Coolie Review: Thalaivar’s Vintage Charm and Power-Packed Performance

When Rajinikanth teams up with Lokesh Kanagaraj, expectations naturally touch the sky. Coolie promised a thrilling blend of mass action, stylish storytelling, and emotional drama. With Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj in key roles, the movie arrived as a pan-Indian spectacle. But did it truly live up to the hype? Let’s break it down in this Coolie Review.

Rajinikanth’s Swag Meets Action in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Mass Entertainer

🎥 Coolie Review

Plot: Gold, Glory, and Consequences

The story follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a former gold smuggler who attempts to reclaim his lost glory. His plan? Reviving his old gang with stolen technology hidden inside vintage golden watches. But power always comes with a price, and soon, his ambitions spiral into unintended consequences.

Lokesh Kanagaraj infuses the plot with sharp dialogues, high-octane stunts, and emotional beats. The first half is pure “vera level” entertainment, with an explosive interval block. The second half keeps the pace, leading to a thrilling climax that’s bound to make Rajini fans cheer.

Performances: A Powerhouse Cast

• Rajinikanth: At 75, the superstar proves why he’s called Thalaivar. His swag, walk, style, and dialogue delivery are intact, taking fans back to his vintage days. His comedy timing in the hostel episode is a standout.
  
• Nagarjuna: As Simon, he delivers a powerful performance and shines as a strong antagonist.
  
• Upendra: A delight to watch, bringing his own charm and screen presence to the mix.
• Shruti Haasan & Sathyaraj: Perfect casting as Preethi and Rajasekhar, adding emotional weight to the story.

Direction & Screenplay: The Lokesh Touch

Lokesh Kanagaraj shows a different shade of Rajinikanth—more grounded yet fiercely stylish. The action sequences are choreographed to perfection, but the screenplay has its clumsy moments. Some characters lack depth, and certain scenes feel stretched.

Still, the film’s emotional beats, coupled with Rajini’s magnetic presence, keep the audience engaged.

Music & Technical Brilliance

The background score pumps up every mass moment, making fight sequences even more electrifying. Cinematography captures grand sets and action in true cinematic style, while the golden watch concept gives the visuals a unique identity.

Box Office & Records

Coolie opened to massive numbers, collecting over ₹80 crore worldwide on Day 1. It quickly crossed the ₹350 crore mark in its first week. Despite mixed overseas reviews about pacing, the film set multiple regional box office records and became one of Rajini’s highest-grossing films in recent years.

Ups & Downs

Ups:

• Rajinikanth’s unmatched energy and style
  
• Nagarjuna’s intense villain role
  
• Engaging first half and explosive interval block
  
• Strong background score and stylish cinematography
  

Downs:

• Clumsy screenplay in portions
  
• Uneven pacing in overseas cut
  
• Underdeveloped side characters

Unknown Facts & Behind-the-Scenes Stories

• The golden watch props were custom-made and embedded with functional tech for authenticity.
  
• Rajinikanth performed many of his stunts without a double, despite his age.
  
• Lokesh Kanagaraj wrote the climax specifically to pay tribute to Rajini’s Baasha era.
  
• The film marked the first on-screen collaboration between Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, and Upendra.ed in secrecy to avoid leaks.

Audience & Critical Reception

In India, fans called Coolie a “real power house” of mass entertainment. Many loved Rajini’s comedic hostel scenes and the emotional depth of his character. Overseas, while the climax was praised, some felt the story’s pace dipped in the middle.

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⭐ Highlights: War 2 Review

• Rajinikanth in vintage form at 75
  
• Nagarjuna’s powerful antagonist role
  
• First half “vera level” entertainment
  
• Golden watch concept adds freshness
  
• Over ₹350 crore box office in first week

🧭 Conclusion: Thalaivar’s Magic Still Works

In this review, Coolie stands tall as a celebration of Rajinikanth’s 50-year career. It may not be flawless, but it delivers the swag, style, and mass moments fans crave. For Rajini lovers, it’s a festival; for casual viewers, it’s a solid one-time watch with memorable high points.