Coolie Movie Review – A Decent Ride That Falls Short of its Lofty Hype

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie unfolds as a story-driven drama for the most part, with the first 30 minutes moving at a leisurely pace. Typical Lokesh-style mass elevations are surprisingly sparse early on, with the director seemingly holding back the fireworks for the second half. The pace picks up after the half-hour mark, culminating in an unexpected pre-interval twist and a well-executed sequence that sets the stage for the rest of the film.

Rajinikanth commands the screen as always — his magnetic presence and trademark mannerisms are a treat whenever he appears. However, his character is deliberately underplayed for much of the runtime, which might leave hardcore fans a little restless in the early portions. It’s clear Lokesh saves the bulk of the “Rajini heroism” for later.

The real surprises come from Nagarjuna and Soubin Shahir. Nagarjuna’s suave, menacing turn as Simone is a standout, particularly in the first half, though his role tapers off in the latter portions. Soubin Shahir impresses big time — his energy, especially in Monica’s song, is bound to send the masses into a frenzy. Rachita Ram also shines in a well-written role.

The second half is a mixed bag — about 30 minutes of racy, tightly written sequences and two superb action blocks are definite highlights. Unfortunately, the momentum takes a hit towards the climax. The last twenty minutes, including Aamir Khan’s cameo, feel unnecessarily dragged and dilute the impact of what came before.

Anirudh Ravichander delivers a solid background score, enhancing several sequences with his trademark punch. However, the music occasionally feels repetitive. On the technical front, Coolie is top-notch, with slick cinematography and well-mounted action sequences.

Verdict: Coolie is a decent watch that works in parts — bolstered by strong performances, a couple of standout action blocks, and Lokesh’s craftsmanship. Still, given the star-studded cast and sky-high expectations, it could have delivered a lot more. Fans will enjoy the moments of Rajini magic, but patience is required to get to them.

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