Tamil cinema never stops surprising its audience, and this year’s big release, ‘Coolie’, has been no exception. Directed by the much-celebrated filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, the movie marked its theatrical debut on August 14 with thunderous fanfare. With Rajinikanth leading the cast, expectations were sky-high. The film did open with a bang at the box office, but soon enough, the buzz turned into mixed reviews from both critics and fans.
Now that ‘Coolie’ has landed on OTT platforms available in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, the debate over whether it truly lived up to the hype has reignited. While Rajinikanth’s performance has drawn universal praise, questions remain over the storytelling choices made by Lokesh.
The Big Question: Did Lokesh Deliver Another Blockbuster?
Over the years, Lokesh Kanagaraj has built a reputation for crafting stylish action thrillers that combine gripping narratives with mass appeal. Naturally, fans assumed ‘Coolie’ would be yet another feather in his cap, following hits like Kaithi and Vikram. However, this time the reception hasn’t been uniformly glowing.
Critics argue that while Lokesh’s direction remains sharp in parts, the movie doesn’t quite deliver the emotional punch of Rajinikanth’s earlier blockbuster Jailer. Some audience members went as far as calling it “the weakest film in Lokesh’s career,” pointing out that a few sequences lacked the intensity one usually associates with him.
Another area of criticism has been the underutilization of certain actors. For instance, Nagarjuna’s role was seen as limited and underdeveloped, leaving fans wondering why such a powerhouse performer wasn’t given more screen time. A section of viewers also felt that Rajinikanth looked somewhat tired in a few fight scenes, which diluted the overall impact of the action sequences.
Fans Who See It Differently
Despite the critiques, ‘Coolie’ is far from a failure. In fact, for many fans, it is a grand celebration of Rajinikanth and everything he represents in Indian cinema.
Several viewers described watching the film as a festive experience. Social media has been flooded with posts celebrating specific highlights:
- The leader’s title card that ignited whistles in theaters.
- Rajinikanth’s introduction scene, crafted with all the star power fans could hope for.
- A dramatic intermission twist that left audiences waiting eagerly for the second half.
- The vibrant ‘Chikkittu’ song quickly became a fan favorite.
- The stylish Kelisha entry, praised for its visual flair.
Equally important is the film’s music. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score has been singled out by fans for recreating the first-day-first-show (FDFS) energy that’s so vital in Rajinikanth’s films. Many viewers believe the soundtrack alone elevated the experience, making even ordinary scenes feel larger-than-life.
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Rajinikanth: The Undisputed Star
If there is one aspect of ‘Coolie’ that everyone agrees on, it’s that Rajinikanth owns every frame he appears in. At 74, his energy, charisma, and ability to command the screen remain unmatched. Even in moments where the script wavered, it was Rajinikanth’s magnetism that kept audiences glued to the story.
From punch dialogues to action-packed stunts, Rajinikanth reminded fans why he continues to be the superstar of Indian cinema. His sheer presence was enough to overshadow the film’s flaws, and for many, this was reason enough to celebrate Lokesh’s collaboration with him.
Lokesh’s Style and Vision
When it comes to Lokesh Kanagaraj, fans often expect tight narratives, intense emotional beats, and action sequences that feel raw yet stylish. With ‘Coolie’, Lokesh clearly tried to balance these expectations with Rajinikanth’s superstar status.
The director’s stamp can be seen in the way suspense builds through the film, particularly in the first half. His preference for gritty visuals and character-driven storytelling is evident. However, unlike Vikram or Kaithi, the second half of ‘Coolie’ lost some of its sharpness, with pacing issues dragging certain segments.
Even so, Lokesh’s ambition to create a massive spectacle is evident. He aimed to craft a film that not only highlighted Rajinikanth’s legendary status but also appealed to audiences across languages. That vision, even if not flawlessly executed, deserves recognition.
Supporting Cast and Performances
While Rajinikanth was undoubtedly the star, the supporting cast also contributed significantly to the film’s flavor. Performances by Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Nagarjuna, Uppi, and Aamir Khan gave the narrative layers of depth and variety.
Fans particularly appreciated how these characters were woven into Rajinikanth’s journey, though some felt their roles could have been developed further. Still, their presence added to the grandeur of the movie and made Lokesh’s ensemble-driven approach stand out.
The OTT Release: A Second Life for ‘Coolie’
The arrival of ‘Coolie’ on Prime Video has sparked fresh interest, especially among those who missed it in theaters. Streaming in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, the film is now reaching a much broader audience.
Interestingly, the OTT release has given people more time to dissect the movie’s finer details. While theatergoers may have focused on the spectacle and Rajinikanth’s aura, OTT viewers are now engaging with the film’s subtleties, its pacing, the dialogues, and even its cinematography. This has reignited debates about whether Lokesh succeeded or stumbled with this ambitious project.
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