“Coolie”: Rajinikanth’s Star Power Meets Lokesh Kanagaraj’s High-Octane Vision

Theatres across India turned into celebration grounds this Independence Day weekend as Coolie, starring the legendary Rajinikanth, roared onto the big screen. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film blends nostalgia, action, and star-studded spectacle in a way that only a Rajinikanth release can.

A Grand Opening Like No Other

From the crack of dawn, cinema halls were packed with fans waving banners, setting off firecrackers, and breaking into impromptu dance outside theatres. Advance bookings had already hinted at a phenomenon, with tickets selling for as low as ₹57 in some areas and soaring to an eye-popping ₹4,500 in premium urban multiplexes. The frenzy wasn’t confined to India — overseas markets reported record-breaking pre-sales, with packed houses in the US, UK, Singapore, and the Middle East.

The film’s opening day in India is estimated to have crossed ₹55 crore, marking one of the highest first-day collections for a Tamil film. Industry insiders say Coolie is on track to become one of the top grossers of the year if the current momentum continues.

A Story Set Against a Gritty Backdrop

At its core, Coolie is a gangster drama set in a bustling, grimy port city where crime, politics, and survival intersect. Rajinikanth plays a charismatic yet morally complex dockworker-turned-rebel leader, a role that allows him to flex his trademark style — from slow-motion swagger to punchy one-liners that had audiences erupting in whistles.

Nagarjuna steps in as Simon Xavier, the suave but ruthless antagonist whose confrontation with Rajinikanth forms the film’s central conflict. Shruti Haasan delivers a notable performance as a woman caught between loyalty and justice, while Upendra and Soubin Shahir provide memorable supporting turns. The surprise element comes in the form of Aamir Khan, who appears as Dahaa, a flamboyant underworld figure. While his cameo adds a splash of star value, opinions are split on whether it truly serves the storyline.

A Blast of Retro Rajini

Fans were particularly delighted by de-aged flashback sequences that brought back memories of Rajinikanth’s earlier hits from the 80s and 90s. Lokesh Kanagaraj cleverly uses these moments to fuse the superstar’s vintage charm with his modern action choreography. The film’s fight scenes — whether set on a ship deck, in rain-soaked alleys, or inside sprawling warehouses — are choreographed for maximum crowd-pleasing impact.

Strengths and Shortcomings

While the film has been praised for Rajinikanth’s commanding presence and the electric first half, not all feedback has been glowing. Critics point out that the screenplay sometimes struggles under the weight of too many characters and subplots. The second half, in particular, is said to lose momentum, with certain sequences feeling stretched. Some viewers felt that the emotional beats were rushed, making it hard to fully connect with the deeper themes hinted at in the first act.

Despite these flaws, the sheer scale of the production — from lavish sets to thumping background scores — ensures that the film remains an engaging experience for most.

The Piracy Setback

Within hours of its premiere, reports emerged that Coolie had been leaked online through illegal torrent platforms. This sparked outrage among fans and industry voices, who called for stricter measures against piracy, warning that such leaks could undercut the film’s box office potential.

Family Support and Star Endorsements

Adding to the film’s celebratory atmosphere, Rajinikanth’s wife, Latha, publicly expressed her admiration for the project, calling it one of his most memorable performances in recent years. Actor Dhanush also made headlines when he attended a morning show alongside his ex-wife Aishwaryaa and their son, later praising the film for its entertainment value.

The Verdict

Coolie is not a flawless film — it’s messy at times, indulgent in parts, and heavy on fan service. But that’s exactly why it works for its intended audience. It’s a loud, unapologetic celebration of Rajinikanth’s five-decade-long career, packaged with enough action, style, and star power to keep theatres buzzing for weeks.

For fans, it’s more than a movie — it’s an event. For casual viewers, it’s an energetic, if somewhat overstuffed, entertainer. And for Rajinikanth, it’s proof that at 74, he can still command the screen like few others in world cinema.