Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth’s Signature Style Shines in a High-Octane Thriller
Coolie, starring Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is a stylish entertainer with powerful performances and intense moments. While praised for Rajinikanth’s charisma and technical finesse, some critics note a complex narrative and uneven pacing. Read a balanced review based on trusted sources.

Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth, has opened to a massive audience, creating a landmark event in Tamil cinema. According to trusted reviews, the film offers a rich blend of action, style, and emotional moments centered around Rajinikanth’s character, Deva, a former coolie turned protector.
Rating: 3.5/5
Performances and Direction
Rajinikanth stands out with his trademark charisma and emotional depth, bringing a layered portrayal beyond the typical mass hero antics. Supporting actors like Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, and Shruti Haasan add substantial value, while Aamir Khan’s cameo adds surprise and excitement.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction is praised for creating strong atmospherics and slick visuals with technical excellence through Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography and Anirudh Ravichander’s music. However, some reviews point out that the story can feel convoluted and the pacing uneven at times, particularly in the second half.
Story & Screenplay
The narrative revolves around Deva’s quest to uncover the truth behind a mysterious death within a dockyard community. The film combines revenge drama with thriller elements, sprinkled with Lokesh’s signature nonlinear storytelling style. Critics from The Hindu appreciated the “powerhouse” feeling but noted a slight emotional disconnect. The Times of India highlighted the film’s engaging moments along with some predictable beats.
In contrast, Deccan Herald and India Today noted the film’s complexity might overwhelm casual viewers, as the script tries to juggle multiple ideas, sometimes with limited impact.
Audience and Technical Highlights
Fans and audiences are responding well to Rajinikanth’s vintage swag and mass appeal. The movie is packed with thrilling scenes, stylish fight sequences, and memorable dialogues that keep the momentum going, especially in the first half.
Technically, the film excels with tight editing, dynamic camera work, and a pulsing background score, elevating the experience in theatres.
Summary
Coolie delivers a blend of classic Rajinikanth mass moments and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature technical style, making it a notable entertainer for fans and action-lovers. While not without flaws—such as a somewhat dense screenplay and uneven pacing—the film still manages to engage and impress with its star power and production values.
Final Thoughts
For Rajinikanth fans and followers of Tamil action cinema, Coolie offers a thrilling ride with enough memorable sequences to satisfy the mass audience. Those seeking a tightly woven narrative might find certain parts less compelling, but the overall experience remains enjoyable and impactful.