Coolie (2025) Review – Rajinikanth’s Mass Spectacle Soars at Box Office

 Coolie (2025) Review

 

Genre : Thriller/Action

Imdb rating: 6.4

Duration : 2 hour 50 minutes

Available on : Youtube

Coolie (2025): A Rajini-Packed Action Spectacle from Lokesh Kanagaraj

Release Date: 14 August 2025
Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
Music Composer: Anirudh Ravichander
Genre: Action Thriller / Masala Extravaganza

What’s the Buzz About Coolie?

Hot off the screens, Coolie has already stamped its authority as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2025. With a staggering worldwide collection of around ₹404 crore, it's set itself apart as the third highest-grossing Indian film of the year.

Storyline & Cast Highlights

The film follows Deva, a former union leader turned lone crusader investigating a friend’s tragic death, only to confront a ruthless crime syndicate.
Rajinikanth headlines as the dynamic protagonist, supported by a stellar ensemble: Nagarjuna Akkineni (as a Joker-inspired antagonist), Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Rachita Ram—who brings a fresh villainous spark to the mix. Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde also appear in special roles.

Behind the Camera: Direction, Music & Production

• Director and Screenplay: Lokesh Ka Nagaraj weaves his trademark intensity and layered storytelling.

• Music: Anirudh Ravichandran crafts the pulsating score, which includes the viral party track “Monica”. Pooja Hegde’s electrifying dance moves and Soubin Shahir’s energetic presence in the number contributed to its massive online traction.

• Cinematography & Editing: Captured by Girish Gangadhara and polished by Philomin Raj, the visuals hit hard—and clean.

• Production: Huge-budgeted at ₹350–400 crore, the film delivered grand visuals coupled with lean, impactful storytelling. 3 

  Box Office Fireworks

  • Opening Day (14 Aug): ₹65 crore

  • Day 2–4: ₹54.75 cr. → ₹39.5 cr. → ₹35.25 cr.

  • Day 5 (Monday): ₹12 crore, bringing its Indian net total to around ₹206.5 crore
    Despite a dip, it still maintained dominance, even outperforming War 2 in key regions like Nizam (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana).

  • Worldwide: Crossed ₹200 crore in India in just five days and breached ₹400 crore globally during its opening weekend—cementing its status as a pan-Indian smash.

    Audience & Critical Reception

    Coolie delivered mixed-to-positive reviews—praised for its star power, cinematic scale, punchy first half, musical score, and visual styling. However, critics noted an uneven second half that somewhat hindered its overall impact.

    Local Headlines & Curios for Fans

    • It became the second-biggest Indian film of 2025 in North America, earning a remarkable USD 6.22 million in just five days.

    • Soubin Shahir’s standout performance as the antagonist drew such fanfare that he bought a luxury car worth ₹2 crore—earning widespread online congratulation.

    • Lokesh Ka Nagaraj reportedly drew inspiration from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. Nagarjuna’s villain echoes the chaotic genius of Heath Ledger’s Joker—a bold creative choice that paid off.