Coolie (2025) Movie Review: Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rajinikanth Redefine Tamil Cinema
The Tamil film industry has once again made global headlines with Coolie (2025), a high-octane action drama directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and led by the legendary Rajinikanth. Released on August 14, 2025, Coolie quickly rose to become the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year and one of the most talked-about Indian films of the decade. From its electrifying trailer to its record-breaking box office run, Coolie has set a new benchmark for South Indian cinema. This review takes you through every aspect of the film, from its story and performances to its technical brilliance and audience reception.
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Introduction: The Hype Behind Coolie
When Lokesh Kanagaraj announced his collaboration with Rajinikanth, the expectations were sky-high. Lokesh, known for his Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) and stylish action films like Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo, promised to deliver something bigger than ever. The title itself, Coolie, hinted at a throwback to Rajinikanth’s early days as an on-screen working-class hero. Fans anticipated a film that would blend nostalgia with modern filmmaking—and that’s exactly what Lokesh delivered.
The buzz began with the teaser, which shattered YouTube records within hours of release. The promise of a raw, grounded, and mass-driven Rajinikanth role was enough to drive fans into frenzy. On release day, theaters witnessed massive celebrations, with fans pouring milk on cutouts, bursting crackers, and lining up outside cinema halls from midnight.
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Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)
The story of Coolie revolves around Raghavan (Rajinikanth), a retired dockworker who lives a quiet life in Chennai. However, his past comes back to haunt him when an international smuggling syndicate led by a ruthless antagonist begins exploiting the very laborers he once fought to protect. Circumstances force Raghavan to step back into the world he left behind, wielding his raw power, sharp mind, and undying love for the working class.
While the film carries shades of Lokesh’s signature storytelling—crime syndicates, hidden identities, and interconnected arcs—it primarily focuses on Rajinikanth’s character, celebrating his legacy while delivering a gripping modern action drama.
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Rajinikanth’s Performance: A Living Legend at 74
At 74 years old, Rajinikanth proves once again why he is called Thalaivar. His screen presence in Coolie is magnetic—whether he is delivering punch dialogues, executing high-energy stunts, or simply walking in slow motion, the audience cannot take their eyes off him.
Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Raghavan is both nostalgic and refreshing. Lokesh smartly weaves in references to Rajini’s older films where he played coolie-like roles, creating a meta-cinematic experience that resonates with long-time fans. His powerful one-liners—delivered in his trademark style—sent theaters into roars of applause.
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Supporting Cast: A Powerhouse of Talent
Coolie doesn’t rely solely on Rajinikanth. The supporting cast amplifies the narrative:
Fahadh Faasil delivers an intense performance as the villain, balancing cold calculation with explosive outbursts.
Shruti Haasan plays a pivotal role as a journalist uncovering the smuggling racket, providing both emotional weight and narrative drive.
Vijay Sethupathi makes a surprise extended cameo, further fueling speculation about the expansion of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe.
Prakash Raj and Arjun Das shine in supporting roles, adding depth to the antagonist’s network.
Each actor complements Rajinikanth, ensuring that the film doesn’t feel like a one-man show but a well-rounded cinematic experience.
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Direction: Lokesh Kanagaraj at His Peak
Lokesh Kanagaraj cements his position as one of India’s finest filmmakers with Coolie. He combines his signature gritty storytelling with larger-than-life mass moments that are tailor-made for Rajinikanth. Lokesh balances style and substance brilliantly:
Action sequences are choreographed with precision, blending raw hand-to-hand combat with stylized slow-motion shots.
Narrative pacing is tight, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.
Dialogues carry both emotional heft and mass appeal, striking a balance between commercial entertainment and meaningful cinema.
What makes Coolie stand out is Lokesh’s ability to respect Rajinikanth’s legacy while still making a modern film that appeals to younger audiences.
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Technical Brilliance
Coolie is a technical marvel that elevates Tamil cinema to global standards:
Cinematography (by Girish Gangadharan): Each frame is visually stunning, from gritty dockyards to neon-lit night sequences. The camera captures Rajinikanth in his most heroic light, amplifying his aura.
Music (by Anirudh Ravichander): The soundtrack is pulsating, with background scores that heighten every action sequence. Songs like the intro theme have already become anthems among fans.
Editing (by Philomin Raj): Sharp cuts ensure there’s never a dull moment, keeping the film lean despite its grand scale.
Action choreography: Realistic yet stylized, combining Indian mass-action tropes with international finesse.
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Audience Reaction and Box Office Performance
From day one, Coolie has been nothing short of a festival. Fans celebrated it not just as a movie release but as a cultural event. The first-day first-show saw theaters erupting like stadiums, with fans cheering at every Rajinikan
th entry and punch dialogue.
At the box office, Coolie became the **highest-grossing
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