What happens when a Tamil cinema legend like Rajinikanth teams up with a visionary director like Lokesh Kanagaraj? You get Coolie, a 2025 action thriller that’s been the talk of the town among Indian movie lovers. From its star-studded cast to its rollercoaster box office journey, Coolie has sparked endless debates, celebrations, and some head-scratching moments. If you’re an Indian cinema fan who’s curious about the Coolie hype—its cast, reviews, box office numbers, and more—this deep dive is for you. Let’s unpack why this film is a big deal, what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s worth your time.
What Is Coolie All About?
Coolie is a 2025 Tamil-language action thriller that hit theaters on August 14, 2025, just in time for India’s Independence Day. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, it’s Rajinikanth’s 171st film as a lead actor—a milestone that had fans buzzing long before the first trailer dropped. The story follows Devaraj “Deva” (Rajinikanth), a former coolie union leader, as he investigates the mysterious death of his friend Rajasekhar, uncovering a dark crime syndicate involved in gold smuggling, human trafficking, and organ harvesting. It’s a tale of revenge, betrayal, and redemption, packed with high-octane action and emotional punches.
The film’s ensemble cast is a love letter to Indian cinema, pulling talent from Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Bollywood industries. With names like Nagarjuna Akkineni, Aamir Khan (in a cameo), Shruti Haasan, and Upendra, Coolie promised a cinematic spectacle. But did it deliver? Let’s break it down.
Read More: Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi: Cast, OTT Release, Budget & More
The Cast of Coolie 2025: A Pan-Indian Powerhouse
One of Coolie’s biggest draws is its stellar lineup. Here’s who brought this story to life:
- Rajinikanth as Devaraj “Deva”: The superstar plays a gritty, intense former coolie with his trademark charisma. Fans loved his punchy dialogues and larger-than-life action sequences, though some felt the role leaned heavily on his familiar persona.
- Nagarjuna Akkineni as Simon: The Tollywood icon shines as the chilling antagonist, a smuggler with a ruthless edge. His gravitas added depth to the villain’s arc.
- Shruti Haasan as Preethi: Playing Deva’s daughter, Shruti delivers a performance that balances strength and vulnerability, especially in emotional scenes with Rajinikanth.
- Soubin Shahir as Dayal: The Malayalam star makes an impressive Tamil debut as a complex henchman, stealing scenes with his menace.
- Upendra: The Kannada cinema veteran adds flair to a pivotal supporting role.
- Sathyaraj: A Kollywood stalwart, he brings reliability and depth to the ensemble.
- Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde (Special Appearances): Aamir’s cameo as Dahaa, a cold-blooded villain, was hyped but divisive—some called it chilling, others underwhelming. Pooja Hegde adds star power in a brief role.
- Others: Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, and Monisha Blessy round out the cast, adding regional flavor.
This pan-Indian cast was a bold move, aiming to pull audiences from across India. But with so many stars, did the story give everyone enough room to shine? That’s where reviews come in.
Coolie Movie Review: A Mixed Bag of Mass and Mess
Coolie arrived with sky-high expectations, fueled by Rajinikanth’s star power and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s reputation for slick action films like Vikram and Leo. The reality? A mixed response that’s left fans and critics divided.
What Worked
- Rajinikanth’s Charisma: At 74, Rajinikanth proves why he’s still the Thalaivar. His swagger, punch dialogues, and action sequences—like the much-talked-about bus fight—are pure crowd-pleasers.
- Nagarjuna and Shruti Haasan: Nagarjuna’s menacing Simon and Shruti’s emotional depth as Preethi won praise for adding layers to the story.
- Anirudh Ravichander’s Music: The background score is a standout, with “killer” BGM that amplifies the film’s energy. Tracks like the Coolie title song became instant fan favorites.
- Action Sequences: The interval block and certain set pieces, like the harbor chase, were hailed as “pure mass moments” that deliver the adrenaline Indian audiences crave.
- De-Aging Tech: The film’s use of de-aging for Rajinikanth in flashback scenes was a technical marvel, with one X post calling it a “textbook for upcoming de-aging films.”
What Didn’t
- Weak Screenplay: Critics called Coolie Lokesh Kanagaraj’s weakest film in terms of writing. The non-linear storytelling felt uneven, especially in the second half, where the pace dragged.
- Underused Cast: With such a massive ensemble, some actors—like Upendra and Aamir Khan—felt sidelined, leaving fans wanting more.
- Hype vs. Reality: The trailer was criticized as lackluster, and the film didn’t fully live up to its “spectacle” billing, especially after a record-breaking opening weekend.
- Mixed Emotional Impact: While the father-daughter bond between Deva and Preethi hit home, other emotional beats felt forced or underdeveloped.
Overall, Coolie is a visual treat with moments of brilliance but struggles to match the narrative depth of Kanagaraj’s earlier hits. Ratings range from 3.5/5 for its action and star power to as low as 2.5/5 for its screenplay flaws. If you’re a Rajinikanth fan, you’ll likely enjoy the mass moments, but if you’re expecting a Vikram-level masterpiece, you might leave slightly disappointed.
