Coolie கூலி (2025) — Tamil Action

In the bustling port city of Visakhapatnam, Deva, a former coolie union leader, is drawn into a perilous investigation following the mysterious death of his close friend, Rajasekhar. The film "Coolie," directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and released in 2025, follows Deva's quest to uncover the truth behind Rajasekhar's demise, leading him into the depths of a dangerous crime syndicate. Portrayed by Rajinikanth, Deva's journey is further complicated by his estranged relationship with Rajasekhar's daughter, Preethi, played by Shruti Haasan. As Deva delves deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption involving Simon, a powerful smuggler, and his lieutenant, Dayalan "Dayal." The narrative explores themes of betrayal, justice, and the shadows of one's past, set against the backdrop of the criminal underworld. The film's tone is intense and suspenseful, characteristic of the action thriller genre. Kanagaraj's direction, combined with Anirudh Ravichander's music and Girish Gangadharan's cinematography, crafts a gripping cinematic experience. "Coolie" received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised Rajinikanth's commanding performance and the film's high-energy action sequences. However, some noted that the screenplay felt scattered, with the second half lacking the depth and novelty expected from a director of Kanagaraj's caliber. Despite these critiques, "Coolie" emerged as a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2025 and solidifying its place in contemporary Indian cinema.