The year 2025 has seen many spectacle films failing to meet expectations, and ‘Coolie’ is no different. Touted as one of the most anticipated films of the year, with Rajinikanth leading a stellar cast, it had every reason to be a pan-India blockbuster. However, despite its grand scale, high production value, and powerhouse cast, the film struggles to deliver the impact it promised.
Story and Screenplay
‘Coolie’ unfolds across multiple timelines and locations. After the death of Rajasekhar, his daughter Preethi lashes out at Deva (Rajinikanth) during the funeral. Later, Deva learns there is more to the death than it appears. This discovery leads him into a dangerous world involving smuggler Simon and port head Dayalan. While the premise begins as a revenge thriller, it quickly shifts into an uneven crime drama, leaving several subplots underdeveloped.
Direction and Execution
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his sharp storytelling, fails to recreate his earlier magic here. The initial build-up and Rajinikanth’s stylish entry generate excitement, but as the narrative progresses, the film becomes cluttered with too many ideas. Non-linear storytelling, old songs, and music-driven action are present, but this time, they fail to resonate with the audience in the way his past works did.
Rajinikanth’s Performance
Rajinikanth, at 74, is still magnetic on screen. His charisma, comic timing, and signature style shine in every frame. However, the film does not fully utilise his potential. The story shifts focus between Rajinikanth, Soubin, and Nagarjuna, diluting the central arc. Despite this, his presence alone keeps many viewers engaged till the end.
Supporting Cast
Soubin Shahir’s Dayalan has an interesting arc but feels underutilised. Nagarjuna looks stylish as Simon but has a limited range in the script. Shruti Haasan delivers one of her stronger performances as Preethi, while Kanna Ravi and Rachitha Ram make notable impressions despite brief appearances. Cameos by Aamir Khan and Upendra, although hyped, add little to the film.
Technical Excellence
On the technical front, ‘Coolie’ stands out. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography captures grandeur with finesse. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score elevates several moments, and the production design, sound mixing, and VFX work flawlessly. The visual appeal and sound design are undoubtedly among the film’s strengths.
Where It Falters
The main issue is the overstuffed narrative. Starting as a personal revenge drama and shifting into a crime syndicate exposé, the transition is abrupt. Several story threads are left incomplete, and the pacing feels inconsistent. While individual scenes work, they don’t come together as a strong whole.
Final Word
‘Coolie’ had all the right ingredients for a blockbuster, but the execution fails to bring them together. It remains watchable mainly for Rajinikanth’s presence and its technical brilliance, but as a complete film, it leaves much to be desired.