Hey there, if you’ve been buzzing about Rajinikanth’s latest outing, you’re in the right spot. This Coolie movie review breaks down Lokesh Kanagaraj’s action thriller that hit theaters today, August 14, 2025. As a fan of Tamil cinema, I caught an early show, and let’s just say it’s a ride with highs that scream “Thalaivar” and some lows that feel a bit dragged out. If you’re deciding whether to grab tickets amid the hype, stick around—I’ll keep it spoiler-free.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Vengeance and Gold Smuggling
Coolie follows Rajinikanth as Deva, a man on a relentless quest for revenge tied to a world of gold smuggling and betrayal. Without giving away twists, the story builds around family, loyalty, and high-stakes action. It’s got that classic Rajini flavor—think cigarette flips and punchy dialogues—but wrapped in Lokesh’s stylish direction. The first half sets up the characters and backstory, while the second ramps up with chases and confrontations. It’s not part of any cinematic universe, standing alone with nods to old Rajini films for that nostalgic kick. IMDb
If you’ve seen Lokesh’s earlier hits like Vikram or Leo, you’ll notice similarities in the gritty underworld vibe, but Coolie leans more into mass appeal.
Performances: Rajinikanth Steals the Show, Supported by a Solid Cast
Rajinikanth is the heart of this film. His energy is infectious, especially in the mass action scenes where he unleashes that vintage swag we’ve loved for decades. At 74, he’s still got it—flipping coins, delivering lines that had the theater whistling, and carrying the emotional weight in quieter moments. It’s a one-man show in many ways, celebrating his 50 years in cinema.
Nagarjuna shines as the antagonist, bringing style and menace to his role. Shruti Haasan holds her own as a key performer, though some dubbing felt off in Telugu versions. Soubin Shahir and Sathyaraj add depth, with Soubin standing out in dramatic scenes. Cameos from Aamir Khan and others pop up as surprises, adding fun without overshadowing the main narrative. Watch the trailer
Direction and Technical Aspects: Lokesh’s Style Meets Anirudh’s Beats
Lokesh Kanagaraj directs with his signature flair—slick action sequences and a dark, brooding atmosphere. The interval block is a highlight, packing a punch that had everyone cheering. But the pacing dips in the first half, with some scenes feeling disconnected or slow.
Anirudh’s music is a mixed bag. The background score elevates the action, but songs sometimes halt the momentum, and not all tracks hit the mark. Cinematography by Girish Gangadharan captures the gritty ports and intense fights beautifully, making it a visual treat.
Pros and Cons of Coolie
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros:
- Rajinikanth’s Mass Appeal: His intro and action scenes are pure fire.
- Strong Interval and Climax: Keeps you hooked with twists and high-energy blocks.
- Supporting Cast: Nagarjuna and Soubin deliver standout performances.
- Nostalgic References: Fun throwbacks to Rajini’s classics.
Cons:
- Uneven Pacing: First half drags with routine buildup.
- Predictable Plot Elements: Some arcs feel familiar, like a rehash of past films.
- Music Inconsistencies: Not Anirudh’s best work; songs could be tighter.
- Hype Over Delivery: Doesn’t fully live up to the massive expectations.
Specifications and Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Director | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| Cast | Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Aamir Khan (cameo), Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj |
| Genre | Action Thriller |
| Runtime | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Release Date | August 14, 2025 |
| Certification | A (Adult) |
| Production | Sun Pictures |
Key Highlights
- Record advance bookings over Rs 41 crore.
- Clashing with War 2 but leading in buzz.
- Aamir Khan’s cameo born from his fandom for Lokesh.
Did You Know? Aamir joined without reading the script, and there’s talk of a future superhero collab with Lokesh.
Key Takeaways from Coolie Movie Review
- It’s a must-watch for Rajini fans craving mass entertainment.
- The second half redeems the slower start with action and cameos.
- While not Lokesh’s best, it’s a solid commercial flick with hit potential.
- Theater experience amps it up—go for the whistles and cheers.
As one viewer put it on Reddit, “Good twists and BGM, satisfied, hit potential.”
Conclusion: Worth the Watch for Thalaivar Fans
Overall, Coolie is an entertaining vengeance tale that banks on Rajinikanth’s charisma to carry it through. It has moments of brilliance, especially in the action and performances, but the uneven script holds it back from being a classic. I’d rate it 3/5—good for a fun theater outing, but if you’re not a die-hard fan, maybe wait for OTT. With the festive release and star power, it’s poised to be a box office winner, potentially the biggest Tamil hit of 2025.
If you liked Jailer or Vikram, this one’s in that league. Check out our review of Jailer here for comparison.
For more on the film, head to IMDb’s Coolie page or watch the trailer on YouTube.
FAQ: Common Questions About Coolie Movie
Is Coolie part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)? No, it’s a standalone film, though rumors swirled earlier.
Who has cameos in Coolie? Aamir Khan makes a brief appearance, along with others that add surprise value.
What’s the runtime of Coolie? Around 2 hours and 50 minutes—pack some snacks for the longer stretches.
Should I watch Coolie in theaters or wait for OTT? Theaters for the mass vibe, but if tickets are pricey, OTT might suffice.
Poll: What’s your take on Coolie?
- Loved it! Pure Rajini magic.
- Average—good but not great.
- Disappointed, didn’t meet hype.
Vote in the comments!