Coolie Review: Rajinikanth's Swag Delivers Style, But Can't Save a Story Lacking Substance

The Superstar Showcase

The much-anticipated action thriller Coolie has arrived, and it is a film that knows exactly what it is: a grand, unadulterated showcase for the enduring charisma of its leading man, Rajinikanth. The film is a cinematic vehicle precision-engineered to deliver a series of high-impact "mass moments," and in this, it largely succeeds. However, this relentless focus on style and star power comes at a significant cost, as the narrative foundation proves to be too messy and inconsistent to support the weight of its own spectacle. The result is a film that is undeniably entertaining in bursts but ultimately feels like a missed opportunity for something greater.

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The Power of Presence

The film rests almost entirely on the formidable shoulders of its superstar. Rajinikanth is in his element as Deva, a man who infiltrates a dangerous criminal enterprise to avenge the death of a friend. He commands the screen with the effortless swag and magnetic presence that have defined his career, and director Lokesh Kanagaraj, a filmmaker known for his mastery of hero elevation, gives him ample room to shine. The scenes featuring Rajinikanth’s younger avatar, in particular, are crafted to elicit a frenzied reaction from his devoted fanbase.

The supporting cast provides a strong foundation for the star to operate on. Nagarjuna delivers a compelling performance as the menacing antagonist, Simon, bringing a welcome gravitas to the role. The surprise package of the film is Soubin Shahir as Dayal, who shines in a well-fleshed-out character arc. While Shruti Haasan provides able support, it is the clash between the larger-than-life hero and the formidable villain that provides the film with its most engaging moments.

Narrative in Need of a Blueprint

While Coolie succeeds as a star vehicle, it falters as a coherent story. The screenplay is the film's most significant weakness, often feeling convoluted and unconvincing. The plot, which involves a secret device and a high-stakes infiltration, is peppered with interesting twists, but the connective tissue between these moments is weak. The narrative frequently gets bogged down in confusing subplots, and the central mission often lacks a clear sense of purpose or urgency.

This lack of narrative discipline means that while individual scenes may be thrilling, they don't always add up to a satisfying whole. The editing, too, could have been tighter, as some sequences, such as the extended track involving the character Dayal, begin to feel tedious despite their initial intrigue. This unexciting and messy writing acts as a constant impediment, preventing the film from achieving the taut, high-stakes tension of a truly great thriller.

The Technical Polish

Where the story falters, the film's technical aspects often step in to elevate the experience. The cinematography by Girish Gangadharan is spectacular, capturing the grand scale of the action with a slick, modern aesthetic. The action sequences, choreographed by Anbariv, are visceral and inventive, particularly a standout scene that intercuts the chaos of a fight in a mansion with the madness unfolding on a train.

The film's high-energy atmosphere is further amplified by the pulsating score from Anirudh Ravichander. The soundtrack is packed with peppy, memorable tracks that are perfectly in sync with the film's mass-market appeal, although some musical numbers feel forced into the narrative. This technical polish ensures that Coolie is always visually and sonically engaging, even when its plot is struggling to keep pace. Ultimately, the film is a testament to the power of a superstar, a thrilling but flawed ride that will likely satisfy the faithful but leave others wanting more.

The Verdict

•    Superstar Vehicle: Coolie is, first and foremost, a showcase for Rajinikanth, whose charisma and screen presence are the film's primary driving force.

•    Weak Narrative Core: The film is let down by a messy, confusing, and often unconvincing screenplay that prioritizes "mass moments" over coherent storytelling.

•    Strong Supporting Cast: Nagarjuna delivers a powerful performance as the antagonist, and Soubin Shahir is a standout in a surprising role.

•    Technical Excellence: The film boasts spectacular cinematography, visceral action sequences, and a peppy, modern soundtrack that elevate its entertainment value.