Coolie Movie Review and Updates: Rajinikanth’s Mass Spectacle Shines Bright

On August 14, 2025, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring the legendary Rajinikanth, hit theaters worldwide, marking a monumental celebration of the superstar’s 50 years in cinema. This pan-Indian action drama, backed by Sun Pictures, has generated unprecedented buzz with its star-studded cast, high-octane action, and Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating music.

Featuring Nagarjuna Akkineni, Aamir Khan, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Upendra, and Soubin Shahir, Coolie has been hailed as a “power-packed mass entertainer” by fans and industry insiders alike. This article dives into the plot, critical reception, audience reactions, and box office performance, providing a comprehensive overview of Coolie’s release.

Plot Summary

Coolie is a gritty, action-packed revenge drama set in a port town, where a mysterious man, Deva (Rajinikanth), takes on a corrupt syndicate exploiting workers. The story kicks off with the sudden death of Deva’s childhood friend Rajashekar (Sathyaraj), initially believed to be a cardiac arrest but later revealed to be a murder. Rajashekar’s daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) bars Deva from the funeral, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

As Deva digs deeper, he uncovers that Rajashekar was entangled with Simon (Nagarjuna), a mafia kingpin whose operations are managed by Dayaal (Soubin Shahir). The film follows Deva’s quest for truth, unraveling a web of betrayal, power, and vengeance, with Aamir Khan’s cameo as Dahaa, Simon’s superior, adding a thrilling twist. The narrative is layered with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature non-linear storytelling, AI-enhanced de-aging sequences showcasing a young Rajinikanth, and nostalgic nods to his iconic roles in films like Baashha and Jailer.

Critical Reception

Critics have delivered mixed but largely positive reviews, praising Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence and the film’s technical brilliance while noting some narrative inconsistencies.

Moneycontrol describes Coolie as a quintessential Rajinikanth vehicle, with the superstar “nailing” his mass avatar. Nagarjuna’s antagonist role and Aamir Khan’s cameo are highlighted as action-packed standouts, with Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography and Anirudh’s background score elevating every scene. The review gives it a 3.5/5, calling it a “must-watch for film lovers.”
Oneindia offers a more tempered take, rating it as an “okayish action-drama” elevated by Rajinikanth’s swagger and Nagarjuna’s layered performance as Simon. However, it critiques the screenplay for being “commercially safe” and underutilizing supporting characters like Soubin Shahir and Rachita Ram.
News18 labels Coolie a “mass tsunami from start to finish,” lauding its electrifying screenplay, Anirudh’s goosebump-inducing score, and Rajinikanth’s never-before-seen swag, giving it a stellar 4.5/5.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who caught an early screening, called it a “power-packed mass entertainer” that will “capture the hearts of audiences everywhere,” adding to the hype surrounding its release.

The film’s use of AI for de-aging sequences, particularly in flashbacks, has been widely praised for its technical finesse, transporting audiences to Rajinikanth’s vintage era. However, some critics noted that the first half feels slow, with predictable scenes and weak comedy, while the second half picks up with thrilling action and emotional beats.

Audience Reactions

Social media, particularly X, is abuzz with fan reactions, reflecting a spectrum of opinions. Many fans have celebrated Coolie as a triumphant return of “vintage Rajini,” with his iconic slow walk, punchy one-liners, and larger-than-life action sequences earning thunderous applause in theaters.

One fan posted, “From the very first frame, Rajinikanth owns the screen. His entry? Pure goosebumps. Action sequences are jaw-dropping, and the post-credit scene is a perfect cherry on top. A full-on Rajini rollercoaster!”
Another praised Nagarjuna’s antagonist role, tweeting, “#Nagarjuna as Simon gives pure goosebumps. Aamir Khan’s cameo is powerful, and Anirudh’s BGM is next level. Kollywood’s first 1000Cr movie!”
However, some expressed disappointment, with one user writing, “First half: Slow pacing, weak comedy. Second half: Lengthy and predictable climax. Pooja’s dance is the only positive. 1.5/5. BELOW AVERAGE.”

The title card, reminiscent of Lokesh’s Leo, and the “Chikitu” song’s picturization have been highlighted as early crowd-pleasers. Fans also noted the electric atmosphere in theaters, with screenings in cities like Hyderabad and Chennai turning into “stadium-like” celebrations.

Box Office Performance

Coolie has set new benchmarks in advance bookings, crossing Rs 100 crore in pre-sales worldwide, with over 12 lakh tickets sold for its opening day alone. Industry tracker Sacnilk reported Rs 41 crore in ticket sales in India by Wednesday evening, with trade experts predicting a Rs 150 crore opening day haul, boosted by the Independence Day holiday and a long weekend.

Despite clashing with YRF’s War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, Coolie leads in bookings and buzz, with early shows in Tamil Nadu selling tickets for as high as Rs 4,500. Analysts attribute its success to its pan-Indian appeal, with stars like Aamir Khan boosting its draw in the Hindi belt and Rajinikanth’s universal popularity driving sales across South India.

Standout Elements

Rajinikanth’s Performance: The superstar’s charisma, described as a blend of style, charm, and mass appeal, remains the heart of Coolie. His entry, 20 minutes into the film, is a unique, out-of-the-box moment that has sparked widespread praise.
Nagarjuna’s Antagonist: Nagarjuna’s portrayal of Simon, inspired by Heath Ledger’s Joker with a purple-cream palette, has been a revelation, with fans and critics calling it one of his career-best performances.
Aamir Khan’s Cameo: Aamir’s role as Dahaa, a stylish and intense superior to Simon, adds a high-octane spark, with his decision to join without reading the script underscoring his admiration for Rajinikanth.
Anirudh’s Music: The background score and songs like “I Am The Danger” and “Mobsta,” credited to the mysterious lyricist “Heisenberg,” have become instant hits, amplifying the film’s energy.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Vision: While some feel the screenplay plays it safe compared to Vikram or Kaithi, Lokesh’s ability to blend mass moments with emotional depth and potential Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) nods keeps audiences hooked.

Controversies and Speculations

The film’s ‘A’ certification and a lukewarm response to the trailer, dubbed by some as Lokesh’s “weakest,” initially raised concerns. However, the theatrical experience has largely overshadowed these doubts. Speculation about Coolie being part of the LCU persists, despite denials from the filmmakers, with fans hoping for cameos from characters like Suriya’s ‘Rolex’ or Karthi’s ‘Dilli.’ The identity of lyricist “Heisenberg” remains a mystery, with Anirudh teasing that it’s a secret he and Lokesh will “take to the grave.”

Conclusion

Coolie is a cinematic spectacle that delivers on its promise of mass entertainment, driven by Rajinikanth’s unparalleled charisma, a stellar ensemble, and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ambitious vision. While it may not match the narrative sharpness of Lokesh’s Vikram, it compensates with whistle-worthy moments, technical brilliance, and a nostalgic nod to Rajinikanth’s golden era.

With record-breaking box office numbers and a fan frenzy turning theaters into festivals, Coolie is poised to be one of 2025’s biggest hits. For fans of Rajinikanth and high-octane action dramas, this is an unmissable big-screen experience.

Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: Watch it in theaters for the full Rajini experience, complete with cheering crowds and Anirudh’s booming score.