Coolie Box Office Collection: A Record-Breaking Start, Then a Slowdown
Coolie’s box office journey is a tale of two phases: a blazing start and a surprising fizzle. Here’s the breakdown:
- Opening Day: Coolie shattered records with a ₹150 crore worldwide gross, the highest ever for a Tamil film. In India, it netted ₹65 crore on day one, driven by massive advance bookings (₹41 crore pre-release).
- First Weekend: The film crossed ₹320 crore globally in three days, with a predicted ₹100 crore+ weekend in India alone. Overseas, it set a new Tamil record with $2.75 million in North America premieres.
- Final Tally: By the end of its theatrical run, Coolie grossed ₹503.50 crore worldwide, making it the fourth-highest-grossing Tamil film ever, behind 2.0, Leo, and Jailer. In Tamil Nadu, it earned ₹144.40 crore, second only to Good Bad Ugly (₹148.50 crore).
- The Catch: Despite the strong start, Coolie lost steam after the opening weekend. Mixed reviews and a massive drop in weekdays—especially in Kerala—led to an “underwhelming” overall performance compared to expectations.
Why the slowdown? Some point to the mixed reviews and a lack of repeat viewership, while others argue the ₹350–400 crore budget set an impossibly high bar. Still, as the third-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, Coolie is undeniably a commercial success, even if it didn’t topple Leo or Jailer.
Coolie First Day Collection: Breaking Down the Hype
The first day of Coolie was nothing short of historic. By 5 p.m. on August 14, 2025, it had netted ₹38.97 crore in India, climbing to ₹65 crore by day’s end. Globally, the ₹150 crore opening was fueled by:
- Massive Fan Turnout: Nearly 14,000 shows were screened across India, with fans celebrating with drumbeats, confetti, and giant Rajinikanth cutouts.
- Advance Sales: ₹41 crore in pre-release tickets showed the insane hype, especially in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets like North America.
- Regional Breakdown: Tamil Nadu led with a massive share, while Kerala saw a strong opening but crashed post-weekend due to mixed word-of-mouth.
This opening proved Rajinikanth’s enduring star power, but the sharp drop in collections afterward raised questions about the film’s staying power.
Coolie Release Date and Availability
Coolie released worldwide on August 14, 2025, in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi (titled Coolie: The Powerhouse after fan backlash against Majadoor), and Kannada. It was available in standard, IMAX, D-Box, and 4DX formats, making it a true theatrical event. The trailer dropped on August 2, 2025, though it received mixed reactions for not revealing enough of the plot.
Post-theatrical, Coolie premiered on Amazon Prime Video around October 14, 2025, after an eight-week cinema run. If you missed it in theaters, you can now stream it at home, but fans agree the big-screen experience—especially for Anirudh’s BGM and the action sequences—is hard to beat.
Why Coolie Matters to Indian Movie Lovers
For Indian cinema fans, Coolie isn’t just a movie—it’s an event. Here’s why it resonates:
- Rajinikanth’s Legacy: As his 171st film, Coolie cements his status as a cultural icon. His ability to draw crowds at this stage of his career is a testament to his unmatched appeal.
- Pan-Indian Ambition: The diverse cast and multi-language release reflect the growing trend of pan-Indian films, bridging Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada audiences.
- Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Vision: Despite the screenplay critiques, Kanagaraj’s Gen-Z style—blending old-school Rajinikanth vibes with modern action—makes Coolie a unique addition to his filmography.
- Cultural Moment: From Shruti Haasan’s viral “I’m the heroine, sir!” moment at a Chennai theater to Aamir Khan’s heartfelt praise for Rajinikanth at a press event, Coolie sparked countless memes and conversations.
But it’s not perfect. The film’s mixed reviews highlight a tension between mass appeal and narrative depth, a common challenge in star-driven blockbusters. If you’re an intermediate movie lover, you’ll appreciate the spectacle but might wish for a tighter story.
FAQ: Your Top Coolie Questions Answered
Is Coolie Part of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Cinematic Universe (LCU)?
Despite fan speculation about ties to Kaithi, Vikram, or Leo, the makers have denied any LCU connection. No surprise cameos from Suriya or Karthi here, but the buzz kept fans guessing.
How Did Aamir Khan’s Cameo Perform?
Aamir’s role as Dahaa was polarizing. Some praised his chilling intensity, calling it one of Bollywood’s best villain cameos, while others felt it was too brief to leave a mark.
Why Did Coolie Underperform After Its Opening?
Mixed reviews, an uneven second half, and a high budget led to a post-weekend slump. It still grossed over ₹500 crore worldwide, but expectations were higher.
Where Can I Watch Coolie Now?
It’s streaming on Amazon Prime Video as of October 14, 2025. Check your regional availability for Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, or Kannada versions.
Should You Watch Coolie?
If you’re an Indian movie lover who lives for Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life presence, Coolie is a must-watch for its mass moments, Anirudh’s electrifying score, and a cast that spans India’s film industries. It’s not Lokesh Kanagaraj’s best work, but it’s a thrilling ride with enough highs to keep you hooked. Stream it on Amazon Prime or revisit it in theaters if you can—those action sequences deserve the big screen.
Want to dive deeper into Coolie’s impact or compare it to Rajinikanth’s other hits? Check out our ultimate guide to Tamil cinema blockbusters or join our free movie lover’s Slack community to chat with fellow fans. What did you think of Coolie—hit or miss? Let us know!
