Coolie is the much-awaited gangster action drama directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. It released worldwide on August 14, 2025, and opened with a staggering ₹150–170 crore on day one—making it one of the biggest openings in Tamil cinema history. The film boasts an all-star cast and electrifying music by Anirudh Ravichander. Viewers can expect intense action, emotional depth, and Rajinikanth’s unbeatable charisma at the core of this blockbuster.
Story and Plot
The film begins at a busy port in Visakhapatnam. The port is under the control of Simon, a dangerous underworld figure. Workers at the port are known as “coolies”. Among them lurks a secret informant, whose identity becomes central to the plot. Rajinikanth makes a powerful entry as Deva—once a coolie himself on this same dock. His arrival brings both nostalgia and suspense.
As the story unfolds, Deva is haunted by the death of his best friend, Rajashekhar (played by Sathyaraj). The emotional depth of this loss is heightened by a poignant background score and haunting visuals. Determined to uncover whether it was murder or something more sinister, Deva dives deep into the criminal underbelly.
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Meanwhile, Simon’s influence weaves through every wrong that occurs. Deva gradually realizes that his friend was forced to work for Simon, sparking a high-stakes mission for revenge and justice. The stakes grow even higher when Rajashekhar’s daughter, Preeti (Shruti Haasan), and her sisters face imminent threats to their lives.
Acting and Characters
- Rajinikanth delivers another unforgettable performance. One standout line—“What I’m about to show you won’t appear on social media”—sets the tone for an action sequence that is both gripping and visceral. His screen presence is simply magnetic.
- Nagarjuna fits the role of the villain perfectly. His energy and attitude on screen belie his age, making every scene compelling.
- Soubin Shahir plays Dayal, the port supervisor with a psychotic edge—his emotions and expressions are haunting and memorable, stealing several scenes.
- Shruti Haasan shines in a serious role. Her expressions convey more than words ever could, especially in emotionally charged moments.
- Aamir Khan and Upendra appear in high-voltage cameos that electrify the screen. Upendra’s entrance includes a catchy ‘city-mar, taali-mar’ moment, while Aamir’s role as Dahaa in the climax is both dramatic and unforgettable.
Direction, Style & Technical Highlights
Lokesh Kanagaraj embraces familiar themes from his earlier work, yet pushes creativity here—proving he can blend mass action with his unique style. Cinematography by Girish Gangadharan brings the port and cityscapes to life with grit and realism. The art direction succeeds in crafting immersive scenes that feel expansive and atmospheric.
The background score by Anirudh Ravichander is a standout feature—dynamic, emotionally charged, and a perfect match for the film’s tone. Particularly memorable is the song “Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale,” playing during intense action—it adds a thrilling layer of fun, especially for Hindi-speaking audiences.
One deeply moving scene involves Shruti Haasan handing Rajinikanth a nostalgic photograph. His emotional reaction, mirrored by the audience’s own response, is a powerful moment that will linger long after the credits roll.
Climax and Twist Ending
In the final act, the true villains emerge—Dayal and his wife are corrupt police officers colluding with Simon to exploit port workers. Simon’s empire is protected by his mysterious ally, Dahaa (Aamir Khan), a criminal kingpin tied to Deva’s past. It is revealed that Preeti, whom Deva assumed was Sathyaraj’s daughter, is actually his own child—adding an emotional punch to the resolution.
A dramatic showdown ensues. Dayal’s wife attempts to betray Simon but is killed. Simon, aware of Preeti’s true identity, intends to slaughter her in front of Deva. In a tense confrontation, Deva confesses that he was responsible for Dahaa’s father’s death—an act driven by a long-standing injustice. Enraged, Simon attacks, leading to an epic battle.
Post-battle, Deva is captured and taken away. In a dramatic cameo, Mahesh Manjrekar and Aamir Khan appear—suggesting deeper ties in the past and teasing wider connections in the future. Their presence hints at a rich backstory and maybe a larger cinematic universe.
Box Office and Reception
Coolie opened with record-breaking numbers—₹65 crore domestically on day one, and ₹150–170 crore worldwide, marking Rajinikanth’s biggest opening ever. It surpassed even the likes of Vijay’s Leo. Its advance bookings reached nearly ₹100 crore before release, and it continues to dominate even amid fierce weekend competition like War 2.
Fans and critics alike praised Rajinikanth’s performance and Anirudh’s music. However, some critics noted the screenplay feels overly packed and slightly off-balance, making it uneven in parts. Still, the mass moments and emotional core keep audiences engaged.
Moreover, the film already has its OTT rights secured by Prime Video and is expected to stream by mid-September, keeping the excitement alive beyond theatres.
Final Thoughts
Coolie is a high-voltage action entertainer with intense emotion and star power. Rajinikanth’s commanding performance, strong supporting cast, and powerful music make it a memorable cinematic experience. Though the screenplay occasionally overstuffs its plot, the emotional beats and action-packed climax make it a must-watch for fans of mass dramas and heartfelt storytelling.
