MUMBAI – Indian cinema has always celebrated grand stories and iconic characters, but few films attract excitement like Coolie (2025). Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring the legendary Rajinikanth, this film arrived with massive expectations.
Its release on August 14, 2025, just before Independence Day, turned it into a nationwide festival for fans across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada languages. With a budget soaring between ₹350-400 crore, an all-star cast, and Lokesh’s trademark style, Coolie set out to be a landmark in action cinema. S
o, does the film live up to the hype? Here’s a look at its story, cast, highlights, and the reaction it sparked, all seen from the perspective of a Bollywood film critic who enjoys a classic masala entertainer.
Coolie made its global premiere on August 14, 2025, right in time for the holiday weekend. The film played in several formats, like IMAX, D-Box, and 4DX, reaching fans across India and beyond in four major languages.
Advance ticket sales started a week ahead, and seats in top Tamil Nadu cinemas filled up within hours, raking in a huge ₹50 crore from pre-bookings around the world. Experts estimate its first-day box office could soar past ₹150 crore, showing Rajinikanth is still a tremendous draw.
With an eight-week run in cinemas before streaming on Amazon Prime Video in October 2025, Coolie established itself as a must-see event on the big screen.
The Story: Redemption, Conflict, and Surprises
Coolie centres on Deva (Rajinikanth), a former gang boss trying to move past a dark history in gold and watch smuggling. Years after leaving his old life, Deva hatches a daring scheme to reach out to his former crew by handing out antique golden watches, nodding to Rajinikanth’s 1983 classic.
Things quickly spiral as the reassembled gang sets out on its path, wrecking his careful plans. The film brings together themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and second chances, layering fast-paced action with emotional moments.
Lokesh Kanagaraj packs in plenty of twists, keeping viewers on their toes, and hints at elements like time travel added fuel to fan debates before release. Lokesh left these theories open, promising viewers would be taken aback by what unfolds, and Coolie certainly refuses to fit into a single genre.
A Star-Filled Cast
Coolie lines up some of the biggest names in Indian film. Rajinikanth, appearing in his 171st film, plays Deva with all the style and presence fans expect—think bold walks, sharp dialogues, and an air that electrifies audiences. He finds a balance between action-hero confidence and deeper emotion, especially in scenes that touch on Deva’s troubled past.
Nagarjuna Akkineni, with a striking look inspired by the Joker, creates a wild energy and is described by Lokesh as a pivotal part of the story. His purple and cream clothes, along with his intense performance, make a strong impression. Soubin Shahir, known from Malayalam cinema, stands out, with Lokesh predicting he’ll soon be a household name in Tamil films.
Sathyaraj and Upendra add depth and style, while Shruti Haasan delivers a performance many call a standout. Aamir Khan’s brief guest appearance is a true fan moment, stirring up excitement in theatres.
Pooja Hegde appears in the song “Monica”, adding glitz, with the number said to draw inspiration from Monica Bellucci. Composer Anirudh Ravichander lifts the film with a driving score and powerful music pieces that shape the mood of every key scene.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Direction
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for building the Lokesh Cinematic Universe, takes on Coolie as a new, stand-alone production. With earlier hits like Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023), Lokesh combines witty dialogue, punchy action, and heartfelt storytelling.
He stays away from guns and drugs, matching Rajinikanth’s wishes for family-friendly content, but keeps the action raw and intense, earning Coolie an ‘A’ certificate from the CBFC. The trailer, released on August 2 at Chennai’s Nehru Indoor Stadium, hinted at a darker, more mysterious film and stoked whispers about possible sci-fi elements.
Lokesh’s promise that fans would be “surprised” seems well-founded: Coolie takes bold risks with its plot and style. Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan’s striking visuals and Philomin Raj’s tight editing build a setting that is gritty yet grand.
Lokesh’s tribute to Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema—shown in a special title card—brings a heartfelt note to the experience.
Critical Response: Mixed Reactions
Reviews for Coolie have split audiences. Udhayanidhi Stalin called it a “power-packed mass entertainer” perfect for Rajini fans, praising its energy and charm. Mammootty and Hrithik Roshan congratulated Rajinikanth on his half-century in film, praising the film’s size and style.
But not all feedback is glowing. A review from @Cinepollss on X labelled it “star-studded but disappointing,” with doubts about its “messy writing,” “long runtime” (2 hours 48 minutes), and execution, which some said felt like Lokesh parodying his style.
Others, including @SDM_official1, scored it a strong 4 out of 5, describing it as a “high-powered crowd pleaser” with standout action and strong emotional moments.
The film’s mixed reviews reflect the pressure of soaring pre-release expectations, but most agree Rajinikanth’s presence and Lokesh’s bold choices make Coolie an event in cinemas, even if it’s not for everyone.
The build-up to Coolie exploded online, with fans analyzing every teaser and poster in detail. The trailer’s debut on August 2 sent social media buzzing, with theory after theory on time travel catching fire thanks to a photonegative shot of a younger Rajinikanth.
Comments like @Chrissuccess’s “95% expectation meter” showcased the hype for Rajinikanth’s return, Anirudh’s stirring soundtrack, and the promise of intense action. Reports from @OnlyCinema_post tipped Nagarjuna and Shruti Haasan as scene-stealers, and Aamir Khan’s cameo drove up the excitement in halls.
Even with some early critical comments, like @SanskariGuruji calling it “a snooze fest” with “awkward scenes,” the mix of anticipation and skepticism only added to the buzz. Thanks to Rajinikanth’s legacy and Lokesh’s track record, cinemas filled up and the film became a festival in itself.
The Bollywood Critic’s Take
From a Bollywood critic’s point of view, Coolie offers pure entertainment, full of style and big moments. Rajinikanth, now 74, commands the screen, turning even simple lines into moments fans cheer.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ambition to make a film for the entire country shines in how the movie looks and feels, though some parts can feel too long or overloaded. The cast, especially Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir, adds richness to the story. Anirudh’s music keeps everything moving with strong beats and mood shifts.
At the heart of it, Deva’s struggle with his old life gives the film real weight, but pacing issues keep it from matching Lokesh’s best work, like Vikram. Still, Coolie is best seen in theatres, where Rajinikanth’s star power and Lokesh’s vision come together.
Coolie brings style, action, and star power, though its story sometimes stumbles. For Rajinikanth fans, it’s a joyous throwback. For others, it delivers excitement, even if it isn’t perfect.
