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Coolie Review: Superstar Rajinikanth Outshines All In A Star-Heavy Film, And No One’s Complaining. When it comes to larger-than-life cinema, few stars can match the charisma of Rajinikanth. Coolie Review: Superstar Rajinikanth Outshines All In A Star-Heavy Film, And No One’s Complaining—that’s the best way to describe the grand action spectacle directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Released worldwide on August 14, 2025, the film is already being celebrated as a blockbuster, with packed theatres, early morning shows, and electrifying fan reactions.
A Festival-Like Release with Dhanush Joining Fans
For Rajinikanth’s fans, every film release feels like a festival, and Coolie was no different. The excitement multiplied when actor Dhanush, accompanied by his son Yatra, attended the First Day First Show at Chennai’s iconic Rohini Theatre. His presence brought added cheer to the frenzied crowd, symbolizing his continued bond with the superstar’s family despite his separation from Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwarya. Videos of Dhanush waving at fans and rushing into the theatre in an all-black outfit quickly went viral, fueling the celebratory atmosphere.
The Storyline: Deva’s Journey
At the heart of Coolie lies the story of Deva, a former seaport coolie turned fearless crusader. Rajinikanth plays the role with unmatched energy, effortlessly combining the qualities of a crime-buster, trade union leader, and guardian figure. Deva’s mission is fueled by vengeance after the suspicious death of his close friend Rajasekhar (played by Sathyaraj). While Rajasekhar’s daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) initially dismisses her father’s death as natural, Deva believes it to be murder and vows to protect her and her sisters.
The narrative cleverly weaves together themes of revenge, justice, and morality, while showcasing Rajinikanth in action-heavy sequences that reaffirm his superstar status.
A Star-Studded Cast
While Coolie is dominated by Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence, the ensemble cast adds tremendous weight. Nagarjuna Akkineni plays the menacing antagonist Simon Xavier, who runs a luxury watch smuggling empire, while Soubin Shahir impresses as the ruthless and cunning Dayal. Shruti Haasan brings emotional depth to her role as Preethi, though her character often finds herself needing Deva’s protection.
Adding to the film’s grandeur are special appearances: Upendra shines in an extended cameo, while Aamir Khan delivers a memorable entry as a heavily tattooed crime lord in the desert, elevating the climax.
Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rajinikanth’s Collaboration
One of the biggest highlights of Coolie is the collaboration between hitmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rajinikanth. Kanagaraj, known for blockbusters like Vikram and Leo, tailors the screenplay to amplify Thalaiva’s legendary aura. From the powerful entry sequence with meat cleavers reflecting parts of his face to the protracted pre-interval action block, every frame is designed to keep audiences hooked.
While the film does suffer from occasional pacing issues and scattered subplots, Rajinikanth’s sheer screen presence ensures that the momentum never drops for long. His charisma single-handedly carries the film through weaker stretches, proving why he remains one of the most bankable stars in Indian cinema.
Fan Reactions and Box Office Buzz
Theatres across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and even overseas markets are witnessing sold-out shows. Fans have been cheering, whistling, and dancing in front of screens, celebrating Rajinikanth’s first collaboration with Kanagaraj in true Thalaiva style. With special early morning shows and additional screenings being arranged, Coolie is well on its way to becoming one of the biggest box office successes of 2025.
Final Verdict
Coolie is a grand cinematic celebration of Rajinikanth’s enduring stardom. Despite being loaded with big names, from Nagarjuna to Aamir Khan, the film belongs entirely to Rajinikanth. His portrayal of Deva is powerful, magnetic, and filled with emotional intensity, ensuring that fans get exactly what they came for—a power-packed Rajinikanth entertainer.
For anyone wondering if this star-heavy film might overshadow Rajinikanth, the answer is clear: he outshines them all, and no one’s complaining.
Note: All images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
Coolie Movie FAQs: Rajinikanth’s Powerhouse Film That Fans Can’t Stop Talking About
1. What is Rajinikanth’s new movie Coolie about?
Coolie follows the story of Deva, an ex-seaport coolie who transforms into a fearless crusader. He is many things at once – a righteous trade union leader, a crime-buster, a protector of students, and a relentless avenger. The plot thickens when his close friend Rajasekhar dies under mysterious circumstances, pushing Deva into a deadly confrontation with a gold smuggling empire run by Simon Xavier (Nagarjuna Akkineni) and his ruthless supervisor Dayal (Soubin Shahir).
2. Who directed Coolie and why is it special?
The film is directed by hitmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, marking his first collaboration with Rajinikanth. Lokesh, known for Master, Leo, and Vikram, taps directly into Rajini’s unmatched star power and charisma, creating a high-octane entertainer. This director-star duet is already being compared to his iconic partnerships with Vijay and Kamal Haasan.
3. Which actors star in Coolie alongside Rajinikanth?
Coolie is a star-studded extravaganza featuring:
- Rajinikanth as Deva (lead role)
- Nagarjuna Akkineni as Simon Xavier (main villain)
- Shruti Haasan as Preethi
- Soubin Shahir as Dayal (antagonist)
- Upendra Rao in an extended cameo
- Sathyaraj as Rajasekhar
- Pooja Hegde and Satyadev in key roles
- Aamir Khan in a stylish special appearance as a tattooed crime lord
4. What makes Rajinikanth’s role in Coolie stand out?
At 74, Rajinikanth proves why he is still the ultimate superstar. His entry scene itself – reflected dramatically on the blades of two meat cleavers – sets the tone. As Deva, he’s portrayed as larger-than-life: fearless, righteous, witty, and unstoppable. His presence alone lifts scenes that might otherwise lose steam, especially in action-heavy sequences.
5. How has the audience reacted to Coolie?
The response has been electric. Fans are treating the release like a festival, with theatres packed with cheering, whistles, and celebrations. Special shows have been added across theatres to accommodate the frenzy. Early reviews highlight Rajinikanth’s magnetic performance as the backbone of the film, while praising Lokesh Kanagaraj’s grand vision.
6. Why did Dhanush attend the first day, first show of Coolie?
Actor Dhanush, who was formerly married to Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwarya, maintains a close bond with the superstar’s family. On release day (August 14, 2025), he arrived at Chennai’s Rohini Theatre along with his son Yatra to join fans for the early morning show. His presence added to the excitement, with fans celebrating both Rajinikanth and Dhanush’s arrival.
7. What is the Hindi title of Coolie?
The Hindi dubbed version of the film has been released under the title Coolie – The Powerhouse. It carries the same energy and retains Rajinikanth’s fiery screen presence for North Indian audiences.
8. Is Coolie only about action?
While Coolie is packed with blood-pumping action, it doesn’t lose sight of its emotional and moral core. Deva is not just an action hero; he’s portrayed as a godlike protector who values justice, loyalty, and compassion. The movie blends mass action with drama, comedy, and emotional depth, ensuring it appeals to both hardcore fans and family audiences.
9. How is Shruti Haasan’s role in the film?
Shruti Haasan plays Preethi, the daughter of Rajasekhar. While her character is shown as a determined sister protecting her family, much of her arc revolves around being saved by Deva. Despite significant screen time, Coolie remains a man’s world where Rajinikanth’s character takes center stage.
10. Should you watch Coolie in theatres?
Absolutely! If you’re a Rajinikanth fan, Coolie is a feast you cannot miss. Between Lokesh Kanagaraj’s stylish direction, the mega star cast, Aamir Khan’s cameo, and Rajinikanth’s unmatched energy, the film delivers the ultimate big-screen experience.
Coolie is more than a film – it’s a celebration of Rajinikanth, an action-packed spectacle, and a festival for fans.