As a long-time admirer of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s work, Coolie left me feeling rather disappointed. While the film boasts a stellar cast, the overall execution fell short of expectations.
Superstar Rajinikanth delivers effortlessly with his signature swag and style. The climax flashback, showcasing a vintage Rajini, was truly a treat, with impressive de-aging effects that were flawlessly done. Unfortunately, beyond his performance, the storyline felt uninspiring and lacked engagement.
The role given to King Nagarjuna was particularly underwhelming. While his energy, charisma, and style at 65 are admirable, his character was not utilized to its potential. Sathyaraj’s role felt weak, and Shruti Haasan’s presence added little to the narrative.
On the brighter side, Upendra brought a composed and neat performance within the scope of his role, and Soubin Shahir surprisingly had more screen time than Rajinikanth, making a notable impact. Aamir Khan’s inclusion was puzzling—given his immense talent, his role felt miswritten and unworthy of his caliber.
Musically, Anirudh delivered only a few memorable moments—Monica and the Powerhouse BGM stood out—but overall, the soundtrack and background score were underwhelming compared to his usual standard.
In conclusion, Coolie does not carry the signature punch of a Lokesh Kanagaraj film. While the cast put in commendable performances, the weak writing and character arcs let it down.