Coolie (2025) Movie ft. Nagarjuna, Rajinikanth, and Soubin
When Rajinikanth meets Lokesh Kanagaraj for their debut collaboration, expectations naturally soar. Coolie arrives with a powerhouse cast featuring Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj. This August 14 release from Sun Pictures promised to be the year’s biggest action spectacle.
The film tells the story of Deva, a man with mysterious past connections to the port workers’ world. With Anirudh Ravichander composing the soundtrack, this Tamil action drama aimed to capture both mass appeal and critical acclaim. Yet the end result proves that star power alone cannot carry a film.
Plot Structure and Story Development
Coolie opens with Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj), a brilliant inventor whose humanitarian device becomes a tool for criminal activities. The antagonist Simon (Nagarjuna) represents corporate greed at its worst. When personal loss strikes, Deva (Rajinikanth) emerges from the shadows to settle old scores.
The screenplay jumps between different time periods, attempting to build mystery around the central character. While this approach creates intrigue initially, it struggles to maintain momentum. The transformation from personal vendetta to broader social commentary feels forced rather than organic.
Acting Performances and Character Depth
Rajinikanth brings his legendary screen magnetism to every frame he occupies. His portrayal of Deva showcases the veteran actor’s ability to command attention effortlessly. Nagarjuna delivers a chilling performance as the calculating businessman with dark intentions.
Aamir Khan’s special appearance as Dahaa adds star value without overwhelming the narrative. However, Shruti Haasan gets minimal screen time that doesn’t utilize her acting potential. The supporting cast including Upendra feels somewhat wasted in underdeveloped roles.
Technical Craft and Visual Appeal
Girish Gangadharan’s camera work creates stunning visuals that complement the port city setting perfectly. Anirudh’s music background elevates action sequences while maintaining emotional undertones. The production values showcase Sun Pictures’ commitment to quality filmmaking.
Sound design and editing maintain professional standards throughout. The visual effects team deserves credit for seamless integration of action elements. These technical strengths help mask some of the script’s weaker moments.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film’s greatest asset remains Rajinikanth’s commanding presence that never fails to entertain. Lokesh Kanagaraj demonstrates visual flair and action choreography skills. Nagarjuna’s villainous turn provides genuine menace to the proceedings.
Unfortunately, the writing lacks the depth needed to support such an ambitious project. Multiple subplots remain unresolved while character development takes a backseat to action spectacle. The pacing feels uneven, with some sequences dragging unnecessarily.
Reception and Public Response
Major publications offered mixed verdicts on the film’s overall impact. Times of India praised the energy levels while Indian Express found the execution lacking. Hindustan Times called it entertaining despite structural flaws.
Public opinion varies significantly based on expectations and personal preferences. Rajinikanth fans appreciate the mass moments while general audiences seek stronger storytelling. Social media discussions reflect this divide in reception.
Rating: 3/5
