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Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Coolie' first day reactions: Fans celebrate Rajinikanth's return, critics divided
Rajinikanth's Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has finally hit the big screens — and the frenzy is very, very real. From fan clubs bursting crackers at Indian theatres to international audiences showing up in full force, Day 1 has been nothing short of a spectacle. X (formerly Twitter) is in overdrive, with reactions swinging wildly between glowing praise and pointed criticism. Early reviews are pouring in from every corner, and the verdict is mixed. Some are calling it a 'blockbuster', while others feel it 'could've been tighter". But one thing's for sure: it has sparked a cultural moment. According to reports online, Coolie became the first Tamil film to cross $2 million in premiere sales in North America, surpassing records set by Kabali, Leo, and Ponniyin Selvan. #Coolie - 4.5 â�â�â�â� lokesh kanagaraj and team delivered a blockbuster.ð��¥ 1st Half - Good mix of Mass & Loki's plot twistsð��¥ One of the best de-aging in Kollywood ð��¥ The mass scenes in the second half worked out big time.ð�� @rajinikanth sir sambavamð��¥ #CoolieReview — Swethaâ�¢ (@SwethaLittle_) August 14, 2025 On ground, the madness has been palpable. Outside Chennai's Rohini Theatre, fans lit fireworks, poured milk over Rajinikanth cut-outs, and broke into celebratory dances. Amidst all this, Aamir Khan's cameo is also emerging as a crowd favourite. 'Aamir Khan's cameo = Best of the year. Story could've been tighter, but Rajinikanth carries the whole show on his shoulders," a post on X stated. Nagarjuna, too, is being widely praised for his villainous role, called 'the backbone of the film'. Just Came from coolie show Here my review -Action - choppy but decent -Screenplay - simple and engaging. -Acting - nothing new all are decent. -Movie pickup after 40 min and end credit is mind-blowing ( â��cameo). Rating - 3.5/5ð��¥ð��¥ #cooliereview #coolie — Spike (@uselessfellow1k) August 13, 2025 Another account posted, 'Rajinikanth is BACK — bloodier, darker & deadlier than ever! Lokesh Kanagaraj delivers a violent mass masterpiece with soul… surprise LCU twist!' But not everyone's sold. 'Extreme violence suffocates. Something didn't blend with multistars. My #cooliereview 2.5/5 — sorry Thalaiva," stated a contrasting view on X. Despite the mixed reviews, the box office has been on fire. And whether we loved it or expected more, we're definitely talking about it.
Free Malaysia Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaysian-made ‘Mirugasirisham' will have you screaming
The trio at the centre of 'Mirugasirisham' find themselves caught up in a series of terrifying paranormal encounters. (Five Star Trading pic) PETALING JAYA : Malaysian films are levelling up fast – and a new Tamil horror-comedy that hit cinemas on Thursday serves as a solid example of that. 'Mirugasirisham' is written and directed by Vijay Ganesh, the familiar face behind Sage Heroes, the online team known for their popular comedic skits. This is their first full-length feature, and it's also noteworthy in that it's the first local Tamil film to be released with Dolby Atmos. The story revolves around a trio who get caught up in a series of terrifying paranormal events. Odd noises turn into full-blown supernatural attacks, prompting them to seek help from a tok guru, which in turn sparks a wild ride filled with twists, laughs, and some real scares. Indeed, the movie starts on a spooky note: a man's motorbike breaks down in the middle of the night in an estate, and the poor guy meets a violent end at the hands of a mysterious presence. From there, we're flung into the present, where we meet the central characters. Senthil (Jegan Shanmugam) is the kind of naive (read: clueless) IT guy who sleeps soundly while his wife is nearly killed in the next room, or casually leaves the car for a bathroom break even though a ghost is on the loose. His earnest stupidity is oddly charming. His wife Sridevi (Nirmala Tharmarajan) is sharp-tongued with a healthy fear of the paranormal. Her dynamic with Senthil – and later with the tok guru to whom she clings for protection – is comedy gold. Director Vijay Ganesh takes on the lead role of Guruji, who is joined by his intern Soo Koon, played by Kumari. (Five Star Trading pic) Siva (Joshua Shashi Kumar), Sridevi's brother, is a flamboyant head chef with framed photos of Chef Wan and Gordon Ramsay to prove his culinary credentials. He pretends not to be scared – but we all know better. His banter with junior chefs and reactions to the ghostly goings-on are laugh-out-loud funny. The spooky elements start subtly: scratching sounds, loud footstep, eerie chalkboard writing with the phrase 'Looking for me?' Then it quickly escalates, with floating chainsaws and bookshelves unexpectedly toppling over. Viewers in the cinema literally screamed during some of these moments! The trio soon seeks help from Guruji (played by the director himself, Vijay), a spiritual healer and paranormal investigator who is accompanied by his intern, Soo Koon (Kumari). The two make quite the entertaining pair. Happily, Guruji isn't your over-the-top, all-knowing hero – though he's equipped with cool gadgets like heat-sensing goggles, which makes him feel like a modern spiritual detective. 'Mirugasirisham' does depend on some tried-and-tested horror clichés, but what sets it apart is the humour it injects into these moments. One particularly hilarious scene involves Senthil barging into an occupied bathroom stall, thinking he's talking to a colleague – only to find out otherwise. No further spoilers here! Then there's the talking cat: Guruji has a full-on chat with a black feline who's been trying to warn Sridevi. It's so unexpected, it's brilliant. The entity's origins trace back to the eerie estate, scenes of which are executed remarkably well. (Five Star Trading pic) The horror-to-humour transitions are never jarring; in fact, the film arguably handles this even better than the popular 'Aranmanai' franchise. Add to that a mysterious book found by Siva that eerily mirrors current events, and you've got yourself a layered plot that keeps things interesting. As with most Tamil horror stories, there's a backstory to the haunting. Here, it's a tragic one. Without giving too much away, four actors take on double roles, appearing in both past and present timelines. The payoff is emotionally satisfying and showcases the cast's range. Komalaa Naidu also delivers a memorable performance in the flashback sequence, which stands out as one of the strongest parts of the movie – and wisely, none of it is spoiled in the trailer. Technically, the film holds up well. The cinematography, editing and stunt sequences – especially the chase scenes through plantations – are well-executed. But it's the sound design that steals the show: Dolby Atmos is put to good use here, heightening tension and creating full-bodied immersion. Shane Xtreme's music adds an emotional layer, with a sweet romantic melody in the mix. All in all, this isn't Oscar bait or genre-defining. But in an era where even big-budget names can let you down, 'Mirugasirisham' is a solid entertainer. As of press time, 'Mirugasirisham' is screening in selected cinemas nationwide.
