In a cinematic landscape often dominated by grandstanding and pandering, Lokesh Kanagaraj's "Coolie," starring the iconic Rajinikanth, arrives as a welcome surprise. More than just a film, it is a meticulously crafted 50th-anniversary gift to a superstar, a project that respects its lead actor and uses his immense talent with a newfound dignity. This is a "star movie" that prioritizes storytelling over mere spectacle, a feat that has long been missing from the Rajinikanth filmography.

For years, critics and fans have lamented the underutilization of Rajinikanth, seeing him confined to a "small cage" of star mannerisms, used more as an audience-pulling "whistle-producing magnet" than an actor. "Coolie" shatters this mold. The film is a masterclass in balance, seamlessly blending the superstar's famous charisma with a character of substance. From his character's grand introduction, the film makes a conscious choice to pull back from excessive "elevation" scenes. While the signature "whistle-whistle-whistle" moments are present, they are earned and feel organic to the plot, devoid of the random punch dialogues and audience-pleasing theatrics that have defined many of his recent outings.

The narrative, while engaging, is a classic Lokesh Kanagaraj concoction. It plunges us into the story of Deva, a man investigating a death linked to a smuggling syndicate. Like his previous works, the crime angle serves as a "MacGuffin," a flashy distraction that allows the real drama and action to unfold. The film moves with a "dream-like" fluidity, thanks to the silken editing. This is a screenplay-driven piece, elevated by a narrative that, despite being generically simple (our hero against a bunch of villains), remains consistently engaging with its strong screenplay and an ample supply of surprises.

At the heart of the film lies a terrific performance from Rajinikanth. In a standout single-shot flashback sequence—a clear self-tribute to Lokesh's directorial style—the superstar holds the frame with a calmness we haven’t seen in a long time. His acting is measured, his emotions controlled, and his performance is perfectly in sync with the film's tone. This is the Rajinikanth who gets the "meat" an actor needs to deliver a warm, utterly convincing performance, a star who is also a great actor.

The film's strengths extend to its supporting cast. While the antagonist played by Nagarjuna feels slightly underutilized, Soubin Shahir shines in a role filled with twists. The tonality of the scene with Aamir Khan is a pleasant, unexpected surprise. Similarly, Shruti Haasan, though occasionally relegated to the role of a "damsel in distress," nails her big dramatic scenes and contributes positively to the flow of the film.

Visually, the film is a treat. Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan saturates the frames with rich colors, reminiscent of Vikram. The de-aging scenes are executed with remarkable skill, and Lokesh’s penchant for using the eyes of his stars to convey emotion is on full display. A profile shot of Rajinikanth, with eyes filled with tears that do not fall, is a particularly powerful frame that embodies both a terrific star moment and a nuanced acting moment.

The pulsating heartbeat of Anirudh's soundtrack elevates the film's energy, complementing the action and driving the narrative forward. Even a song like "Monica," which could have felt out of place, is seamlessly integrated into the flow of the story.

In the end, "Coolie" may not reinvent the wheel, but it is a masterclass in dignified filmmaking. It is a testament to what a collaboration between an actor of Rajinikanth's stature and a visionary director like Lokesh Kanagaraj can achieve. It's a film that is 100% Lokesh Kanagaraj and 100% Rajinikanth, delivering a very satisfying big-screen experience for those who appreciate a well-crafted masala film over one-dimensional mass moments. For those who have longed to see the superstar in a properly packaged mainstream movie, this is the one.