Coolie Review: Rajinikanth Starrer Falters with Over-the-Top Action and Weak Plot

Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Rating:  (2/5)

The much-hyped Rajinikanth starrer Coolie finally hits theatres, but it turns out to be a letdown. Despite boasting an enviable multi-industry cast Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and Satyaraj, the film is bogged down by a hackneyed plot and exaggerated action sequences.

Lokesh Kanagaraj seems to rely on star power to sustain audience interest, but the wafer-thin narrative fails to deliver. Rajinikanth attempts a near-dark role, showcasing varied emotions, yet his character is weakened by unbelievable “dark acts” he commits while seeking his friend’s killer.

Nagarjuna makes an impact in his first negative role, especially with his swag in the “I Am Danger” song. Malayalam actor Sourabh impresses with his dance moves in the Monica track while flaunting his evil streak. Aamir Khan leaves a mark with his grand appearance and tattooed look, though his screen time is limited. Shruti Haasan, playing a role with grey shades, shines with her mission-driven performance.

The story begins at Visakhapatnam port, where gangsters led by Nagarjuna smuggle gold ornaments. His aide Sourabh brutally hunts down a police informer among 14,000 coolies. Rajinikanth is introduced as a strict disciplinarian running a boys’ mansion, but his life changes after the death of his old friend (Satyaraj). When his friend’s daughter (Shruti Haasan) turns him away, he embarks on a dark quest for vengeance.

While the premise had potential, the film suffers from an emotional void and an implausible “mobile cremator chair” contraption that feels cruel and far-fetched. The forced flashbacks and chaotic narration dilute the impact further.

Anirudh’s background score and a couple of songs stand out, but they cannot salvage the messy storytelling. Lokesh attempts to highlight the struggles of coolies—often trapped in illegal work unknowingly—but this theme is lost amidst overstuffed characters and exaggerated drama.

In the end, Coolie recalls shades of Baasha but lacks the magic of the 1990s blockbuster. What could have been a gritty gangster drama instead becomes an overblown spectacle with little soul.