Coolie movie review begins with superstar Rajinikanth in full form under the direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film brings together a powerful cast including Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and even a cameo by Aamir Khan. Yet, despite this star power, the movie feels like a mix of highs and lows, delivering excitement and disappointment in equal measure.
Rajinikanth plays Devarajan, who runs a student hostel and hides a troubled past. The film opens strong with humour, fan-service, and his trademark introduction song. But the story quickly shifts into darker territory when Deva investigates the suspicious death of his friend Rajashekar (Sathyaraj). This leads to a clash with Simon (Nagarjuna), a ruthless port kingpin, and his enforcer Dayalan (Soubin Shahir).
Soubin Shahir steals the show with a standout performance. His role is eccentric, menacing, and full of energy—bringing depth that keeps the audience hooked. Rajinikanth shines in fight sequences choreographed by Anbariv, relying on sharp hand-to-hand action that plays to his strengths. Anirudh Ravichander’s music and background score further lift the film.
Still, the screenplay feels heavily inspired by Kanagaraj’s earlier blockbuster Vikram. Familiar tropes like a band of allies, a femme fatale twist, and surprise cameos remind viewers of his past work. While some sequences—like Rajini’s confrontations with Nagarjuna—truly stand out, the lack of emotional depth and overuse of violence stop the film from reaching greatness.
At nearly three hours, *
Coolie packs plenty of action and fan moments but misses a solid core. Watch it for Rajinikanth’s energy, Soubin Shahir’s brilliant debut in Tamil cinema, and some thrilling set pieces. But expect a film that entertains and frustrates in equal measure.
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Upendra Rao, Aamir Khan
