Coolie Review: Rajinikanth at 74 Delivers the Energy of a 30-Year-Old – A Fun-Filled Entertainer

BY SHANTISWAROOP TRIPATHI

• Rating:  3 stars
• Banner: Sun Pictures
• Producer: Kalanithi Maran
• Story: Lokesh Kanagaraj
• Screenplay: Lokesh Kanagaraj, Chandru, and Ambajagan
• Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
• Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan, Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Jr. MGR, Kanna Ravi, Monisha Blessy, Kali Venkat, Charle, and others.
• Duration: 2 hours 50 minutes

Released on 14 August 2025, Coolie is superstar Rajinikanth’s 171st film and (Coolie review) serves as a grand gift for his fans, coinciding with 50 years of his cinematic journey on 15 August 2025. Following 2.0, this is his second Tamil film to release as a pan-India film dubbed in Hindi and other languages. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, who previously gave hits like Kaithi, Master, Vikram, and Leo, the story this (Coolie review and audience reaction) time stumbles a bit. Yet, the film never bores. Thanks to VFX, the 74-year-old Rajinikanth appears as a 30-year-old, drawing whistles and sending fans into frenzy.

Story

The film begins in the port city of Visakhapatnam, highlighting the (Coolie full movie review) exploitation of 14,400 coolies (port laborers). The central character is Deva aka Devaraj (Rajinikanth), a charismatic coolie who also runs Deva Mansion, a shelter home for students. When his close friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) suddenly dies of an alleged heart attack, Deva discovers the real death certificate—revealing that it was actually murder, not natural causes.
Rajasekhar, who had earlier saved Deva and was like family, had also invented a special incinerator chair that could instantly cremate bodies. Originally rejected by the government for being dangerous, the invention falls into the wrong hands. His daughter Preeti (Shruti Haasan) joins Deva in the search for the killer.

Their investigation leads to the Visakhapatnam port, where multiple illegal activities are run by Simon Xavier (Nagarjuna). Ironically, his son Arjun is an honest customs officer. For the last eight years, the port’s coolie operations have been managed by Dayal (Soubin Shahir), who also doubles as a police informer. Along the way, Kalisha (Upendra) and Daha (Aamir Khan) become part of the plot. It is revealed that Simon not only smuggles gold but also traffics human hearts abroad. To sustain this racket, he routinely conducts medical check-ups on the coolies.
When police crack down on disposing bodies at sea, Simon turns to Rajasekhar’s invention. This leads to Rajasekhar’s murder, orchestrated by Dayal. As the mystery unravels, shocking truths surface—including the revelation that Preeti is actually Deva’s daughter.

The climax hints at a potential sequel featuring Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan together.

Review

As mentioned, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie is more a reflection of his earlier films than something entirely new. The film packs in too many characters, which leaves audiences confused. While there are plenty of twists, the screenplay feels weak and needed tighter editing. That said, the action sequences are spectacular and some dialogues are highly entertaining. For instance, Rajinikanth quips: “My reach goes way up… I even know Shah Rukh and Aishwarya” (meri pahunch kaafi upar tak hai.. Shahrukh aur Aishwarya ko bhi jaanta hoon). 
The film thrives on energy, nostalgia, and Rajinikanth’s unfiltered mass appeal, roaring as a tribute to his legacy. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score complements the story well, though Pooja Hegde’s item number “Monica… Monica” disrupts the pace.

Acting

Rajinikanth as Deva is simply magnetic. Whether in comedy or action, he proves why no one can match his style, charisma, and effortless screen presence. Fans get exactly what they crave. Nagarjuna as Simon Xavier delivers brilliantly, playing a menacing villain with measured intensity. Shruti Haasan as Preeti looks graceful and innocent, contributing well. Soubin Shahir as Dayal is the real surprise package—his chilling performance leaves a mark. Aamir Khan’s role adds little impact; his presence feels unnecessary. Rachita Ram impresses in her brief role, while Sathyaraj and Upendra don’t get much to do.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is coolie 2025 part of LCU?

The official title, Coolie, was announced on 22 April 2024. Lokesh said the film would be an independent story separate from the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), and would focus on gold smuggling instead of the drug-related themes featured in his previous films.

What is the story of Coolie?
Deva, a former gold smuggler, seeks to reclaim his past glory by reviving his old gang with stolen technology hidden in old gold watches, resulting in unintended consequences.

What does the story of the film Coolie revolve around? 
The story revolves around the life of a coolie, his hardships and his battle for revenge.

Who is playing the lead role in the film Coolie? 
Superstar Rajinikanth will be seen in the lead role in the film Coolie.

How rich is Rajinikanth?
According to CNBC TV18, Rajinikanth's net worth is estimated to be around $51 million or ₹430 crores. This makes him one of the wealthiest actors in India. A large portion of his income comes from acting and film production. He also has several investments and a luxurious lifestyle, which includes a house in Chennai's Poes Garden and a collection of expensive cars. 

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