Rajinikanth’s Coolie has received its first wave of reviews following a private screening held on August 8, and the verdict from fans is resoundingly positive. Social media is abuzz with praise, with many calling it Rajinikanth’s best performance since Kabali (2016). Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the film is being hailed for its mass appeal, emotional depth, and powerful character arcs. One viral post described it as “LOKI COOKED,” a nod to the director’s signature style, while another declared, “Best performance loading after Kabali”.
The film features a stellar ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, and a surprise cameo by Aamir Khan. Fans have singled out Nagarjuna as the “backbone of the film,” praising his villainous role for adding complexity and intensity to the narrative. Shruti Haasan, meanwhile, is being called the “main highlight,” with her performance reportedly stealing every scene she’s in. Aamir Khan’s cameo has been described as a showstopper, with one viewer saying it “turned the entire theatre into a stadium”.
Coolie is set to release on August 14 and will clash at the box office with War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Despite the competition, early indicators suggest Coolie will dominate the Independence Day weekend. Advance bookings have already crossed $2 million globally, with North America contributing $1.3 million alone. In India, early morning shows are scheduled in Kerala and Karnataka, while Tamil Nadu will begin screenings at 9 AM due to safety regulations.
The film has been granted an ‘A’ certificate by the CBFC, restricting viewership to audiences aged 18 and above. With its high-octane action, emotional storytelling, and Rajinikanth’s commanding screen presence, Coolie is shaping up to be a landmark release. For fans, it’s not just another Rajini film—it’s a celebration of his legacy, a cinematic roar that echoes the spirit of Kabali while carving a new chapter in Tamil cinema.