Coolie (2025) Review: Why Rajinikanth’s Revenge Saga Divides Critics But Thrills Fans
Rajinikanth’s latest outing brings him together with Lokesh Kanagaraj for the first time. The film stars Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, and Upendra in a revenge drama.
This action-thriller has been generating buzz since its announcement. Fans were curious to see how this director-star combination would turn out on screen.
The Story Unfolds
The movie tells the story of a man haunted by his past. His younger self witnessed something that changed his life forever, setting him on a path of revenge.
What starts as a simple vendetta becomes a complex web. The protagonist’s journey spans years, showing how one incident can define an entire lifetime.
I found the plot structure interesting but sometimes hard to follow. The story jumps between timelines, which works for the most part but occasionally loses focus.
Acting Performances
Rajinikanth proves he still has it after all these years. His screen presence fills every frame, making you forget about the story’s weaker moments completely.
Nagarjuna steps in as a worthy co-star here. His chemistry with Rajinikanth feels natural, and both actors seem to enjoy working together in their scenes.
The supporting cast does their job well without stealing thunder. Soubin and Upendra bring their A-game, though their characters could have been written with more depth.
Everyone seems committed to their roles. The performances feel authentic rather than just going through the motions like in many commercial films.
Visual Treats and Technical Aspects
The de-aging technology used here impressed me the most. Rajinikanth looks convincingly younger in flashback sequences, which adds to the storytelling rather than distracting from it.
Fight scenes are choreographed beautifully throughout the movie. Each action sequence has its own flavor, keeping things fresh and exciting for viewers.
Music by Anirudh works perfectly with the film’s tone. The background score elevates tense moments while the songs blend seamlessly into the narrative flow.
Camera work captures the story’s mood effectively. Some scenes could have been edited tighter, but overall, the technical team delivers solid work.
Lokesh’s Direction Style
The director brings his unique vision to this Rajinikanth film. His approach to violence feels stylized rather than gratuitous, which suits the story well.
I appreciated how he handles the complex narrative structure. Multiple storylines converge naturally, though some viewers might find it overwhelming at first watch.
His pacing keeps you engaged even during slower moments. The film moves at a clip that doesn’t give you time to overthink its logical gaps.
The director clearly understands how to showcase his lead actor. Every scene with Rajinikanth feels crafted to highlight his strengths and screen magnetism.
What Really Works
This film succeeds as pure entertainment first and foremost. It delivers the kind of larger-than-life experience that Rajinikanth fans crave from his movies.
Technical excellence shines throughout the production. From visual effects to sound design, everything feels polished and professionally executed at the highest level.
The energy never drops during the runtime. Even when the plot gets confusing, the film maintains its momentum through strong performances and spectacular action.
Star power carries the movie through its weaker moments. Rajinikanth’s charisma papers over plot holes that might otherwise derail a lesser film completely.
Where It Falls Short
The story gets too complicated for its own good sometimes. What should be a straightforward revenge tale becomes unnecessarily convoluted in places.
I felt the action takes precedence over character development here. While the fights are spectacular, deeper emotional connections with characters get sacrificed for spectacle.
Some plot points feel forced to accommodate multiple stars. The story sometimes bends awkwardly to give everyone their moment in the spotlight.
A simpler narrative approach might have served the film better. The complexity doesn’t always add depth, just confusion for casual viewers.
How Critics Reacted
IMDB users gave it 6.1 out of 10, showing mixed feelings. While many praised the technical aspects, story complaints appear frequently in reviews.
Professional critics called it visually stunning but narratively messy. Most agreed that Rajinikanth’s performance saves the film from its structural problems.
Reviews highlighted the impressive action choreography and technical polish. The de-aging effects and cinematography received particular praise across multiple publications.
Critics generally agreed that fans will love it regardless. However, they warned that casual viewers might struggle with the complex plot structure.
Public Response
Theater audiences responded enthusiastically to Rajinikanth’s return. Many fans described the experience as celebratory rather than just watching a movie.
I noticed social media buzz remained positive overall. Fans appreciated seeing their favorite star in a well-made film after some recent disappointments.
Casual viewers had mixed reactions to the storytelling approach. Some found it engaging while others felt lost in the narrative complexity and timeline jumps.
The mass appeal clearly worked for target audiences. Box office numbers reflected strong fan support despite critical reservations about the story structure.
My Final Take
Coolie delivers exactly what it promises – a Rajinikanth showcase with high production values. The film succeeds as mass entertainment even when the story stumbles.
Lokesh proves he can handle superstars without losing his directorial voice. His technical skills elevate material that might have felt routine otherwise.
This works best for existing fans who want spectacle over subtlety. New viewers might appreciate the craft but struggle with narrative complexities.
Worth watching for the experience it provides rather than deep storytelling. Sometimes that’s exactly what cinema should be – pure, unadulterated fun.
Rating: 3.5/5
