‘Coolie’ FDFS first half review: Rajinikanth in fine form in this tale of friendship and intrigue

There is this thing about Rajinikanth films. The buzz. The hype. The multiple fan theories.

All that has increased with Coolie , his latest film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj.

What if Coolie was part of his much celebrated LCU? What if there was some connection to his earlier superhit film with Kamal Haasan, Vikram? All these thoughts swirl as I enter the cinema hall for Coolie . I have just finished my breakfast - Pongal at Palmgrove Hotel, which incidentally happens to be Rajinikanth’s favourite - and I am all set for a celebration of the Superstar. There is a cool introduction card for Rajinikanth, a celebration of his 50 years in cinema, which was a journey that started way back in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal. 

But Coolie - atleast the first half - is not just about celebrating the man. It begins with Dhaya (Soubin Saahir), who’s the main henchman in a port. There is some shady business involved and Simon (Nagarjuna) is at the helm. With a police informers among the thousands of workers, it is Soubin’s job to find out who the rat is. The first few minutes set up this premise, and the rat is found and executed fast enough.

But...what if there were more rats?

Enter Deva (Rajinikanth) who is running a mansion, far away from all this madness. He does not get a grand introduction sequence - his first dialogue is as simple as “Sollu da Kumar” (Tell me Kumar)...and that is an indication of things to come.

Coolie - atleast the first half - isn’t all about Rajinikanth. It does have slow-mo fights in a hostel and a bit of sermonising, but to Lokesh’s credit, he sucks you into the story. He chronicles friendship (an arc between Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj that we wish to know more about), and a supposed betrayal turned friendship (an arc between Shruti Haasan and Rajinikanth)and some shades of grey (Nagarjuna, always amidst smoke and liquor bottles).

Of course, there’s composer Anirudh’s tracks - like ‘Monica’ and ‘Powerhouse’ - adding to the flavour in good measure.

How will the second half fare? Watch out for our full review.