'Coolie' Review: A Rajinikanth Vehicle That Fires on All Cylinders and Becomes a Big Screen Festival

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Precision in Storytelling

Lokesh Kanagaraj has built a reputation as a filmmaker who can merge the energy of mainstream cinema with the intricacy of fine storytelling. In Coolie, his skill is on full display. He weaves small but significant details into the narrative that deepen its texture.

There is a dock named Kingpin, sly nods to the iconic Breaking Bad with lines like “I am the Danger” and “Say My Name,” and a constant layering of visual symbolism that gives the film replay value. These are not throwaway Easter eggs but moments of deliberate craftsmanship that reward attentive viewers.

Kanagaraj also understands exactly how to showcase a legend. Much like his work with Kamal Haasan in Vikram, he magnifies Rajinikanth’s natural magnetism here.

The introduction of the character Deva is a masterstroke, designed to ignite the audience while staying true to the story’s tone. He grounds the character in a believable setting while allowing him to unleash his trademark swagger, charm, and humour. The balance between realism and theatrics is perfectly struck.

Rajinikanth at 75 Still Commanding the Screen Like No Other

The first moment Rajinikanth appears in Coolie, the crowd’s energy becomes almost tangible. It is not just nostalgia at work here. The Superstar remains relatively physically agile and creatively alive in a way that would put many younger actors to shame. He performs stunts, dances with ease, and radiates the kind of presence that is impossible to imitate. There is even a song entirely dedicated to his effortless charm and signature style, and it feels both celebratory and entirely deserved.

What makes him extraordinary is not only what he does but how he does it. Every line delivery, every pause, and every glance is loaded with intent. It is a combination of instinct and experience that cannot be taught. This performance is more than an acting turn- it is a reaffirmation of why Rajinikanth has remained cinema’s ultimate showman for half a century

Anirudh Ravichander’s Music as the Pulse of the Film

No discussion of Coolie would be complete without praising Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying soundtrack and background score. His music does not merely accompany the visuals; it drives them. The thumping beats, occasional English lyrics, and perfectly timed crescendos create an auditory experience as memorable as the visuals themselves.

Every song in the film feels like it belongs exactly where it is placed. The background score enhances action scenes, heightens drama, and underscores emotion without overpowering the story. An interesting touch is the recurring reminder woven into the film about the dangers of alcohol, not just for physical health but for decision-making. These moments are subtle yet persistent, and Anirudh’s music integrates them seamlessly into the film’s rhythm

A Whirlwind of Twists and Turns

Kanagaraj’s storytelling thrives on momentum, and Coolie keeps the audience guessing with twist after twist. Some are jaw-dropping, others slightly more predictable, but together they keep the pace relentless. The plotting at times recalls the twist-heavy thrillers once popularised by Abbas Mustan, though filtered through Kanagaraj’s more grounded sensibilities.

Like in Vikram, where he gave audiences the unforgettable “Agent Tina” moment, Kanagaraj delivers a similarly surprising sequence here — this time from the antagonist’s side. There is a sense that he occasionally packs in more than the narrative strictly needs, but the indulgence is part of the joy. The generous runtime is used to deliver an abundance of set pieces, character moments, and payoffs, even if some threads dangle looser than others

A Spotlight for the Women

One of the frequent critiques of Kanagaraj’s earlier work has been the limited space for female characters to shine. In Coolie, he actively addresses that. Rachita Ram’s Kalyani is a fully developed character with her own trajectory. Her arc is not just compelling but also pivotal to the film’s emotional weight. Rachita delivers a performance filled with grit and grace, standing out even among a powerhouse ensemble.

Shruti Haasan plays a unique part that serves as a bridge between key antagonists. While her role is more functional within the plot mechanics, she brings an effortless screen presence and fits seamlessly into the film’s mood. Both characters add dimension to a film that could easily have been dominated entirely by its male leads

A Villain Worthy of the Hero

An action entertainer is only as strong as its villain, and Coolie delivers in style. Nagarjuna, already a star of immense stature, gets what might be one of the most defining roles of his career. He plays the antagonist with a mix of sophistication, menace, and charm, creating a presence that matches Rajinikanth beat for beat. It is a joy to see an actor of his calibre get such a richly written role and make the most of it.

Soubin Shahir, one of the most versatile actors from the Malayalam industry, also shines here. His character is layered, allowing him to oscillate between intimidation and vulnerability with ease. The dynamic between the antagonists and Rajinikanth’s Deva keeps the narrative constantly engaging. Even the cameo by Aamir Khan, while not entirely essential to the plot, adds a momentary shift in energy that pays off in the scenes that follow.

A Finale That Delivers Fireworks

By the time Coolie reaches its finale, it has thrown everything at the audience- action sequences, emotional beats, unexpected betrayals, and soaring musical set pieces. The occasional loose end is forgivable because the film remains entertaining in almost every frame. The climax brings the threads together with the kind of massy grandeur that Tamil cinema has long perfected.

It is worth noting that there is no post-credit scene and no link to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. Coolie stands entirely on its own, and perhaps that independence makes it even more satisfying. It does not rely on crossovers or extended lore to keep you hooked. The film’s strength lies in its own self-contained narrative and the larger-than-life personalities that inhabit it.

At its heart, Coolie is a love letter to the idea of cinema as celebration. It is a reminder that movies can be more than stories- they can be communal experiences that unite people across backgrounds in shared excitement. Rajinikanth’s presence remains unmatched, but Kanagaraj ensures that the spectacle is not built on nostalgia alone. The grounded character work, the attention to detail, and the layering of humour and action all ensure that this is not just a hollow star vehicle

Final Verdict

Yes, there are imperfections. Some plot turns feel slightly overindulgent, a couple of scenes could have been trimmed, and certain moments might bewilder those who prefer tighter narratives. Yet none of this truly detracts from the experience. When the lights dim and the first beat of Anirudh’s score reverberates through the hall, every minor flaw is drowned out by the sound of a thousand people celebrating in unison.

For those who still believe in the magic of the big screen, Coolie is a must-watch. It is a film that delivers joy, spectacle, and a sense of occasion that streaming platforms can never replicate. Book the earliest show you can find, take your friends or go alone, and prepare to be swept up in the wave of energy that only a Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj collaboration can create.

Because Coolie is not just a film. It is a roaring, thumping, larger-than-life celebration of cinema itself.