Coolie (2025) Movie: Rajinikanth’s Latest Film Divides Critics and Fans

Lokesh Kanagaraj finally teams up with Thalaiva Rajinikanth in what could be called one of the most talked-about collaborations in recent Tamil cinema. With Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan joining the party, this action drama hit screens on August 14, 2025.

This marks Rajinikanth’s 171st film, and frankly, fans had sky-high hopes. Sun Pictures produced this venture that promised to blend Lokesh’s stylized filmmaking with Rajini’s mass appeal. The result is something that divides opinions quite sharply.

##Story That Tries Too Hard

The movie centers around a man seeking revenge for childhood injustices in a corrupt port town. Rajinikanth plays someone fighting against a powerful syndicate that exploits innocent workers daily.

What starts as a simple revenge tale becomes complicated with multiple timelines. The story jumps between past and present, showing how trauma shaped the protagonist’s life.

The port setting gives the film a unique backdrop. You can almost smell the salt air and feel the industrial grime through the screen.

But here’s where I felt lost – the plot tries to be too clever. Multiple storylines run together, making simple scenes unnecessarily complex for average viewers.

##Performances That Shine and Disappoint

Rajinikanth proves age is just a number with his commanding screen presence. Every scene he enters automatically becomes about him, which isn’t surprising for someone with his caliber.

I particularly enjoyed watching him balance the character’s dark past with moments of genuine emotion. His dialogue delivery still gives goosebumps, especially during confrontation scenes.

Nagarjuna brings his usual charm and dignity to a role that could have been anyone else. His chemistry with Rajini works well in their shared scenes.

Unfortunately, Shruti Haasan gets limited screen time despite being part of the main cast. Soubin Shahir and Upendra do their jobs but nothing memorable stands out.

##Technical Brilliance Saves The Day

Anirudh Ravichander’s music score deserves special mention here. The background music elevates even ordinary scenes into something cinematic and powerful.

Lokesh’s direction shines brightest during action sequences. The fight choreography feels like watching a violent ballet – brutal yet graceful at the same time.

Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan captures the port town’s industrial beauty perfectly. Every frame looks meticulously planned and executed with precision.

Production values remain consistently high throughout. Sun Pictures clearly didn’t hold back on budget, and it shows on screen.

##What Made Me Happy

This film delivers pure Rajinikanth magic that his fans crave desperately. His swag, style, and screen presence make up for many narrative shortcomings.

The action scenes are choreographed brilliantly. I found myself cheering during several fight sequences, which felt fresh despite following familiar patterns.

Anirudh’s music enhances the viewing experience significantly. The songs blend seamlessly with the narrative without feeling forced or unnecessary.

For mass cinema lovers, this ticks most boxes. The film understands its target audience and delivers accordingly.

##Where Things Go Wrong

The second half drags considerably compared to the energetic first half. I noticed several people checking their phones during slower sequences.

Lokesh seems more interested in showing off his directorial style than telling a coherent story. Some scenes exist purely for visual appeal.

Many supporting characters feel wasted despite having talented actors. Shruti Haasan particularly deserved better treatment given her proven acting abilities.

The complex narrative structure confuses more than it impresses. Simple storytelling might have worked better for this particular subject matter.

##What Critics and Audiences Think

IMDb users gave the film a 6.4 rating, which suggests mixed reactions from general audiences. Critics have been slightly more generous with ratings.

Most professional reviewers praised the technical aspects while criticizing the storytelling approach. The visual style receives consistent appreciation across reviews.

Variety called it a violent, convoluted action romp that relies heavily on Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence to hold everything together.

Several critics noted that fans will enjoy it more than casual moviegoers. The film clearly caters to a specific audience segment.

##Public Verdict

Rajini fans are celebrating the film as a return to form. Social media is filled with videos of theater celebrations and fan reactions.

General audiences seem split between those who enjoy the technical brilliance and others who find the story unnecessarily complicated.

Overseas audiences have been less enthusiastic, citing pacing issues and storytelling problems. The response varies significantly by geography and audience type.

The film’s commercial success proves that Rajinikanth’s star power remains intact. Numbers don’t lie, even when critics have mixed feelings.

##My Final Take

Coolie works best when you view it as a Rajinikanth showcase rather than a Lokesh Kanagaraj masterpiece. The film succeeds in giving fans what they want most.

I appreciate the technical excellence and Rajini’s committed performance. However, the convoluted storytelling prevents it from becoming truly special or memorable.

For action movie lovers and Thalaiva fans, this provides decent entertainment. Just don’t expect the narrative depth of Kaithi or Vikram.

The film proves that star power can still carry movies, even when other elements fall short. It’s commercial cinema that knows its strengths and limitations.

Rating: 3.5/5