Coolie Review: Rajinikanth’s Film Has Too Many Ideas, but Too Little Impact

There’s nothing quite like the buzz around a Rajinikanth release — and Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, was no exception. Announced in 2023 and finally hitting screens on 14 August 2025, it arrived with mega anticipation: a star-studded lineup featuring Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan (in a special cameo), Shruti Haasan, Upendra, and Soubin Shahir, plus music by Anirudh Ravichander — all signaling that this was going to be another blockbuster spectacle.

The High-Octane Build-Up

From the get-go, Coolie was positioned as a visual and emotional feast—the kind of larger-than-life masala entertainer Rajinikanth fans cherish. The hype machine delivered: ticket pre-sales broke records (₹100+ crore expected domestically, over US $2 million in North America premieredil alone). Early reactions? Divided. Some praised it as a “power-packed mass entertainer” and welcomed a nostalgic nod to Rajini’s 80s-90s swagger.

So, What Worked?

• Rajinikanth’s Presence: The superstar’s charisma continues to be the film’s strongest asset. Fans worldwide called it a “one-man show” with pure festival vibes.
• Music and Style: Anirudh’s soundtrack delivered. Songs like “Monica,” “Chikitu,” and “Powerhouse” were instant chartbusters, with “Monica” going viral thanks to Pooja Hegde’s hook step.
• Star Ensemble: The supporting cast had some standout moments — Shruti Haasan was called “the main highlight,” and early praise came even for Aamir Khan and Nagarjuna.

But Here’s the Catch: Too Much, Too Little

It’s often said that more is less—and for Coolie, that might hold true. Critics and fans noted that the film felt overstuffed and disjointed.

• Plot & Structure: The storyline felt bloated. Critics summarized it succinctly: “Coolie was highly anticipated but failed to meet expectations,” with a strong performance from Rajini but a weak story hampered by too many ideas.
• Pacing Issues: Reviewers flagged pacing problems, especially in the second half, which many found dragged and lacked dramatic build-up.
• Direction Misfires: For a director like Lokesh, known for tightly woven narratives (Kaithi, Vikram, Leo), the uneven screenplay felt like a step back. Some called Coolie a “nothingburger” and said Lokesh’s direction didn’t deliver on its potential.
• Mixed Fan Sentiment: While some praised the energy and nostalgia, others said it was underwhelming compared to the hype. Comments ranged from “festival vibes” to “story could’ve been tighter” or “collapses under its own bloated hype”.

Short Takeaway

• What shines: Rajinikanth’s iconic charm, Anirudh’s vibrant score, nostalgic visuals, and the star-studded cast.
• What falters: A cluttered screenplay, lack of narrative focus, and pacing that sags in the final act.
• Final word? Coolie is a treat for fans, especially those looking to revel in Rajinikanth’s aura. But for audiences wanting a tighter, more impactful film, it may feel like it hit all the right notes — just not in harmony.

FAQ

Q: Is Coolie worth watching if you’re not a Rajinikanth fan?
If you love action-packed masala films with high energy, catchy music, and flashy visuals, you’ll enjoy parts of it. But if you’re after sharp storytelling, you may feel the narrative wears thin.

Q: Who shines in the supporting cast?
Shruti Haasan gets special praise as a scene stealer. Nagarjuna and Aamir Khan earn positive mentions, though their impact is limited by the screenplay’s weak structure.

Q: Any standout music moments?
Absolutely. “Monica” became a social media sensation, and tracks like “Chikitu” and “Powerhouse” pack an energetic punch.

Q: How’s the direction compared to Lokesh’s previous work?
Fans of his earlier films may be disappointed. Coolie lacks the narrative sharpness and tight plotting that marks Lokesh’s best.

Q: What’s the overall critical rating?
The Times of India gave it 3.5/5, calling it an electrifying ode to Rajini’s legacy with uplifted energy, especially in the second half.

 

Disclaimer

This blog post reflects early reviews and audience reactions available as of 14 August 2025. Cinema is subjective—your experience may differ. Box office performance, streaming availability, or broader critical reappraisal may evolve over time.