Coolie Movie Review: An Okayish Action-Drama Elevated By Rajinikanth’s Swag

Rajinikanth's Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, arrives with towering expectations, given the director's track record with Vikram and Kaithi. Add to that an ensemble featuring Nagarjuna as the antagonist, Upendra in a pivotal role, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, Rachita Ram, and even a cameo by Aamir Khan - it's the kind of line-up that promises fireworks. But while Coolie delivers sparks, it rarely catches fire.

This time around, Lokesh leans heavier on drama than his signature adrenaline-pumping screenplay. While that shift could have offered a refreshing change, the payoff is inconsistent. The first half is a mixed bag - functional in moving the story forward but lacking the sharp, staged elevations that have become a "Loki" hallmark. The second half fares better, with one standout flashback cut towards the climax that hints at the director's usual finesse.

Rajinikanth, as always, is magnetic. He glides through the film with his trademark swagger, but the script curiously keeps his presence dialed down compared to what fans might expect. Nagarjuna's role is a pleasant surprise - layered and compelling - but frustratingly sidelined in the latter half. Cameos, particularly Aamir Khan's, feel shoehorned in rather than organically integrated.

On the technical front, Anirudh Ravichander's music works overtime to elevate key sequences, but the overall production quality feels surprisingly modest for a Lokesh film. Girish Gangadharan's cinematography and Philomin Raj's editing keep things competent, yet the film never reaches the visual polish of Vikram.

The film also borrows liberally - from Lokesh's own Vikram template (non-linear reveals, mystery surrounding a death, multiple cameos) to nostalgic nods to Rajini's Baashha and Jailer. While the de-ageing sequences and 80s throwback portions are genuinely well done, supporting characters like Soubin Shahir's and Rachita Ram's end up underwritten.

Coolie is, at its core, a revenge drama with a few thrilling moments, several undercooked threads, and a screenplay that feels more commercially safe than creatively daring. For Lokesh fans, it's a watchable but restrained outing. For Rajini fans, it's the superstar doing what he does best - but within a frame that could have been much bigger.

Verdict: An okayish action-drama elevated by Rajinikanth's presence and a few standout moments, but weighed down by a safe, rehashed narrative. Lower your expectations, and you might just enjoy the ride.