✅ “Coolie” (2025) is an explosive Tamil-language action thriller that marks a highly anticipated collaboration between superstar Rajinikanth and critically acclaimed director Lokesh Kanagaraj. Produced by Sun Pictures, this high-octane film is a star-studded spectacle with a pan-Indian appeal. Released on August 14, 2025, the movie plunges into a high-stakes world of crime and vengeance, showcasing Rajinikanth in a powerful and vintage “mass” avatar. With a focus on gold smuggling and a complex, fast-paced narrative, “Coolie” is designed to be a cinematic event, combining Lokesh’s signature style with the unmatched charisma of the legendary actor.
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Coolie
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Writers: Lokesh Kanagaraj, Chandhru Anbazhagan
Stars: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir
Country: India
Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
Languages: Tamil
Overview: Deva, once living a quiet life, is shaken when his close friend dies under suspicious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, he infiltrates a powerful gang operating in the shadows. As he...
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Coolie (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Coolie (2025)
- Language: Tamil (Also released in Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi)
- Budget: Estimated $42 Million – $48 Million (₹350 – 400 Crore)
- Revenue: N/A (Released on August 14, 2025)
- Runtime: 170 Minutes (2 Hours 50 Minutes)
- Release Date: August 14, 2025
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Drama
- Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Pooja Hegde
- Directors: Lokesh Kanagaraj
- Screenplay: Lokesh Kanagaraj, Chandhru Anbazhagan
- Studios & Producers: Sun Pictures (Producer: Kalanithi Maran)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Sun Pictures -
Image via Sun Pictures -
Image via Sun Pictures -
Image via Sun Pictures
Plot Summary
The plot of “Coolie” revolves around Deva, also known as Devaraj, played by the legendary Rajinikanth. He is the charismatic leader of a boarding house in Chennai with a seemingly simple life. However, his tranquil existence is shattered when his close friend, Rajshekhar (Sathyaraj), a former laborer, is found dead. While the official report cites a heart attack, Deva uncovers evidence suggesting foul play. This discovery propels him into a relentless quest for justice, leading him to infiltrate a ruthless gold smuggling syndicate operating in Visakhapatnam, headed by the menacing Simon (Nagarjuna). As Deva navigates this dangerous underworld, he not only seeks to avenge his friend’s death but also unearths a hidden chapter of his own past. This past is filled with buried secrets and unfinished business, revealing a connection to the very crime syndicate he is trying to dismantle. “Coolie” is a narrative of a man’s dual journey—one of vengeance for a friend and the other of personal redemption, with high-stakes action and unexpected twists at every turn.
Cast & Crew
The film’s star-studded cast is one of its major highlights. Rajinikanth, as Deva, delivers a performance that harks back to his vintage “mass” avatar, brimming with charisma, style, and fierce energy. The film is a perfect showcase for his enduring screen presence. Nagarjuna Akkineni shines as the primary antagonist, Simon, embracing his villainous role with a calculated and cold finesse. His scenes with Rajinikanth are a treat for the audience. The ensemble cast also includes prominent names like Aamir Khan, who makes a special appearance as a key character named Dahaa, a role that has been praised for its razor-sharp dialogue delivery and comic swagger. Soubin Shahir as Dayal, Simon’s aide, is another inspired casting choice, and his performance is highly impactful. Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj round out the powerful supporting cast, each contributing significantly to the intricate plot. Directed by the visionary Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film showcases his ability to handle a large ensemble cast and craft a compelling narrative, even with the immense expectations surrounding a Rajinikanth collaboration.
Critical & Audience Response
“Coolie” opened to a mixed but generally positive reception from critics. While there was immense praise for the film’s first half and the return of a vintage, high-energy Rajinikanth, some critics pointed out that the screenplay, while complex, felt a bit complicated and not as polished as Lokesh Kanagaraj’s previous works. The film’s “A” (Adults Only) rating by the Censor Board sparked some concern among fans about its potential to draw in family audiences, but the initial box office reports suggest that it is performing exceptionally well, with record-breaking advance bookings. Audiences were thrilled to see Rajinikanth’s charismatic screen presence and the stylishly executed action sequences. The surprise cameo by Aamir Khan and the other stellar performances by the cast were also major talking points. While some felt the narrative could have been tighter, the film was largely celebrated as a fitting tribute to Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema, with its blend of old-school veneration and a modern, high-octane directorial style.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj steps into a new league with “Coolie,” demonstrating his prowess in handling a superstar of Rajinikanth’s stature while retaining his signature style. Lokesh’s direction is defined by its raw energy, a preference for practical action, and a narrative that is both intricate and fast-paced. He succeeds in blending Rajinikanth’s iconic “mass” persona with a grounded, gritty filmmaking approach. The film’s screenplay, co-written with Chandhru Anbazhagan, is a complex web of twists and turns, showcasing Lokesh’s ambition to create a unique cinematic experience. The cinematography by Girish Gangadharan is a standout feature of “Coolie.” Having previously worked on “Vikram,” he brings a distinct visual style that is both immersive and atmospheric. The film was shot using IMAX-certified cameras, a first for Tamil cinema, which is evident in the grand scale and visual clarity of the action sequences. The camera work, lighting, and overall visual tone effectively complement the film’s high-octane narrative, capturing the scale of the gold smuggling operation and the intensity of the confrontations with a masterful touch.
