Rajinikanth

Movie Name : Coolie

Release Date : August 14, 2025
123telugu.com Rating : 3/5
Starring : Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan
Director : Lokesh Kanagaraj
Producer : Kalanithi Maran
Music Director : Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematographer : Girish Gangadharan
Editor :  Philomin Raj

Related Links : Trailer

Superstar Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj join forces for the first time, and fans are bursting with excitement to see what this powerhouse duo delivers. Their creation, Coolie, is now in theatres! Dive into our review to see if it lives up to the hype, whether it connects to the LCU, and all the thrills it brings to the big screen.

Story:

Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) invents a mobile cremation system for a noble cause, but ruthless smuggler Simon (Nagarjuna) exploits it for his own gain. Tragically, Rajasekhar dies, leaving his daughter Preethi (Shruthi Haasan) and her two sisters alone. Deva (Rajinikanth), a close friend of Rajasekhar, sets out to uncover the truth, is Simon behind his death, or is someone else involved? Who is Simon really, and what is his true business behind the facade of smuggling? Does he share a hidden past with Deva? And who exactly is Deva, with his own mysterious history? Who is Dayal (Soubin Shahir) and what is his connection with this story? How Deva confronts these truths and what he does next form the rest of the story, best experienced on the big screen.

Plus Points:

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ability to assemble a stellar ensemble is commendable, with balanced focus on Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir.

Soubin Shahir, stepping into a role initially intended for Fahadh Faasil, delivers a layered performance rich in action and emotional depth. He inhabits the character with conviction, reaffirming his acting prowess.

Akkineni Nagarjuna’s debut as an antagonist is an intriguing shift from his romantic hero image. While he impresses in flashes, the menace promised in the promotions doesn’t fully materialise. Sathyaraj, despite limited screen time, leaves a mark with restrained and effective acting.

Rajinikanth brings charisma and charm, especially in the flashback portions as Coolie, aided by impressive de-ageing effects. His interactions with Nag and Soubin are engaging, offering fans moments to savour.

Rachitha Ram, though present briefly, benefits from a well-crafted character with a neat twist. The mansion fight, Rajini–Nag face-off, and select emotional beats stand out.

Minus Points:

A star cast can only shine if backed by solid content, and here the story lacks the strength to sustain interest. Even a simple plot can engage if executed with flair, but the narrative pacing and depth falter. Lokesh failed big time to deliver it.

Shruti Haasan’s role is underwritten, reduced largely to tearful moments. Her Telugu dubbing also misses the mark.

Upendra’s presence is squandered in a role with no substance, a missed opportunity for both the actor and the film. Aamir Khan’s role is an easy guess and there is nothing fresh to expect from such a cameo.

The climax is predictable, offering no surprise or emotional high. There is no link to LCU, but still, it could have been staged with more impact, especially during Aamir–Rajini’s convergence.

Technical Aspects:

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s writing is the film’s weakest link, relying on star power over substance. The direction never elevates the average material into a compelling whole. Anirudh’s promising album fails to translate into a rousing background score, leaving key moments flat. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography is serviceable, while Philomin Raj’s editing could have been sharper to avoid sluggishness. Production values are adequate.

Verdict:

On the whole, Coolie is a watchable action drama, driven by Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence, Soubin Shahir’s strong characterisation, and Sathyaraj’s dignified performance. Nagarjuna does a fair job as the antagonist. The film offers enough fan-pleasing elements – stylish fights, key confrontations, and a handful of engaging moments. However, the storyline is nothing remarkable, the execution feels flat, and there are no major twists or surprises to lift the narrative. Watch it for Rajini, and you might find it decent, but mainly if you’re a true fan.

123telugu.com Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by 123telugu Team