle-worthy moments land perfectly. The flashback version of Rajini deserves a special mention — easily one of the best de-aging works in recent Indian cinema. Those sequences not only create goosebumps but also leave you wanting more. Soubin Shahir as Dayal is a pleasant surprise, offering variations in performance and showing real menace.
On the flip side, some roles feel unnecessary. Shruti Haasan does well, but her character adds little impact to the story. Nagarjuna appears stylish, but his role is limited to being a drunkard with no strong narrative weight. Upendra and Aamir Khan both spark excitement in the theater, but their screen time is too short to justify the casting. Their inclusion feels more like an attempt to generate adrenaline than to serve the story.
Moments to watch for
The flashback sequences with young Rajini stand out as the emotional and visual high point. They not only deliver nostalgia but also remind audiences of Rajini’s lasting charm. The mass action blocks, supported by Anirudh’s background score, bring energy and elevate Rajini’s presence further. Watching Deva and Dayal clash creates genuine tension, and Rajini’s team-up fights deliver the expected blast for fans.
Where it fails
The biggest weakness is the excessive star cast. Bringing in multiple big names may have looked good on paper, but on screen it adds weight without payoff. Many of these characters could have been played by lesser-known actors without affecting the story. This imbalance affects pacing, and while some viewers may not feel it if they are deeply invested, others will definitely find the film stretched. Lokesh’s narration is engaging in parts, but as a narrator, it was also his responsibility to make the dots easier for every viewer to connect.
Verdict and rewatch value
Coolie is a strong theatrical watch, especially for Rajinikanth fans. The film offers enough mass moments, layered storytelling, and some of the best flashback sequences in recent times. But it is also weighed down by unnecessary subplots and cameos that don’t add much beyond initial excitement. For fans, this is a must-watch on the big screen. For casual viewers, it is a good film but not without flaws.
