CINE CRAFT REVIEW

Coolie – Review Last twenty minutes, no possible to seat on the chairs — the theatre turns into a stadium, whistles, claps, and cheers drowning out the dialogues, as Thalaivar’s electrifying screen presence takes complete command of every frame. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie storms into theatres as a full-throttle Rajinikanth spectacle timed for the Independence Day weekend, delivering exactly what its pre-release hype promised — style, swagger, and sonic boom entertainment. What Works Rajinikanth is in vintage form, blending de-aged dynamism with his trademark screen presence. Whether it’s the slow-motion walks, explosive dialogues, or stylized fight choreography, the film is a festival for Thalaivar fans. Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack (Monica, Chikitu, Powerhouse) powers the momentum, turning action blocks into mini rock concerts. Lokesh packs the visuals with high-impact set pieces and sharp framing, giving the movie its mass-appeal polish. The Ensemble & Energy The star-studded lineup — Nagarjuna’s Joker-inspired Simon, Aamir Khan in a menacing special appearance, plus Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Upendra — adds weight on paper. Nagarjuna gets some memorable moments, but others feel more like luxury cameos than narrative drivers. Where It Slips The screenplay is overstuffed, juggling revenge drama, crime-syndicate intrigue, and fan-service detours. This results in uneven pacing — a slower first half gives way to a volcanic second half. The emotional beats are present but sometimes buried under the avalanche of action and spectacle. The Pulse of the Public Social media is split but loud: “Mass tsunami moments… finest de-ageing in Indian cinema.” “Weak first half, screenplay could’ve been sharper.” The consensus? Rajinikanth is the engine, and the rest is along for the ride. Verdict Coolie isn’t Lokesh Kanagaraj’s tightest film, but it’s a crowd-pleaser that thrives on Rajinikanth’s charisma, pulsating music, and festival-weekend energy. If you walk in for unfiltered Thalaivar magic, you’ll walk out grinning. If you expect a lean, narrative-driven Lokesh thriller, you may wish for a sharper cut. Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 for general audiences, 4/5 for Rajini fans)

Welcome to CineCraft Reviews, where we unravel the art of cinema with detailed insights, honest opinions. Balakrishna Sir, the undisputed King of Masses, captivates with his unparalleled screen presence and unmatched dialogue delivery. His raw energy, especially in the electrifying fight sequences, leaves audiences in awe, proving once again that his charisma and performance are truly in a league of their own. The first half hits hard with impactful narration that keeps the audience hooked without a single dull moment. The second half, featuring a gripping flashback, slightly slows down compared to the energetic first half but still holds its ground. Special credit goes to the music director thaman for delivering a phenomenal background score, elevating Balakrishna Sir's presence to another level. A must-watch for action and drama enthusiasts. The biggest Sankranti festival winner to till date, setting new benchmarks in entertainment and delivering a blockbuster experience for the masses.