Write an article about ‘Coolie’: a gritty, stylish thriller with superstar swagger .Organize the content with appropriate headings and subheadings (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6), Retain any existing tags from Rajinikanth brings his signature swag and a layered performance in ‘Coolie’. (Sun Pictures pic)
This year marks 50 years of Indian cinema’s ultimate superstar, Rajinikanth. At 74, he is still going strong, with a filmography that has entertained generations of cinemagoers worldwide.
Among his classics include “Baasha”, “Padayappa”, and “Annamalai”. But ask many fans, and they’ll tell you that one of his most unforgettable films is 1991’s “Thalapathi”, directed by Mani Ratnam.
With its layered storytelling and a role that lets Rajinikanth flex his acting chops beyond the trademark stylish swagger, “Thalapathi” became a career-defining moment. No other film had come close to matching its magic… until now.
Enter Lokesh Kanagaraj, the young Kollywood director celebrated for weaving intricate, edge-of-your-seat narratives. His latest work, “Coolie”, might just be the closest thing to a modern “Thalapathi”.
Over 170 minutes, Rajinikanth delivers all the superstar moments fans crave, but Lokesh grounds him in a gritty, complex world that challenges audiences as much as it entertains.
At 39, Lokesh already boasts an impressive directorial track record, with hits like “Kaithi”, “Vikram”, and “Leo” building his now-famous Lokesh Cinematic Universe.
His stories often follow a vigilante-style hero taking on the dark, dangerous underworld. And while Rajinikanth’s “Coolie” isn’t technically part of the “Lokiverse,” it still packs all the trademark storytelling magic fans have come to love.
Shruti Haasan (left) is the heart in this otherwise dark tale. (Sun Pictures pic)
“Coolie”, which also stars Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, and a cameo by Bollywood star Aamir Khan, revolves around Deva (Rajinikanth), a revered former coolie union leader who runs a hostel in Chennai.
When Deva’s close friend dies under suspicious circumstances, he discovers that it was no accident. Delving into the case, he uncovers ties to a dangerous criminal syndicate led by Simon (Nagarjuna).
Determined to avenge his friend, Deva wages a high-stakes battle against old and new foes.
Lokesh plays the balancing game well with “Coolie”. On one side, he serves up classic Rajinikanth bravado – witty one-liners, stylised fight sequences, and just enough flashbacks to nod at the superstar’s earlier hits.
On the other, he drags viewers into the rain-soaked underbelly of a criminal empire riddled with traps, deceit, and death.
The danger feels real, thanks to two main villains who are unpredictable, layered, and – surprisingly – charming, thanks to Soubin and Nagarjuna’s layered performances.
Breathing extra life into the film is music composer Anirudh Ravichander. The golden boy of Indian cinema crafts a pulsating soundscape that fits Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life presence, and the film’s dark and mysterious undertones.
Soubin Shahir gives his character Dayal a deliciously sleazy and dangerous treatment. (Sun Pictures pic)
As expected, Rajinikanth delivers a performance worthy of his legend. He’s real, funny, and nuanced, with enough suave to make the fanboy in you grin.
Yet this may also be one of Rajinikanth’s most grounded turns in years, proving the septuagenarian can do far more than just toss out punchlines in style.
Shruti Haasan is a breath of fresh air – not just for her capable performance, but because she’s paired with Rajinikanth without playing his love interest. The result? Great on-screen chemistry.
“Coolie” isn’t flawless, though. Its emotional core feels fleeting, with at least two relationships that could have been developed more to anchor the story, especially Deva’s friendship with his best friend. And while the twists and turns will keep you guessing, they tiptoe dangerously close to predictability.
In “Vikram”, Lokesh nailed the mid-film reveal and kept the tension tight until the very end. That kind of knockout treatment is slightly missing here – sadly.
Still, “Coolie” stands tall as a celebration of Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee in cinema – an entertaining blend of old-school mass moments and modern, layered storytelling.
Lokesh doesn’t reinvent the superstar, but he does refresh him, letting charisma and craft work hand in hand. If “Thalapathi” showed the world what Rajinikanth could do at his peak, “Coolie” proves he’s still capable of surprising viewers five decades on.
As of press time, ‘Coolie’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.
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