Rajinikanth’s “Coolie” Delivers High-Octane Action but Divides Fans
CHENNAI, Aug. 14, 2025 — Coolie, the latest Tamil-language action thriller from director Lokesh Kanagaraj, has hit theaters worldwide to a wave of excitement, debate, and divided opinion. Produced by Sun Pictures and headlined by Rajinikanth as Deva, a former gold smuggler seeking to rebuild his empire, the film features an ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Soubin Shahir, and a cameo by Aamir Khan. Clocking in at 2 hours and 49 minutes with an ‘A’ certification for graphic violence, Coolie promises — and delivers — intense action, even if not all viewers are convinced by its storytelling.
A Hype-Fueled Arrival
From the moment teaser trailers dropped, Coolie generated massive buzz. Early expectations were fueled by Rajinikanth’s mass appeal, Anirudh Ravichander’s high-energy score, and Kanagaraj’s reputation after hits like Vikram and Leo. Many speculated it might connect to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe — a rumor ultimately debunked. The plot instead focuses on revenge, loyalty, and the underworld gold trade.
Praise for Performances and Style
Social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit have been flooded with first-day reactions. Admirers highlight Rajinikanth’s “vintage swag,” dynamic presence, and his ability to command every frame. Nagarjuna’s stylish entry and Upendra’s powerful screen moments have also earned applause. “The first half crackles with energy and the interval block is pure mass cinema,” wrote one user on r/kollywood.
Action sequences, especially in the interval and climax, have been singled out as major draws. Anirudh’s tracks — particularly “Vibe,” “Monica,” and “Coolie Disco” — were cited by fans as “the lifeline of the film.”
Criticism Over Story and Pacing
Yet for every glowing post, there’s another pointing to flaws. Many viewers argue the second half feels “flat and disjointed,” with predictable revenge beats and underdeveloped character arcs. “Lokesh’s weakest screenplay to date,” one Reddit reviewer claimed, while others felt the film relied too heavily on Rajinikanth to carry the narrative.
Some also criticized the visual quality, describing certain sequences as “pathetically shot” or “overstuffed with unnecessary fights.” Music reviews were similarly mixed — while some praised the background score, others found it “rusty” and “not up to the mark.”
Polarized but Passionate Reception
Fan bias is evident in the discourse. Die-hard Rajinikanth supporters have declared it an instant blockbuster, while detractors call it a flop. Allegations of paid reviews — both positive and negative — have circulated, though no concrete evidence has surfaced.
Across more than 40 authentic user reviews analyzed, ratings range from 2/5 to 3.75/5, averaging about 2.75/5. Both X and Reddit agree: go in expecting an adrenaline-fueled revenge drama, not groundbreaking cinema.
Verdict and Box Office Outlook
Coolie may not match the creative peaks of Vikram or Leo, but for audiences seeking a star-driven spectacle packed with action, it offers a one-time watch worth the theater experience. Early box office reports are promising — including an estimated $850,000 from North American premieres — but sustaining momentum will depend heavily on word-of-mouth in the coming weeks.
