Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring the legend Rajinikanth, hit the screens with a lot of expectations, thanks to the promise of a mass entertainer with action, style and the superstar’s swag. But the film delivers on visual style and high-octane sequences, it fails to meet the humongous expectations.
A Stylish Yet Uneven Ride
Coolie is called a “stylish action entertainer” where Rajinikanth is in his element, delivering punchy dialogues and owning the screen with his larger than life presence. Lokesh Kanagaraj who is known for his slick storytelling and intricate plots in films like Vikram and Kaithi brings his trademark intensity to the action sequences. The technical aspects like Anirudh Ravichander’s thumping background score and Girish Gangadharan’s sleek cinematography are the highlights, making it a visually treat.
But the review says the film falters in narrative depth. The screenplay is packed with commercial elements like high stake chases and confrontations but lacks the emotional connect and coherent storytelling that we expect from a Rajinikanth-Lokesh combo. The plot which is centered around an underworld saga feels formulaic at times and doesn’t offer the freshness or depth we saw in Lokesh’s previous films.
Rajinikanth Shines, But the Script Lags
Rajinikanth at 74 is still magnetic on screen. His fans will love the moments where he delivers his one-liners and takes on the bad guys with ease. But even his star power can’t save a script that’s stretched and predictable in parts. Supporting cast including Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir add some spark but the characters are underwritten and there’s no emotional investment.
Technical Brilliance Overshadowed by Hype
The production values are top notch with Sun Pictures not sparing any expense to make it a grand spectacle. Action choreography by Anbariv is a highlight and delivers some adrenaline pumping sequences that caters to Rajinikanth’s mass appeal. But the film leans too much on style and not enough on substance. The much hyped connection to Lokesh Kanagaraj’s cinematic universe (LCU) is a missed opportunity and we get only fleeting references that doesn’t integrate well into the larger framework.
Verdict: A Mixed Bag for Rajini Fans
Coolie is a watchable action film that thrives on Rajinikanth’s charm and Lokesh’s direction but falters due to weak storyline and unfulfilled potential. For die hard Rajinikanth fans the film has enough Thalaivar magic to watch it in the theaters. But for those who expected a game changer in the Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj combo, Coolie will leave you wanting more.