Coolie - Review

The much-anticipated union of superstar Rajinikanth and director Lokesh Kanagaraj has finally arrived with Coolie, igniting a frenzy among fans eager to witness this dynamic duo’s magic. Is it a worthy addition to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)? Does it deliver the thrills promised? Our review dives into the heart of this action-packed spectacle now playing in theatres.

The story centers on Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj), a visionary who creates a mobile cremation system for a noble purpose, only for it to be hijacked by the cunning smuggler Simon (Nagarjuna) for sinister motives. When tragedy strikes and Rajasekhar is killed, his daughter Preethi (Shruthi Haasan) and her sisters are left vulnerable. Enter Deva (Rajinikanth), a loyal friend of Rajasekhar with a shadowy past, determined to unravel the mystery behind the murder. Is Simon the mastermind, or is there a deeper conspiracy? What secrets tie Deva to Simon? And who is the enigmatic Dayal (Soubin Shahir) in this tangled web? The answers unfold in a high-octane narrative best experienced on the big screen.

Lokesh Kanagaraj masterfully assembles a powerhouse cast, giving each actor room to shine. Soubin Shahir, delivers a standout performance, blending raw action with emotional depth. His nuanced portrayal steals the spotlight, proving his versatility.

Nagarjuna, in his first stint as a villain, brings a fresh edge to his persona. While his menacing aura doesn’t always hit the mark teased in trailers, he holds his own in key moments. Sathyaraj, despite limited screen time, delivers a poignant and restrained performance that resonates.

Shruti Haasan, as Preethi in Coolie, delivers a compelling performance, balancing vulnerability and strength as Rajasekhar’s grieving daughter. Though her screen time is limited, she shines in emotional scenes, adding depth to the narrative. Her chemistry with Rajinikanth’s Deva elevates key moments, making her a standout in the ensemble.

Rajinikanth, the heart of Coolie, radiates charisma, particularly in the flashback sequences as the titular character. The de-ageing effects are seamless, enhancing his larger-than-life presence. His chemistry with Nagarjuna and Soubin sparks, delivering fan-favorite moments. Rachitha Ram’s brief but impactful role, paired with a clever twist, adds intrigue.

The action sequences are a highlight, with the mansion fight and Rajini-Nagarjuna showdown packing a punch. Emotional beats, though sparse, land effectively, keeping audiences hooked.

The screenplay, penned by Lokesh, leans heavily on star power, occasionally sacrificing depth for dazzle. The direction, while competent, struggles to transform the uneven script into a cohesive epic. Anirudh’s music, though catchy on its own, feels underwhelming as a background score, failing to elevate pivotal scenes. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography is solid but not groundbreaking, and Philomin Raj’s editing could have trimmed flabby moments for a tighter pace. Production values meet expectations but don’t push boundaries.

Coolie, is a crowd-pleasing action drama fueled by Rajinikanth’s magnetic aura, Soubin Shahir’s compelling performance, and Sathyaraj’s understated brilliance. Nagarjuna’s villainous turn adds intrigue, though it doesn’t fully unleash the promised menace. With stylish action, gripping confrontations, and just enough emotional heft, the film delivers for fans craving a larger-than-life cinematic ride. While it may not redefine the genre or fully integrate into the LCU, *Coolie* is a thrilling big-screen experience that’s worth the ticket.

Coolie – A fiery, star-driven spectacle that delivers the goods for Rajini fans and action lovers alike.