Coolie Movie Review - A Stylish Crowd-Pleaser with Heart and Nostalgia
Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) invents a mobile cremation system for a noble cause, but unscrupulous smuggler Simon (Nagarjuna) exploits it for his personal gain. When Rajasekhar passes away, his daughter Preethi (Shruthi Haasan) and her two sisters are left all by themselves. Rajasekhar's close friend Deva (Rajinikanth) sets out to find out if Simon or someone else is responsible for his death. What is Simon's real purpose behind the smuggling front, and who is he? Does he and deva have a secret past? And with his own enigmatic past, who is deva exactly? What role does Dayal (Soubin Shahir) play in this narrative, and who is he? The remainder of the narrative is shaped by Deva's actions after facing these realities.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie leans unapologetically into fan service, offering audiences a rich blend of high-energy songs, dynamic dances, impactful punch dialogues, and a generous dose of trademark swagger. At the film’s core is Rajinikanth, whose magnetic charisma, inimitable style, and commanding screen presence once again prove why he remains an undisputed icon of indian cinema. The flashback sequences — particularly those featuring Rajinikanth alongside Sathyaraj — stand out as a cinematic treat, marking the duo’s reunion on screen after four decades.
Sathyaraj and shruti haasan deliver commendable performances that provide depth without veering into overindulgence. Shruti’s character emerges as the emotional anchor of the narrative, while the film’s second half sustains its momentum with a deft blend of mass appeal and sentiment. The well-timed emotional outbursts resonate strongly, and the seamless de-aging of Rajinikanth injects a nostalgic punch that is both technically impressive and narratively fitting. Aamir Khan’s brief yet impactful cameo is placed with precision, adding intrigue without feeling like a gratuitous addition.
Lokesh kanagaraj has taken lessons from the tonal inconsistencies of his previous work, opting here for a more balanced approach that merges spectacle with storytelling. His direction channels the enthusiasm of a fan while retaining his distinct cinematic voice, ensuring that Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life persona complements rather than overshadows the narrative. While Coolie may not scale the narrative heights of Kaithi or Vikram, it stands as an engaging, high-energy entertainer that rarely falters in holding the audience’s attention. Anirudh Ravichander’s music proves integral to the experience — the songs are tailored for mass appeal, and the background score elevates the action sequences with vigor, even if the emotional segments lean on familiar musical tropes. Ultimately, Coolie delivers what it promises: a satisfying fusion of style, emotion, and entertainment.
Sathyaraj and shruti haasan deliver commendable performances that provide depth without veering into overindulgence. Shruti’s character emerges as the emotional anchor of the narrative, while the film’s second half sustains its momentum with a deft blend of mass appeal and sentiment. The well-timed emotional outbursts resonate strongly, and the seamless de-aging of Rajinikanth injects a nostalgic punch that is both technically impressive and narratively fitting. Aamir Khan’s brief yet impactful cameo is placed with precision, adding intrigue without feeling like a gratuitous addition.
Lokesh kanagaraj has taken lessons from the tonal inconsistencies of his previous work, opting here for a more balanced approach that merges spectacle with storytelling. His direction channels the enthusiasm of a fan while retaining his distinct cinematic voice, ensuring that Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life persona complements rather than overshadows the narrative. While Coolie may not scale the narrative heights of Kaithi or Vikram, it stands as an engaging, high-energy entertainer that rarely falters in holding the audience’s attention. Anirudh Ravichander’s music proves integral to the experience — the songs are tailored for mass appeal, and the background score elevates the action sequences with vigor, even if the emotional segments lean on familiar musical tropes. Ultimately, Coolie delivers what it promises: a satisfying fusion of style, emotion, and entertainment.