Coolie Movie Review: Rajinikanth in Full Swag
1. A Grand Return to the Big Screen
On 14 August 2025, prevailing patriotism set the stage for Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, to roar into theaters. The anticipation was electric, framed by Rajinikanth’s iconic presence, Lokesh’s storytelling flair, and a stunning ensemble including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and even a special appearance by Aamir Khan.
Coolie claimed to provide entertainment on a big scale, like a blockbuster movie, with a budget of between ₹350 and ₹400 crore
2. What Works: Energy, Charisma, and Moments That Pop
Right from the start, Coolie hits with high-octane action, Rajinikanth’s magnetic persona, and pulsating music by Anirudh Ravichander. The first half offers a solid interval block, familiar vintage swagger, and a few “mass tsunami” moments that ignite the crowd.
Fans and critics alike praised Rajinikanth’s energy and execution, calling it a “power-packed mass entertainer” and a fitting celebration of his 50 years in cinema. Lokesh’s direction, combined with Anirudh’s score, elevates key sequences, delivering that adrenaline rush fans expect.
3. Where It Falters: Storytelling Gaps
Despite the high on-screen electricity, several critiques emerged:
• First Half: “Average,” lively, but slightly unconnected in narrative.
• Second Half: Some felt pacing drops, the storyline weakens, and dramatic impact fades.
• Overhyped or Cliché: A few viewers called it “overhyped,” or a “ghisi-piti kahani” (worn-out story) with recycled scenes reminiscent of the 90s.
• Mixed Overseas Reactions: International audiences praised the climax but criticized the monotonous storytelling.
4. Standout Highlights
• Rajinikanth and Nagarjuna: Their presence commands the screen—especially Nagarjuna in his role, which surprised and delighted many.
• Music & Interval: Anirudh’s score and the interval song amplified the momentum.
• Visuals & Climax: The final stretch and climax deliver a visual feast and gratifying drama streaks, reminiscent of the best of mass action fare.
5. Social Media Pulse
• Positive takes hailed Rajinikanth’s charisma:
“Finest de-ageing ever done in Indian cinema.”
“Lokesh and team delivered a blockbuster.”
• Critical voices noted fatigue and underwhelming narrative:
“Flew in with great excitement…”I left with a heavy heart because the story seemed to drag on.”
6. Bottom Line
Coolie offers Rajinikanth fans a nostalgic ride with swagger, music, and mass entertainment in full flow. Yet, the storytelling’s inconsistencies and some over-familiar setups temper the excitement. It’s a must-watch for die-hard fans and Lokesh lovers—especially on the big screen—but the hype may overshadow its actual substance.
War 2 Movie Review: Hrithik Roshan & Jr NTR’s Modern Spy Action
1. The Spectacle Unfolds
Also released on 14 August 2025, War 2, helmed by Ayan Mukerji, brought together Bollywood’s Hrithik Roshan as Kabir and Telugu superstar Jr NTR as Vikram. The film, part of YRF’s Spy Universe, promised globetrotting action, high-tech espionage, and celebrity-level appeal.
Spanning action-packed shoots across six countries, with big production values and a shoot schedule of 150 days, War 2 was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made—estimated at ₹400 crore.
2. What Works: Chemistry and Cinematic Scale
The connection between Hrithik and Jr. NTR was hailed by many, who described their combined sequences as a significant highlight and captivating. With “pure goosebumps” attributed to Jr. NTR’s arrival and the explosive scope of the action, social media was ablaze with enthusiasm.
3. Where It Falters: Mixed Execution
Despite the visual grandeur, feedback reveals noteworthy shortcomings:
• Story & Screenplay: Critics called it “dull,” with formulaic direction and underwhelming plot arcs — a “letdown” in expectations.
• Action Not Substantial: Despite the high-octane promise, some felt the action didn’t fully deliver, falling short of the hype.
• Severe Criticism: On X, some viewers described the film as “fully torture,” labeling it one of the worst action movies in recent times.
• Mixed Reviews: Rating ranged from “mediocre action thriller” to “strictly mid,” with fans cautioning about unmet expectations.
4. Social Media Sparks
Enthusiastic voices:
“Jr NTR delivers pure goosebumps. His entry is just amazing. His emotional expressions are pure cinema.”
Early praise noted a “mind-boggling first half” and called it a “sure shot blockbuster… entry, interval episode alone enough for the ticket.”
Critical remarks:
“DULL… a letdown… weakest spy films by Hrithik?” – Taran Adarsh
“Not great, not bad—strictly MID.”
“Pure torture… worst action movie.”
5. Difference in Fan Culture
The film sparked visible fanfare—tickets sold fast, fans turned streets into carnivals, and even viral posts showed a fan applying tilak with his own blood at Jr NTR’s poster, showcasing mass devotion.
6. Final Take
War 2 is cinematic spectacle wrapped in star power—thrilling visuals, dramatic entries, and high expectations. But the underdeveloped script and inconsistent action execution make it a mixed bag: entertaining in bursts, but lacking in sustained narrative depth.
In Summary
• Coolie is a classic popular entertainment with throbbing music and vintage Rajinikanth enthusiasm. It’s built for fans, swings with swagger—but trips on its own weight when the storyline drags or feels too familiar.
• War 2 bets on modern espionage thrills, superstar pairing, and high cinematic aesthetics. It dazzles at moments, especially with Jr NTR’s performance, but gets bogged down with weak plotting and unfulfilled action expectations.
