“Coolie” Spoiler-free Film Review

Superstar Rajinikanth’s Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial, Coolie, does not deserve the bashing it has got from many critics, proving yet again that all critics are fallible and that film fans must not be swayed into forming an opinion of a film until seeing the film themselves.

Coolie weaves an intricate story with many characters and with enough plot twists and surprises to keep audiences engaged.

Rajinikanth plays Devaraj. a former menial labourer (coolie), who now runs a block of rental apartments with strict rules. When he hears about the sudden death of his friend, Rajasekar (Sathyaraj), he is dismayed by the animosity from Rajasekar’s eldest daughter, Preethi (Sruthi Hassan). Things take a sinister turn when he overhears the mumbled remarks of an inebriated Ravi (Charlie) and Deva decides to delve into the circumstances surrounding the death of his friend. His search takes him on a dangerous path where his past intertwines with the present, and where the dangers he faces increase incrementally. How these issues are eventually resolved form the rest of this convoluted story that transcends four decades.

There are many solid positives in Coolie that will place it in one of his better films of the last two decades. At the top of this list is Rajinikanth’s acting ability. Fans of Rajinikanth would have lamented the fact that so few of his post 1908s film drew on his acting strength. Coolie is certainly a film that succeeds to a large degree in bringing back this Rajinikanth. His screen presence is still overwhelming but id clearly uncomfortable in the dance and fight sequences.

Sruthi Haasan is in one of her best roles to date, transforming her role well beyond the confines of the script. Her powerful expressions and her ability to convey emotions in a subtle manner form a fitting complement to Rajinikanth’s performance.

Soubin Shahir, who is best known for his acting role in Premam and his roles as actor and producer of the runaway hit Manjummel Boys, makes a magnificent debut to the Tamil screen in an arresting and memorable role as Dayal or Dayalen.

Another person making an impressive debut to the Tamil screen is Kannada actress, Rachita Ram who portrays Kalyani to chiselled perfection. It would be a delight to see more of her on the Tamil screen.

Sathyaraj has limited screen time but makes the most of his role in a very spirited performance.

Nagarjunna Akkineni as Simon Xavier combines powerful dialogue delivery with intense acting and matching body language adjustments to his role.

Upendra makes a very delayed entrance and was under-utilised in his role as Kaleesah. The much touted guest appearance by Aamir Khan was also a huge disappointment. The role simply gave no indication of the high calibre of acting Aamir Khan is capable of and the role could have gone quite easily to any other actor without any effect on the narrative.

Kaali Venkat and Charlie both play small but important roles. Kanaa Ravi and Dileepan are the best of the others. Pooja Hegde’s cameo has little impact and is simply a speed-breaking intrusion into the narrative.

Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography is an outstanding work of art. From the breathtaking 360 degree tracking shot, to the unusual angles, to the creative framing and the artistic lighting, the film is a visual feast – even to those unaccustomed to the nuances of creative cinematography.

Anirudh’s songs could have been a whole lot better, but his background score – especially in the second half – makes up for this more than adequately.

The stunts by Anbariv are very disappointing with too many larger-than-life sequences that mar the monumental effort put into the fight sequences. Anbariv and Lokesh Kanagaraj are also to blame for the ridiculous axe-in-the-back sequence that is a shocking embarrassment for a film aimed at the international arena.

Lokesh is also very sloppy with the screenplay in the first hour of the film, dragging scenes and sequences that could have been reduced to a fifth of its running time. These lapses are major drawbacks in a film that is otherwise brilliantly crafted with enough plot twists to keep the suspense taut and sustained. Once again, his directorial assistants have let him down.

Admittedly, Coolie does not match the same level as many of Loksh Kanagraj’s earlier films, Lokesh Kanagaraj on a bad day is still far better than most directors on a good day.

It seems that many reviewers have amplified the effects of the film’s shortcoming and ignored the film’s many positive aspects.

Watching the film without making unfair comparisons to other films is an engaging and enjoyable experience. For fans of Rajinikanth, his acting heights and the delightful scenes with de-aging technology make this film a solid treat.

Coolie scores 7 points out of 10.