Review: Coolie (2025) – When Rajini’s Magic Meets a Mixed Script

When Rajinikanth walks onto the screen, time slows down, whistles fill the theatre, and every frame feels like a celebration. Coolie (2025) promised a fiery blend of action, style, and heart under the vision of Lokesh Kanagaraj — and while it delivers plenty of mass moments, it also tests patience with a bumpy narrative. Packed with larger-than-life fights, foot-tapping Anirudh beats, and Rajini’s unstoppable charisma, Coolie is a film that aims to please the masses… but does it strike the perfect balance between style and substance? Let’s find out.

1. Setup & Story Flow

Coolie brings together two powerhouses: superstar Rajinikanth and stylistic filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj. Deva (Rajini) is a former coolie turned tough hero who seeks revenge when his friend is killed. He faces off against dangerous criminals like Simon (Nagarjuna) and Dayalan (Soubin Shahir). The film packs emotion and action but doesn’t always stay on point.

2. Leading Performances

• Rajinikanth steals the spotlight with his energy, style, and screen presence. When he’s on screen, it’s electric — especially in his massy dialogue delivery and intense fights.
• Soubin Shahir as Dayalan is a surprise highlight — his layered, intense performance adds emotional heft.
• Shruti Haasan brings empathy and balance as Preethi.
• Nagarjuna’s Simon is stylish, but his character lacks depth. Cameos from Aamir Khan and Upendra add excitement, even if they don’t drive the story.

3. Music & Visuals

• Anirudh Ravichander’s score shines, especially the viral tracks like Monica and Powerhouse—they pump energy into every scene.
• Girish Gangadharan’s camera work looks crisp and stylish, elevating every punch and pose.
• The editing and action scenes are fast and punchy, ideal for big-screen thrills.

4. Strengths & High Points

• Rajini’s charisma keeps the energy alive even when the plot lags.
• The second half ramps up well, delivering exciting payoffs and improved pacing.
• Music adds attention-grabbing moments throughout.

5. Weak Spots & Missed Potential

• The screenplay often feels cluttered—too many characters and confusing subplots.
• The first half drags, losing emotional momentum.
• Story lacks depth—judgment, conflict, and resolution don’t always align.
• Compared to Lokesh’s previous work (Vikram, Kaithi), Coolie lacks strong emotional core.

6. Viewer Ratings

• IMDb Rating: Around 6.6 /10, slightly below War 2 which holds about 6.7.
• BookMyShow (BMS): Estimated 3.5 /5 stars, reflecting an average audience reaction.
  Fans love Rajini’s electric presence, while critics mark it down for scattered storytelling.

7. Final Verdict & Recommendation

Coolie is a star-fueled spectacle designed for mass-grade entertainment. Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life performance, Anirudh’s music, and punchy action scenes make it watchable. But if you’re seeking layered storytelling and narrative depth, the film may feel lacking. That said, for die-hard Rajini fans and lovers of style-driven action, Coolie delivers enough to justify a trip to the theatre.