Music & Background Score
The music for “Coolie” is composed by the sensation Anirudh Ravichander, marking his fourth collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj and fifth with Rajinikanth. Anirudh’s score is a key driver of the film’s energy and rhythm. The songs from the album, such as “Chikitu,” “Monica,” and “Powerhouse,” were highly anticipated and added to the pre-release hype. The soundtrack is designed to be a blend of high-energy beats and emotional tracks that support the film’s core themes. The background score, in particular, is where Anirudh truly shines. He skillfully crafts a score that elevates the action sequences, builds tension during dramatic moments, and amplifies Rajinikanth’s screen presence. From a pulsating score for chase sequences to more somber, emotional themes, the music is perfectly integrated into the narrative. The BGM for Rajinikanth’s entry and fight scenes is designed to be a treat for fans, creating an electric atmosphere in the theater. Despite a pre-release controversy regarding the use of an old song without permission, Anirudh’s score remains one of the film’s most talked-about technical assets.
Visuals & Special Effects
The visuals of “Coolie” are a testament to the film’s massive budget and high production values. The movie was filmed using IMAX-certified cameras, which is evident in the breathtaking scale and detail of its visual presentation. The production design is gritty and authentic, particularly in the port and urban settings of Visakhapatnam, which effectively grounds the high-stakes narrative. The special effects are used judiciously to enhance the action and stunt sequences rather than to create fantastical spectacles. Digital de-aging technology was reportedly employed for flashback sequences featuring a younger Rajinikanth, a technique previously used in Lokesh’s “Vikram.” This technology is used to seamlessly integrate a younger version of the superstar into the story, adding a layer of depth to his character’s backstory. The overall visual style is raw, dynamic, and visually striking, ensuring that the film’s grandeur and intense action are fully realized on the big screen. The combination of state-of-the-art camera work and practical effects makes for an immersive and memorable visual experience.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing of “Coolie,” handled by Philomin Raj, is a crucial element in a film with such a fast-paced and complex narrative. The cuts are sharp and dynamic, helping to maintain the film’s relentless energy, particularly during the action sequences. Philomin Raj’s editing successfully manages the film’s 170-minute runtime, ensuring that the story, despite its many twists and turns, moves at a gripping pace. The screenplay by Lokesh Kanagaraj and Chandhru Anbazhagan is the core of the film’s strengths and, for some, its primary challenge. The story is a dense web of events, with a complex non-linear structure that connects Deva’s past with his present-day mission. While the intricate plot keeps the audience hooked and the twists are well-timed, some critics found it to be a bit convoluted. The screenplay, however, excels in crafting powerful character moments and intense confrontations, particularly those between Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna. It is a bold, ambitious script that attempts to do justice to Rajinikanth’s star persona while delivering a signature Lokesh Kanagaraj thriller.
Positives / What Works
The standout positive for “Coolie” is undoubtedly Rajinikanth’s electrifying performance, which is a glorious return to his charismatic “mass” hero persona. The film is a showcase for his style, swag, and fierce screen presence. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction is ambitious and largely successful in blending a superstar’s aura with a grounded, gritty narrative. The film’s technical aspects are top-notch, from the stunning IMAX-certified cinematography by Girish Gangadharan to the pulsating and impactful background score by Anirudh Ravichander. The ensemble cast, including the menacing Nagarjuna and the surprising cameo by Aamir Khan, delivers strong performances that enrich the story. The action sequences are realistic and thrilling, and the intricate screenplay, filled with twists and turns, keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The film’s pan-Indian appeal and grand scale are also major plusses.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
Despite its many strengths, “Coolie” has a few areas that could have been improved. The non-linear screenplay is complex and, at times, can feel a bit convoluted, potentially making it hard for casual viewers to follow all the plot threads. The pacing, while generally fast, can feel uneven in some parts. The film’s “A” rating, a first for Rajinikanth in 36 years, was a significant point of concern as it might limit its reach among family audiences, a core part of the superstar’s fanbase. The film’s high-octane, violent nature may not be to everyone’s taste. Some of the supporting character arcs could have been more fleshed out to provide a deeper emotional connection. While the film is a commercial success, some critics noted that it doesn’t quite reach the narrative tightness and critical acclaim of Lokesh’s earlier masterpieces.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Coolie” is a cinematic celebration of Rajinikanth’s unparalleled stardom, a film that gives fans exactly what they crave: a vintage, powerful Rajini in a new, gritty Lokesh Kanagaraj universe. The movie is a high-octane action thriller that is technically superb, with breathtaking cinematography, a pulsating background score, and a strong ensemble cast. While its intricate screenplay and pacing might not appeal to everyone, it is a masterclass in how to blend mass appeal with a darker, more realistic filmmaking style. The performances, particularly from Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna, are brilliant and carry the film’s momentum. Ultimately, “Coolie” is a successful, ambitious, and hugely entertaining film that proves the combined star power of Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj is a force to be reckoned with. It is a must-watch for fans of both the superstar and the director’s unique brand of cinema.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 4 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who is the director of "Coolie (2025)"?
The film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
When is "Coolie (2025)" releasing?
"Coolie" is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 14, 2025.
