Coolie Movie Review 2025
Coolie Review: An Energetic Tribute Celebrating the Legendary Superstar Rajinikanth’s Timeless Influence
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s “Coolie” is far more than a film—it’s a grand celebration, paying vibrant homage to Rajinikanth’s illustrious cinematic journey. Since its release on August 14, 2025, the film has captivated audiences, crossing ₹206 crore in India within five days and grossing over ₹400 crore globally. This is classic Rajinikanth at his most magnetic, crafted through Lokesh’s dynamic storytelling to deliver a spectacle of star power and excitement.
Rajinikanth’s Magnetic Performance: Owning the Screen with Ease
At 74, Rajinikanth commands every scene with an infectious charisma. His portrayal of Devaraj “Deva” is full of energy and effortless style, resonating powerfully with fans and general viewers alike. Signature moves, impactful dialogues, and his iconic screen presence create moments that light up theaters and keep audiences deeply engaged.
The film’s use of advanced de-aging technology to show a young Rajini adds a nostalgic layer appealing to longtime admirers. The flashback sequences featuring Rajinikanth alongside Sathyaraj—on screen together for the first time in four decades—offer some of the film’s most memorable, emotionally resonant moments.
Strong Supporting Cast and Memorable Characters
Nagarjuna impresses as Simon, the cold and calculating antagonist, bringing depth and menace to his role that complements Rajinikanth’s heroism beautifully. Soubin Shahir steals scenes with his confident and vibrant presence, while Upendra holds his own as the silent but powerful right hand to Deva.
Shruti Haasan anchors the narrative with a solid performance, and Rachita Ram emerges unexpectedly as a standout, delivering fluid action scenes and commanding attention whenever she appears. Even Aamir Khan’s cameo is strategically woven in, adding intrigue without overshadowing the main storyline.
Music and Sound: Anirudh Ravichander’s Dynamic Score
Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack is a key pillar of Coolie’s appeal. His energetic background score enhances every high-octane action sequence and emotional beat, effectively amplifying the film’s dramatic tension and crowd-pleasing moments. The songs, especially the hit number “Monica,” have caught on quickly with audiences and add to the film’s overall impact.
Visuals and Action: A Gritty Yet Grand Presentation
The film’s visuals, captured by Girish Gangadharan, blend raw realism with cinematic grandeur. The industrial and port settings add authenticity, and the carefully framed shots bring a textured aesthetic that supports the story’s darker themes.
Choreographed by Anbariv, the action scenes are slick, intense, and stylized to Lokesh’s vision. The fight sequences maintain relentless energy while staying clear enough for viewers to follow the narrative tension without confusion.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Direction: Balancing Style and Substance
Lokesh brings a characteristic flair, blending fast-paced storytelling with strategic pauses that help build character and narrative depth. He has refined his approach since previous films, delivering a more coherent structure and tighter pacing, particularly noticeable in the film’s powerful second half.
His direction respects Rajinikanth’s legendary status but also infuses the story with Lokesh’s fresh sensibilities in cinematography, narrative style, and innovative action choreography. The multiple cameos are well placed, adding layers to the plotting and fan enjoyment without feeling contrived.
Widespread Mass Appeal and Box Office Success
“Coolie” has proven to be a blockbuster, dominating the box office and breaking several records for Tamil cinema in 2025. It appeals strongly to Rajinikanth’s massive fan base and resonates beyond, attracting new viewers with its combination of action, drama, and star spectacle.
The theatrical experience has been described as a celebration of Rajinikanth mania, with enthusiastic audience responses across India. The film’s sustained collections over weekdays show strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewership.
Story, Nostalgia, and Entertainment Value
The film’s opening half indulges in fan-pleasing elements such as catchy songs, punch dialogues, and stylized swagger, albeit with a somewhat slower narrative pace. However, the momentum builds in the latter half, revealing secrets, delivering action-packed sequences, and keeping viewers hooked with unexpected twists.
Fans also appreciate the subtle hints connecting “Coolie” to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, offering another layer of intrigue for those following the director’s work.
Conclusion: A Celebratory Ride Anchored by Rajinikanth’s Star Power
Ultimately, “Coolie” stands out as an exhilarating tribute to one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons. Rajinikanth’s dynamic performance, combined with skilled direction, memorable supporting characters, pulsating music, and gripping action, crafts a thoroughly entertaining film that connects deeply with audiences.
While not without minor flaws in pacing, “Coolie” delivers the kind of stylish, high-energy, star-driven entertainment that fans expect from Rajinikanth. It reaffirms why he continues to be the dominant force in Indian cinema, offering a cinematic experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
For those seeking a showcase of Rajinikanth’s timeless charisma paired with modern filmmaking mastery, Coolie is a must-watch celebration of the Superstar’s enduring legacy.
