Coolie, starring Superstar Rajinikanth, is set to release on August 14, 2025, aiming to capitalize on the extended holidays from August 15 to 17. Many IT companies even declared holidays and booked tickets for their employees, adding to the festive atmosphere. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film carried massive expectations, especially as it marks Rajinikanth’s 50th year in cinema. Lokesh, known for blockbusters like Leo, Vikram, Master, and Kaithi, once again attempted a mass entertainer.
The story begins with the funeral of Rajasekar (Sathyaraj), which Deva (Rajinikanth) attends. However, Rajasekar’s daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) stops him from seeing his friend’s face. Deva and Rajasekar share a friendship of over 30 years, and soon Deva begins to suspect that his friend’s death was not natural. On the other side, we meet Simon Xavier (Nagarjuna), a ruthless smuggler who kills many people and destroys the evidence. The plot unfolds as Deva investigates to find out who killed his friend and why.
Rajinikanth delivers an energetic performance even at the age of 75, proving he still holds the title of a true mass hero. While his screen presence is strong, some fans might feel that the film lacks the depth, punchy dialogues, and high-energy moments expected from Superstar film. Soubin Shahir shines in his villain role, delivering a menacing yet graceful performance, including some unexpected dance moves. Nagarjuna appears as a stylish and royal villain, while Shruti Haasan travels throughout the story alongside Rajinikanth, offering decent support. Sathyaraj’s scenes are impactful, though his presence is limited. Upendra plays a supporting role, while Kalivenkat impresses in the opening sequence.
One of the surprising moments comes in the climax when Aamir Khan makes an appearance, which may remind viewers of Suriya’s Rolex cameo in Vikram. The film’s music and background score by Anirudh Ravichander are engaging, adding life to many sequences, though the songs might not be as memorable as expected. Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan captures the grandeur well, and editor Philomin Raj keeps the pace moving despite the lengthy runtime of 170 minutes.
Overall, Coolie is a big-screen entertainer with a star-studded cast and some memorable moments. However, the screenplay follows a familiar mass formula, which might feel predictable for today’s audience. As recent trends show, mass hero films, big directors, and pan-India formats are struggling if they don’t offer fresh storytelling. While Rajinikanth’s dedication and presence are praiseworthy, the film could have benefited from a more unique script. Still, it’s worth a watch for the Superstar’s fans and for the grand visual experience.
