Movie evaluation: "Coolie" struggles with the lingering influence of "Vikram" as Rajinikanth and Soubin Shahir deliver solid performances
In the world of Indian cinema, the collaboration of two heavyweights - Rajinikanth and director Lokesh Kanagaraj - promised a cinematic spectacle that would leave audiences spellbound. However, the movie Coolie (2025) falls short of these high expectations, offering an entertaining but uneven action film that leaves critics questioning its potential.
Rajinikanth's charisma and screen presence are undeniably the film's strongest assets. His portrayal of Devarajan, a man with a dangerous past donning a friendlier persona, carries the film even when the writing and narrative structure falter. The movie's introduction song, Chikitu chikitu, and Rajini's trademark self-effacing humour add to the overall appeal.
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his signature style of intercutting scenes and complex crime-world backdrops, brings this flair to Coolie. However, in this film, this technique sometimes feels jarring or disruptive, leading to tonal inconsistencies, particularly between intense scenes and lighthearted musical numbers.
The story follows a straightforward revenge plot tailored to Rajinikanth’s screen image and age, with subplots like a smuggling syndicate and a device for incinerating bodies adding intrigue. However, the film is criticised for being a "Vikram-lite" or a diluted version of Lokesh's earlier works, missing the tightness and innovation usually expected from him.
Technical aspects such as cinematography receive praise, while the editing in the second half and screenplay coherence are criticised for being sloppy and predictable. Despite this, Coolie provides enjoyable mass-entertainment typical of Rajinikanth’s style. However, it is viewed as a squandered opportunity given the talent involved and feels less like a definitive Lokesh Kanagaraj film and more like a fan-pleasing vehicle for Rajinikanth’s swag.
Soubin Shahir, playing the enforcer Dayalan, delivers a maniacal, genius, and entertaining performance. Rachita Ram also delivers a powerful performance in the movie. Characters such as Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj appear briefly and do not significantly impact the story.
The movie Coolie has a runtime of approximately three hours and is a pan-India film featuring Rajinikanth, Soubin Shahir, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj. Notably, Rajini's fight sequences in Coolie are primarily hand-to-hand combats.
However, the movie does not fully explore themes about gold and luxury watch smuggling, despite being set in a port environment. Nagarjuna plays the character Simon, who runs a port that serves as a front for illegal activities.
In summary, Coolie is a solid mass entertainer that benefits significantly from Rajinikanth’s presence and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s flair. However, it suffers from narrative and structural issues that prevent it from being a standout in either of their careers. Fans of Rajinikanth would appreciate the "festival" of his style, but cinephiles expecting a gripping and cohesive Lokesh film might find it frustrating.
The critical reception of Coolie (2025) is mixed, with some viewers finding it an enjoyable mass-entertainment piece while others question its potential as a definitive Lokesh Kanagaraj film. Rajinikanth's charisma and screen presence are the film's strongest assets, but the narrative and structural flaws are evident, creating tonal inconsistencies.
In the realm of Indian news and entertainment media, the movie Coolie is discussed as a stepping stone in Rajinikanth’s career, showcasing his unique style, while Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature style is noticeable but sometimes feels unpolished.
For those interested in movies-and-tv news, it's worth noting that Coolie is a three-hour long pan-Indian production featuring Rajinikanth, Soubin Shahir, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj. The film's fight sequences are primarily hand-to-hand combats, and the story revolves around a revenge plot and a port environment serving as a front for illegal activities. Despite its issues, fans of Rajinikanth would appreciate the festival of his style, but cinephiles might find it frustrating.
