​Coolie review: celebrities celebrate Rajinikanth’s blockbuster comeback​

Coolie (2025), directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, stars Rajinikanth as Devaraj “Deva,” a former coolie union leader who investigates the suspicious death of his friend. The story unfolds amid crime syndicates at the Visakhapatnam port, featuring power struggles involving smugglers led by Simon (Nagarjuna) and his volatile lieutenant Dayalan. Packed with action, mystery, and emotional moments, the film showcases Rajinikanth’s charisma and features strong performances from Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and others. Coolie blends intense drama with mass entertainment and was released worldwide on August 14, 2025.

Dhanush, a beloved actor and Rajinikanth's son-in-law, attended an early screening and left the theater smiling and giving a big thumbs up, signaling wholehearted approval of the film.

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan praised Coolie as a celebration of Rajinikanth’s "half a century of cinematic brilliance," wishing the film resounding success both in India and globally.

Actor and Tamil Nadu Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin called Coolie a "power-packed mass entertainer" that he thoroughly enjoyed. He predicted the film would capture hearts across audiences everywhere.

Celebrities emphasize Rajinikanth’s magnetic charisma and screen presence, describing his role as the heart of the movie. Fans and stars alike hailed his action sequences and signature style.

Aamir Khan’s special appearance as Dahaa received considerable attention, with many calling it one of the best cameos of the year, adding spice and surprise to the storyline.

Nagarjuna’s portrayal of the antagonist Simon was commended as "the backbone of the film," showcasing a compelling shift from his usual roles and impressing many celebrity viewers.

While some critics noted plot weaknesses, the overall celebrity and fan reactions were overwhelmingly positive about the entertainment value, with social media buzzing about the film’s mass appeal and energetic vibe.

Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his gripping storytelling, and music director Anirudh Ravichander also received kudos for their contributions, enhancing the film’s mood and excitement according to industry insiders.