Rajinikanth's "Coolie," directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has finally hit theaters, and the initial reactions are pouring in. This action thriller brings together a star-studded cast, including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, and Aamir Khan, making it one of the most anticipated films of the year.
The film marks the first collaboration between Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rajinikanth, with music by Anirudh Ravichander. "Coolie" also brings back the nostalgic reunion of Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj after 40 years. Adding an unexpected twist is Soubin Shahir, proving that big breaks can arise from daring casting choices. Lokesh Kanagaraj has hinted that "Coolie" is packed with twists, mass moments, and applause-worthy sequences.
Fans have been sharing their takes on the film, with many praising Rajinikanth's energy and Nagarjuna's performance. Some have lauded Rajinikanth's powerful acting and the impactful interval block, calling it a highlight. Anirudh Ravichander's music is also being praised as one of the film's strong suits. However, some viewers express disappointment with the storyline, feeling that director Lokesh Kanagaraj fell short in storytelling. They point out poor story connection and an underwhelming cameo, expecting more depth from the narrative. Some feel that Rajinikanth's presence had to largely carry the film.
Some netizens describe "Coolie" as a film with a strong first half and notable music by Anirudh Ravichander. One Twitter user mentioned Rajinikanth's energetic performance, Nagarjuna's stylish presence, and Shruthi Haasan's performance as highlights. They also praised Anirudh's music, noting that the scenes are somewhat disconnected. Another user described the first half as a good mix of mass appeal and Lokesh's plot twists, with one of the best de-aging effects in Kollywood.
Despite the hype, "Coolie" has received mixed reviews. Some internet users describe the film as a mixed bag, offering entertaining moments but ultimately disappointing given the star-studded cast. While Rajinikanth's commanding presence and Nagarjuna's role are appreciated, many criticize the weak writing and feel that some characters are underused, which detracts from the overall impact. Some viewers felt the story dragged on, the action felt tired, and the magic they were waiting for never appeared.
Lokesh Kanagaraj shared a deeply moving note expressing his gratitude for the journey of making "Coolie". He described the experience as “surreal and spellbound,” thanking Rajinikanth for granting him “complete creative freedom” to craft the story.
Overall, "Coolie" is poised to be a landmark cinematic event with its scale, cast, and style. However, it remains to be seen whether the film will fully deliver on its hype and meet the high expectations.