New Delhi:
At 74, Rajinikanth proves he still has the charisma and screen presence to command the big screen. Unfortunately, in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, that aura is let down by a tangled script that struggles to decide what it wants to be.
A Tribute That Trips Over Itself
The film opens with a heartfelt tribute to Thalaivar’s 50 years in cinema, setting the stage for what promises to be an unapologetic homage to the superstar. The southern film industry has long mastered the art of celebrating its icons, and Coolie clearly aims to do the same evoking memories of the Rajinikanth audiences fell in love with decades ago.
However, the execution falters. The script gets bogged down by excesses, losing sight of its core story in the process.
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Plot: Too Many Detours, Too Little Focus
The narrative follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a man with a shadowy past, grieving the death of his close friend Rajasekar (Sathyaraj). Rajasekar’s daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) openly resents Deva until he reveals that the death was anything but natural.
Their quest for the truth spirals into a convoluted web involving organ transplants, smuggling rings, gangsters, a corrupt cop, and multiple side plots. The pacing suffers, with long stretches that fail to build anticipation or excitement. Side tracks featuring Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir only extend the runtime without adding much value.
A 74-year veteran with a 50-year career, still carrying mass entertainers on his own; how often do you witness this? NEVER. That’s the aura of Rajinikanth.
The movie Coolie is an homage to his iconic legacy: a charismatic superstar interwoven with flashbacks from his legendary… pic.twitter.com/Qvhw169gUW
— The Cinéprism (@TheCineprism) August 14, 2025
Where the Film Works
It’s in the final hour that Coolie finds its footing. Rajinikanth delivers effortlessly sharp dialogue delivery, smooth action choreography, and undeniable star power. Lokesh Kanagaraj makes smart use of flashbacks, enhanced by VFX recreations of the Rajinikanth of the 80s and 90s. The old-film reel effect is a nostalgic touch that works beautifully.
Performances
Rajinikanth: Still magnetic at 74, his presence alone lifts otherwise flat scenes.
Shruti Haasan: Given a frustratingly passive role, more prone to tears than taking charge.
Supporting Cast: Competent but unremarkable; no standout performances.
Aamir Khan’s Cameo: Spoiled by pre-release confirmation robbing audiences of the surprise factor that such moments deserve.
Coolie will satisfy die-hard Rajini fans who simply want to see their hero on the big screen, nostalgia and all. But for general audiences, the lack of a cohesive script, overstuffed plotlines, and uneven pacing make it a missed opportunity.
