Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna & Upendra's Coolie movie review: Lokesh Kanagaraj delivers a larger-than-life massy entertainer

Star cast: Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan, Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Kanna Ravi, Monisha Blessy, Kaali Venkat, and Charle

Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj

Coolie has been making the noise right from its inception, thanks to the deadly collaboration of the legend Rajinikanth and massy director Lokesh Kanagaraj, the man behind Kaithi, Leo, Master and Vikram. With an impeccable ensemble cast, a chartbuster album and a powerful trailer, Coolie has created unprecedented buzz and hype among fans.

The D-day has finally arrived, so let’s see whether this pan-India biggie lives up to the sky-high expectations of cinegoers or not…

The story starts with a port, which is owned by Simon (Nagarjuna), who smuggles expensive watches, which are expensive than gold and diamonds. His right-hand Dayal (Soubin Shahir) manages and supervises everything in the port, which is a workplace for 14,400 labourers or coolies.

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Devaraj, aka Deva (Rajinikanth), lives in a mansion, which is like a hotel or PG of him, where he allows students and others to stay with minimal charges. He has a good hold and respect in the circle. One day, he comes to know that his old friend Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) passed away. When he goes to his home to bid adieu, Rajasekhar’s daughter Preethi (Shruti Haasan) humiliates him and tells him to leave the house.

While the autopsy report says that Rajasekhar died by cardiac arrest, Deva gets the authentic report that says he died after multiple punches to his chest. While Devaraj now investigates Rajasekhar’s murder, his drunkard friend reveals to Deva that 5 years back, Rajasekhar had invented a mobile cremator for stray dogs and pets, which would help in reducing the pollution. However, his patent gets rejected as the official feels that it could be dangerous and disastrous if it lands in the wrong hands.

Simon comes to know about the cremator and threatens Rajsekhar to make one for him, which is more powerful, as he can burn the bodies of his enemies to ashes in the port so that there will be no traces left for him. He makes the machine and burns the bodies delivered to him by Simon in return for money.

Now, Deva, who wants to seek revenge for Rajsekhar’s murder, enters Simon’s gang to find out who the killer is, but what unfolds there is shocking and mind-bending.

Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his stylish and massy storytelling, once again delivered his signature entertainer with the combination of chartbuster tracks, high elevation BGM, raw action sequences and an ensemble cast oozing swag.

While Coolie might not be his finest work like Vikram or Kaithi, it gives several moments to cheer for you on the big screen.

Talking about the performances, Rajinikanth owns the film with his unmatchable swag, charisma and aura. Right from action sequences, dance numbers, to his one-liners, Thalaivar rules the screen with his magnetic presence. Aamir Khan’s cameo as Dahaa is pure mass. The frame where he is standing with Rajinikanth and Upendra (whose cameo is a visual treat) is pure cinema. Soubin Shahir steals the show as Dayal. He is cunning, dangerous and will blow your mind with his performance. Nagarjuna’s menacing avatar as Simon is simply phenomenal as the actor continues to shock the audience with his versatility. Rachita Ram comes across as a surprise package and impresses with her terrific act. Shruti Haasan delivers a good performance and shines in emotional sequences.

On the whole, Coolie is a massy treat for Thalaivar fans, which epically celebrates 50 years of Rajinisim.

Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

Coolie is playing in cinemas