Why Rajinikanth's Coolie is Lokesh Kanagaraj's weakest film in his filmography

India Today

2 hours ago

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj has established himself as one of Tamil cinema's most promising directors, delivering a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films. From the breakout hit 'Maanagaram' to the gripping 'Master' and the ambitious 'Vikram', Kanagaraj has consistently delivered films that blend sharp storytelling with his signature cinematic style.However, his latest offering 'Coolie', starring superstar Rajinikanth, marks a significant departure from his usual standards and emerges as arguably his weakest offering to date.The film generated massive expectations, thanks to the collaboration between Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj. Even the trademark Lokesh elements that made him a promising director failed him in 'Coolie'. In this detailed piece, we discuss why.advertisementLack of Solid StorylineThe most glaring weakness in 'Coolie' is its foundational flaw - the absence of a coherent and engaging storyline. Unlike Kanagaraj's previous films that were built on a solid non-linear narrative, 'Coolie' felt like a collection of scenes stitched together without coherence.The story fails to establish clear stakes or provide audiences with a reason to invest emotionally in the proceedings. In the spectacularly made flashback with the de-ageing technique, Rajinikanth's Deva says that he would be there for the coolie. If that was the intention, why was he silent for 30 years when the workers were suffering at the hands of Simon and his family?
This narrative confusion extends to character motivations, which remain unclear throughout the film. Except for Dayalan (Soubin Shahir), Kalyani (Rachitha Ram) and Preethi (Shruti Haasan), none of the characters in the ensemble cast have intentions that will properl the story forward. Forget Simon's unidimensional character, Deva's intentions, too, go from avenging his friend Rajasekhar's (Sathyaraj) to fighting for the oppressed workers.Repetitiveness of Lokesh Kanagaraj's Tropes'Coolie' suffers heavily from Kanagaraj's overreliance on his established cinematic tropes, which have now become predictable rather than stylish. The director's signature elements - innovative fight sequenced in the backdrop of the 90s songs, non-linear narrative and a dark color palette - feel forced and mechanical in this film rather than organic storytelling tools. In his previous songs, the 90s songs that were used gave them quirky touches. But, the use of 'Loyola College Loyola', which was supposed to elicit applause from the audience, felt flat. The 'Va Va Pakkam Vaa' song worked fairly better than the other song.The film's action choreography, while technically proficient, lacks the freshness that made similar sequences in 'Kaithi' so memorable. Take for example, the character Simon, played by Nagarjuna. He kills and kills people. But, that isn't the only character trait that should make him menacing. However, we are told that Simon is menacing, but never really given reasons to believe that.Identity Crisis: Rajinikanth Film or Lokesh Kanagaraj Film?Rajinikanth's films are usually mass entertainers. It is almost impossible to make a full-fledged, content-driven film about a legend without playing to the gallery. But, young filmmakers and their inventive storytelling need to balance story and stardom and make a delightful concoction.advertisementPerhaps the most fundamental issue plaguing 'Coolie' is that it suffers from an identity crisis - the film can't decide whether it wants to be a typical Rajinikanth mass entertainer or a Lokesh Kanagaraj film. While Rajinikanth gives his all as Deva in 'Coolie', the writing (or the lack of it) fails him. The more you think about 'Coolie', the more glaring the logical errors in the film are.
Yes, it is a Rajinikanth film. Which automatically means that we expect all the ingredients of a perfect Thalaivar film, with only little focus on the story. However, the lack of better writing in the second half of 'Coolie' bogs down the film majorly. There are classing Rajinikanth elements, but the presence of Lokesh Kankagaraj's elements hardly had an impact when compared to his previous films.Too Many Sub-plots That Are Hardly Fleshed Out'Coolie' introduces numerous sub-plots without giving any of them adequate development or resolution. The film feels like Kanagaraj attempted to juggle too many story threads simultaneously, resulting in a scattered viewing experience that lacks focus and depth.advertisementTake for instance, Preethi. She is a medical college drop-out, but has the responsibility of mothering her two younger sisters. However, when she is stuck doing favours for Simon, she does what it takes to make ends meet, even if it's ethically and morally against her will.Similarly, Soubin's Dayalan and Rachitha Ram's Kalyani become pawns of their problems in need of money. While these morally ambiguous characters have a lot of layers in them, we are never really given backstories to invest completely in their arcs.There's Upendra's Kaleesha, who is severely underutilised. Alright, we get it that he's Deva's right-hand. But, in the present, he is either locked up in a room or standing behind Rajinikanth waiting for his instructions. Aamir Khan's Daaha is yet another addition that hardly makes an impact. While it reminds us of a Rolex-like climax from 'Vikram', it hardly adds value to the story, as is the case of Kaleesha. When a film leaves you with more questions than answers, it is an indication of a weak screenplay. And 'Coolie' is receiving polarising reactions because of this very reason.advertisementThis narrative overcrowding ultimately undermines the film's emotional impact. Audiences never get the chance to fully invest in any single storyline because the film keeps jumping between different threads.While 'Master' and 'Leo' - both are successful ventures - had criticisms of the narrative, they had a solid emotional core and interesting characters that keep you invested. 'Coolie' lacked both and, hence, is more unimpressive and disappointing.'Coolie' represents a rare misstep for Lokesh Kanagaraj, a director who has otherwise shown remarkable consistency in his filmography. While the film isn't without its moments of brilliance, it falls short of the standards set by his previous works.- EndsTune InTrending Reel