The wait is over, and Thalaivaar has taken over the screen! One of the biggest films of 2025, Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, is finally out in theatres today (August 14). Fans didn’t think twice and flocked to the first-day, first-show screenings. Ahead of the release, the film made history at the box office, minting Rs 100 crore in pre-sales. It seems Lokesh Kanagaraj’s directorial venture has struck the right chord with fans and moviegoers alike.
Netizens review Rajinikanth’s Coolie
Known for his signature swag and intense screen presence, Rajinikanth delivers another power-packed performance. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), a fan shared their excitement after watching Coolie, praising Rajinikanth’s “vintage style, action, and strong screen presence”. They described the film as a full-on mass entertainer directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, expressing confidence that fans will thoroughly enjoy it.
Many viewers were mesmerised by Rajinikanth’s performance, and some also praised Aamir Khan’s cameo. One fan shared their thoughts, describing the action as somewhat uneven but acceptable, the screenplay as straightforward and engaging, and the acting as decent though not particularly groundbreaking. They noted that the film picks up momentum after the first 40 minutes, with a standout moment during the end credits, ultimately rating it 3.5 out of 5.
— uselessfellow1k (@uselessfellow1k)
Netizen shared their thoughts on the first half of Coolie, calling it a strong opener powered by Rajinikanth’s impressive action and sharp comic timing. Soubin Shahir consistently delivered laughs, while Nagarjuna made a solid impact with his presence. The viewer also expressed curiosity about how Aamir Khan would be introduced later in the film under Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction.
— This_is_Thirai (@This_is_Thirai)
Netizens have also expressed disappointment with Coolie, calling it the weakest film in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s career. They felt the director struggled with both storytelling and presenting Rajinikanth effectively. Cameo appearances were criticised for lacking impact, especially when compared to similar moments in Jailer. While Anirudh’s music was praised, some felt the soundtrack choices fell flat during key scenes. However, Rajinikanth’s energetic performance and the supporting cast’s efforts, including Soubin, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan, were appreciated.
— LathifRahman_ (@LathifRahman_)
— Flicks_rithick (@Flicks_rithick)
Calling it a “one-man show”, a Rajinikanth fan took to X to praise Coolie, calling it a blockbuster and applauding Lokesh Kanagaraj and his team for delivering an engaging film. They highlighted the first half’s balance of mass appeal and clever plot twists, as well as the impressive de-aging effects, which they felt were among the best in Kollywood. Another viewer celebrated Rajinikanth’s powerful entry and credited the director for executing it well. It pointed out that how the superstar continues to deliver box office hits even after completing 50 years in the film industry.
Some of the netizens found Coolie to be underwhelming, with the first half showing some promise, particularly praising Nagarjuna’s strong screen presence and an engaging interval block, while Soubin’s performance was seen as average. However, the second half was criticised for its excessive length and a predictable climax, with Aamir Khan’s cameo receiving negative feedback. The only notable positive in the latter part was Pooja’s dance performance. Overall, the film was rated 1.5 out of 5 and deemed below average.
More about Coolie
Earlier this month, when the makers of Coolie released the trailer, and fans got even more excited after seeing Rajinikanth in a fresh, powerful look. The trailer featured intense action scenes, dramatic moments, and strong dialogues. Fans also saw actor Nagarjuna playing the villain in the film.
Coolie has received an A (Adults Only) certificate from the censor board. This is Rajinikanth’s first A-rated film in many years, suggesting the movie will have intense and raw action scenes. One of the biggest highlights of the film is the reunion of Rajinikanth and Aamir Khan after almost 30 years. The two last worked together in the 1995 movie Aatank Hi Aatank. In Coolie, Aamir Khan plays a character named Dahaa. The makers recently shared a poster showing Aamir in a rugged new look. Besides him, the film also stars Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir and Upendra in key roles.
Produced by Kalanithi Maran under the Sun Pictures banner, Coolie is expected to be a major release. It will face strong competition at the box office from another big film, War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR.
