Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth delivers mass, mystery, and emotion

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie delivers a gripping mix of action, mystery, and sentiment, powered by Rajinikanth’s commanding performance and Nagarjuna’s menacing turn. With stylish set pieces, emotional beats, and a rousing climax, this mass entertainer is a theatrical treat.

Hyderabad: Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) creates a mobile cremation system with the noble intention of helping society. But his invention falls into the wrong hands when smuggler Simon (Nagarjuna) misuses it for personal gain. Rajasekhar’s untimely death leaves his daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) and her two sisters alone.

Deva (Rajinikanth), a close friend of Rajasekhar, steps in to uncover the truth; is Simon really behind his death, or is there more to the story? Who exactly is Simon, and what is his real business behind the smuggling front? Does he share a hidden past with Deva? And who is Deva himself, with his own mysterious history? The entry of Dayal (Soubin Shahir) adds another layer, and how Deva pieces together these truths forms the crux of Coolie.

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Lokesh Kanagaraj crafts a film that blends mass entertainment with suspense and sentiment. The first half moves briskly with stylish action blocks, witty dialogues, and a strong emotional anchor. The second half dives deeper into the backstories, revealing layers of deceit and hidden connections, though it slightly eases the pace before picking up for a rousing climax. The film’s mix of hero elevation, villain menace, and emotional payoffs make it a complete theatrical experience.

Rajinikanth commands every frame with his trademark charisma and effortless screen presence. Nagarjuna brings a unique edge to Simon, making him both menacing and intriguing. Shruti Haasan plays Preethi with conviction, while Soubin Shahir delivers a performance that is both charming and intense. Upendra, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan in a special appearance each leave their mark.

Technically, Coolie stands tall. Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating background score and catchy songs elevate both the action and emotional scenes. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography captures the grit and grandeur of the setting beautifully, while Philomin Raj’s editing keeps the narrative largely tight.

Coolie is a complete package of action, mystery, and emotion, led by Rajinikanth at his best. It delivers everything a mass entertainer should, from whistle-worthy moments to heartfelt drama. The only small disappointment is that it’s not part of the much-talked-about Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), a crossover would have been a treat for fans. Still, as a standalone film, Coolie more than lives up to the hype and is well worth a trip to the theatres.