Released on August 14, 2025, Lokesh Kanagaraj's highly anticipated film 'Coolie', starring Rajinikanth, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj, has largely failed to meet expectations, delivering a spectacle with too many ideas and too little impact. Marketed as a potential pan-India blockbuster, the film's strong cast and acclaimed director couldn't overcome its fundamental issues.

The revenge thriller follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a friend of the deceased Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj), as he investigates the mysterious death, uncovering a crime syndicate led by Simon (Nagarjuna) and Dayalan (Soubin Shahir). While the premise initially holds promise, the narrative quickly becomes a disjointed mix of subplots, transitioning from a personal quest to a broader exposé of a crime ring.

Despite a strong performance from Rajinikanth, whose charisma and screen presence remain undimmed at 74, the story hardly does him justice. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj's usual trademarks, like non-linear storytelling and music-filled fight sequences, do not resonate as intended, marking 'Coolie' as one of his weakest efforts. Supporting actors like Nagarjuna are stylish but one-note, and impactful cameos by Aamir Khan and Upendra ultimately add little value.

Technically, 'Coolie' shines, with Girish Gangadharan's cinematography and Anirudh Ravichander's pulsating music receiving praise, saving the film from completely drowning. However, the overstuffing of ideas and loose ends make for an underwhelming entertainer, earning it 2 out of 5 stars.