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August 2025 – Rajinikanth’s Coolie arrives with electrifying fanfare, opening in theaters on August 14th and marking the superstar’s 50th cinematic year. While the film is undeniably built to showcase Rajini’s charisma, its narrative heft and pacing often struggle under the pressure of expectation.
Rajinikanth’s Star Power Still Reigns
From the moment he appears—his face slashing into view via reflective meat-cleaver blades—Rajinikanth owns every frame. At 74, his timing, expressions, and swagger remain untouchable, earning heartfelt cheers from fans and earning nods even from stars like Dhanush. It’s vintage Rajini, unfiltered and unapologetically grand.
Cameos That Shine—But Sometimes Distract
The film is packed with big-name surprises:
- Nagarjuna excels as crime lord Simon.
- Shruti Haasan grounds the emotional core with a strong performance.
- Soubin Shahir’s slimy yet compelling Dayalan is notably scene-stealing.
- Cameos from Aamir Khan and Upendra bring swagger, though at times they feel more like spectacle than story-driven purpose. The Times of India+1Indiatimes
Beats of Glory, But a Script That Hesitates
Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating score elevates key scenes—especially Rajinikanth’s entries—and the visuals captivate with sleek cinematography and slick de-aging effects.
Yet, while the film’s second half revs up with momentum, the first half lingers overly long in exposition, and the overall screenplay juggles too many threads. Subplots often go undercooked, pacing falters, and the emotional core never consistently lands.
Mixed Reviews Reflect Mixed Expectations
Critics and audiences are split:
- Fans are calling it a “power-packed mass entertainer,” praising its nostalgic style and Rajini’s aura.
- Yet many point out that the narrative feels disjointed—some calling it overstuffed and second-half sluggish, others lamenting its lack of innovation. Social sentiment varies from “masterful swags!” to “predictable and flat.”
Final Verdict
- What works: Rajinikanth’s magnetism remains the core strength—every moment he’s on screen excites. The technical craftsmanship, especially music and visuals, stands tall.
- What falters: A bloated script, uneven pacing, and underutilized ensemble weaken the overall impact. For a director like Lokesh Kanagaraj—whose past work includes more tightly woven narratives—this feels like a compromise toward mass appeal.
tl;dr
| Element | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Rajinikanth’s Performance | Legendary presence, the film’s saving grace |
| Supporting Cast | Strong cameos and performances, but unevenly integrated |
| Music & Visuals | Highly engaging, especially for action and entry sequences |
| Story & Pacing | Overstuffed, sluggish start, inconsistent throughout |
| Overall Impact | A nostalgia-fueled ride for fans, but script complications hinder full resonance |
In short, Coolie is a spectacle built around star power—it delivers where expected, falters where ambition and narrative cohesion were crucial. Still, for die-hard Rajinikanth fans, it’s a celebratory showcase—just be ready to forgive a few narrative missteps.
