Coolie Review - A Movie that is literally the most okayish work of Lokesh Kanagaraj
Director - Lokesh Kanagaraj
Story, Screenplay and Dialogues: Lokesh Kanagaraj and Chandru Anbalagan
Starring : Rajinikanth, Shruthi Hassan, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Aamir Khan, Soubin Shahir, Rachitra Ram, Sathyaraj. etc.
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematography - Girish Gangadharan
Stunts - Anbariv
Storyline - Deva, an ex coolie union leader gets news of his friend's death and decides to unravel the mystery behind it and comes across a Heart Smuggling operation masterminded by Simon Xavier.
My Review:
Lokesh Kanagaraj is indeed a person who has changed the grammar of Action Cinema in Kollywood and his first collaboration with Rajinikanth was the most hyped up project. We went to watch the film and here's my review.
Performance - Rajinikanth scores yet another six in his performance as he is able to bring in the pain of loss and his motive of revenge as an actor. Sathyaraj's performance was literally a catalyst and he brings in his comical appeal. Soubin's role as Dayalan in his maiden Tamil attempt is amazing and the way he performed and also dance made me think - Damn, this guy could really pull off a performance of a lifetime like a seasoned pro. Shruthi Haasan brings in the gravitas as per the character of a grieving daughter. Nagarjuna's performance as a villain in yet another of his Tamil films showcases his versatility in choosing roles that have made him who he is. Aamir Khan's cameo might have worked but it can't even match the level of hype that Suriya gave with his role as Rolex in Vikram. Rachitra Ram in her first Tamil film rocked as a action packed boss lady that we were shocked. Upendra's performance as Kaalesha is equal to Chekov's Gun where his back is shown along with the room that he doesn't allow anyone to come until the climax.
Technicalities -
Lokesh has always gone against the usual tropes of Tamil Action cinema but in this film, he this time has succumbed to bringing out the tropes that he never wanted. An Item Song named Monica, It was like an unwanted inclusion in the story. There are signs of Lokesh's style that happens when he uses a retro song in a fight scene. This was honestly unexpected from Lokesh's work considering his previous works have broken the formulaic conventions.
Cinematography has this time excelled but, I had a feeling maybe we have been using too much Mocobots in films and I think we can do without them. Anbariv brought in the stunts that had a rustic yet mass appeal to the film. Editing by Philomin Raj is great. Anirudh is the asli hero of the movie with his bgm and songs that have now ruled the charts like Chikitu, Monica and Powerhouse. The new title card that celebrated Rajini's 50 years is so innovative. The script is like a revenge drama which is already tried and tested. It's like watching Thalapathi, Baasha and Thee together in one film. The De-aging technology has worked its charm. Adraa Kokki is just one punch dialogue which only runs in my head. The dialogue where he says "Avan unnaku appana irrundhirukalam aanal ava ennaku nanban" sounds like a throwback to those days when Rajini and Kamal had worked together.
Overall - Loki's not so great film
IMO - I feel we overhyped the film a bit too much
