Coolie Review: Starry Cast, Wobbly story
Plot that missed the harbour
Coolie opens at a busy harbour, where Simon Xavier is at the helm of a gold watch smuggling empire, aided by his loyal lieutenant, Dayalan “Dayal”, and Dayal’s own team of henchmen. Simon’s son, Arjun, refuses to follow in his father’s criminal footsteps and instead becomes a conscientious customs officer. This father-son conflict sets the stage for a story that promises suspense, but unfortunately, it doesn’t quite deliver.
The plot thickens when a police officer goes undercover as a harbour coolie to infiltrate Simon’s operations. Predictably, Dayal discovers him and kills him. Soon after, Dayal announces that another undercover officer is among the coolies, offering a massive ₹2 crore reward for anyone who can identify him. Meanwhile, Devaraj “Deva” runs a mansion that functions as a boarding house with strict rules prohibiting smoking and drinking, adding a curious subplot that seems disconnected from the main story.
Writing: A missed opportunity
Coolie is such a recklessly written script. It’s just a bunch of scenes without any logical or cinematic sense which just carry the overload of the star cast. Characters often behave in ways that make little sense. Rather than a smooth narrative, the film feels like a patchwork stitched together to showcase a massive star cast, without much attention to coherent storytelling. It feels as though the writers focused on including a large ensemble from across Pan India cinema, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, without properly shaping the story to accommodate them. The result is a chaotic narrative where character motivations and plot developments feel forced rather than natural.
Stars shine
There’s no denying that Coolie is a treat for fans of big stars. Rajinikanth dominates the screen with his signature charisma, Rajinikanth continues to take on roles suited to his age, which is commendable, but seeing a 70-year-old fight like a 30-year-old feels very unnatural and over the top. Nagarjuna takes on a villainous role for the first time and manages to deliver a strong performance, transforming into a new kind of presence that commands attention. Soubin Shahir brings energy and depth to his character, providing some much-needed weight to the otherwise thin story. Every scene he is in is infused with energy and wit, proving that even in a crowded cast, a standout performance can grab attention.
Shruti Haasan, despite being present throughout, fails to make a lasting impression. Her looks and performance feel underwhelming against such a powerhouse ensemble. Upendra, on the other hand, is a delightful surprise.
The film gathers top stars from across Pan India cinema, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, but unfortunately, the screenplay barely accommodates them all. The result is a story that often feels overcrowded and unbalanced.
Coolie review: Sounds and sights
Anirudh’s background score, rather than enhancing the film, frequently distracts the audience. Emotional moments are drowned by loud and peppy, mismatched music that clashes with the intended mood. On the bright side, the songs themselves are enjoyable, providing occasional respite from the story’s uneven flow. Visually, the film attempts grandeur, but even lavish sets and stylish cinematography cannot fully make the story engaging.
A starry film with cracks
Coolie is ultimately a film of contrasts. On one hand, it boasts a stellar cast, lively moments, and some genuinely entertaining performances. On the other hand, it suffers from a reckless storyline, poorly written characters, and illogical plot twists. The narrative feels forced at times, making it hard for the audience to fully engage with the unfolding drama.
Coolie review: If you are watching purely for the stars and the thrill of seeing Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Upendra, and others share screen space, Coolie delivers some good moments. But if your expectations lean toward a coherent, natural, and engaging story, the film may leave you stranded at the harbour, wishing for something more substantial.
Rating: 2/5
