Coolie is a 2025 Tamil-language action thriller featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan in a cameo role. The main theme centres around a former coolie union leader who stands against a corrupt syndicate exploiting port workers. The film was released worldwide on August 14, 2025.

This 170-minute film is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. Music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander, reuniting with Lokesh Kanagaraj once again; the score includes three notable singles, "Chikitu," "Monica," and "Powerhouse." The dance hook step from “Monica”, performed by Pooja Hegde, went viral on social media, boosting anticipation.

Read more: Jolly LLB 3 Teaser: Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi in Hilarious Jolly vs Jolly

Early Reviews and Reactions of Fans

The advance booking number of the Coolie (2025) ticket broke records worldwide. The fans are excited to watch Rajinikanth’s comeback on the silver screen. The ensemble cast, including Aamir Khan's cameo, also earned attention.

Rajinikanth’s dazzling smile, charismatic acting and vintage swag are being praised on social media once again.

However, there are mixed reactions. While many celebrated the action and energy, others criticised the second half of the film for its uneven pacing and lack of originality. Some viewers labelled certain scenes clichéd or derivative, going as far as tagging the film with #CoolieDisaster on X.

Read more: Coolie vs War 2 vs Dhumketu: Which Movie Tops Advance Booking Charts?

Kannada-language reactions highlighted Rajinikanth's powerful performance but noted that Lokesh’s direction and story structure didn't meet expectations.

Selective Critic Reviews

Pinkvilla summarised the film as a “stylish action entertainer” that unfortunately “fails to live up to the hype.”

India.com celebrated Rajinikanth’s “power-packed” performance, calling it a triumphant return.

The Indian Express spotlighted Shruti Haasan’s role, with impressions that her performance, portraying Preethi, might be among the “finest of her career,” and highlighted a strong “feminine quotient”.

Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Lineup for September 2025: Top 10 New and Returning Shows

What Happened Behind the Scenes

Reports suggest Rajinikanth signed onto the project after hearing just the first half of the story, a testament to his faith in the director.

He also personally reviewed the final cut of the film and described it to Lord as reminiscent of his earlier classic, Thalapathi, which gave the director immense satisfaction.

Coolie notably reunites Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj on screen after 38 years, a point of nostalgic significance.

Read more: Will Zee TV’s long-running daily soap Kumkum Bhagya end soon?

Coolie (2025) Box Office Collection

The Day 1 Collection Summary Table

Conclusion

Rajinikanth’s majestic performance, versatile star presence, slick visuals, and viral music are the strengths of the Coolie (2025) film. However, according to some critics, the film’s second half pacing feels patchy, and the story doesn’t always break new ground, while some felt it leaned into overhype. On the whole, the movie offers a blockbuster masala entertainer with major fan-service moments, especially for Rajini devotees. 

Read more: 'Weapons' horror film scores a box office victory