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Rajinikanth's collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj in 'Coolie' sparked considerable anticipation, but the film ultimately falls short of expectations. While Rajinikanth's magnetic presence and Soubin Shahir's compelling performance provide some saving grace, the movie is significantly hampered by a weak storyline and a generally flat execution. Nagarjuna's portrayal of the antagonist, Simon, and Sathyaraj's dignified performance offer moments of intrigue, but these are insufficient to elevate the film to the level of a truly engaging cinematic experience. The movie is set to release on August 14, 2025. According to 123telugu.com, the movie received a rating of 3/5. The film’s narrative revolves around Rajasekhar, who invents a mobile cremation system for a noble cause, but his invention is exploited by the ruthless smuggler, Simon. Rajasekhar's death sets Deva, a close friend, on a quest to uncover the truth behind Rajasekhar’s death and Simon's involvement. The questions surrounding Simon’s true business, his potential hidden past with Deva, and Deva's own mysterious history are central to the story. The movie tries to explore the connections between the character Dayal and other central characters.
One of the major strengths of 'Coolie,' as highlighted by the review, is Lokesh Kanagaraj's ability to assemble a stellar cast. This includes, most prominently, Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan and Sathyaraj, though the film doesn't fully capitalize on the potential of its ensemble. Soubin Shahir, originally stepping into a role intended for Fahadh Faasil, delivers a particularly noteworthy performance, adding depth and emotional resonance to his character. Nagarjuna's foray into the role of an antagonist is described as intriguing, though the menace promised in the film's promotional materials doesn't fully materialize on screen. Sathyaraj, despite his limited screen time, manages to leave a lasting impression with his restrained and effective acting. However, despite strong performances by these supporting actors, the review stresses that the strength of a star cast is contingent on the quality of the underlying content, which is where 'Coolie' falters.
The minus points section of the review is where the film's key weaknesses are exposed. The most significant criticism revolves around the story itself, which is described as lacking the depth and complexity needed to sustain audience interest. Even the presence of Rajinikanth and the other seasoned performers can't compensate for the subpar narrative. Shruti Haasan's role is characterized as underwritten, reduced to a series of tearful moments, and her Telugu dubbing is also criticized. Upendra's presence is deemed squandered in a role with little substance, while Aamir Khan's cameo is predictable and offers nothing new. The climax is similarly criticized for being predictable and lacking the emotional punch needed to leave a lasting impression. A notable point is the lack of connection to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU), which might disappoint fans hoping for crossover elements.
From a technical perspective, the review identifies Lokesh Kanagaraj's writing as the film's weakest link, suggesting that the film relies too heavily on star power at the expense of a compelling narrative. Anirudh Ravichander's music, while promising, fails to translate into a rousing background score, and the cinematography and editing are described as merely adequate. The production values are passable, but not enough to overcome the film's fundamental flaws. The cinematography was done by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj. Overall, the review concludes that 'Coolie' is a watchable action drama, primarily due to Rajinikanth's screen presence and the performances of Soubin Shahir and Sathyaraj. However, the film's uninspired storyline, flat execution, and lack of surprises ultimately prevent it from being a truly memorable cinematic experience. The verdict is that 'Coolie' is recommended primarily for die-hard Rajinikanth fans who are willing to overlook its shortcomings.