Coolie is a 2025 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, marking his first collaboration with superstar Rajinikanth. Produced by Sun Pictures, the movie is Rajinikanth’s 171st lead role (originally titled Thalaivar 171) and has been a major box office success, grossing between ₹514–675 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2025 and the fourth highest-grossing Tamil film ever.

Plot Summary

The story follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a former coolie union leader who now runs a shelter for young men in Chennai. His life unravels when his close friend Rajasekar dies under suspicious circumstances, drawing him into a dangerous investigation of a gold smuggling syndicate at Visakhapatnam harbour. Led by the ruthless Simon (Nagarjuna Akkineni) and his lieutenant Dayalan (Soubin Shahir), the gang uses coolies for trafficking operations.

As Deva uncovers betrayals and secrets from his past, the narrative unfolds in a non-linear style with twists, blending revenge, crime, and high-stakes action. The film pays homage to Rajinikanth’s earlier coolie roles in classics like Mullum Malarum (1978) and Uzhaippali (1993), while tying into Lokesh’s cinematic universe (LCU) from films like Vikram.

Cast and Crew

• Director: Lokesh Kanagaraj
• Lead Cast:
  • Rajinikanth as Deva
  • Nagarjuna Akkineni as Simon (antagonist)
  • Soubin Shahir as Dayalan
  • Shruti Haasan
  • Sathyaraj
  • Upendra
  • Rachita Ram
• Special Appearances: Aamir Khan, Pooja Hegde
• Music: Anirudh Ravichander (praised for its pulsating score and BGM that elevates action sequences)
• Cinematography: Girish Gangadharan
• Editing: Philomin Raj
• VFX: Makuta VFX

Principal photography spanned July 2024 to March 2025 across Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok, with Rajinikanth wrapping his portions by early March. The audio launch was held in August 2025 at Chennai’s Nehru Stadium.

Release and Availability

• Theatrical Release: August 14, 2025 (in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi)
• Runtime: 2 hours 49 minutes
• OTT Premiere: Streaming on Prime Video from September 11, 2025 (in Tamil and dubbed languages like Telugu)
• As of September 14, 2025, it’s available for streaming on Prime Video shortly after its theatrical run ended.

Reception

Coolie has received mixed-to-positive reviews, with a 6.3/10 on IMDb and praise for its stylish action, technical polish (including de-aging effects for Rajinikanth), and ensemble performances—especially Rajinikanth’s commanding presence at age 74 and Soubin Shahir’s standout role.

Critics highlight Lokesh’s inventive screenplay with unexpected twists and LCU connections, but some note a convoluted plot and over-reliance on hype. On Rotten Tomatoes, it’s lauded for Rajinikanth’s charisma but critiqued for meandering narrative beats. Fan reactions are divided: mass appeal for the action and swag, but some feel the story prioritizes style over substance.

If you’re a Rajinikanth fan or into Lokesh Kanagaraj’s gritty thrillers, it’s a high-energy watch—perfect for its blend of nostalgia and modern action. Trailers and posters are available on YouTube and IMDb for a quick vibe check.