Coolie hit theatres with sky-high expectations. The Rajinikanth–Lokesh Kanagaraj combo was touted as a dream pairing, with teasers and posters promising a mass entertainer.
But after the first day’s shows, the buzz began to fade, as audiences felt the film fell short of the hype.
Initially, fingers were pointed at director Lokesh Kanagaraj for not delivering a gripping narrative. However, talk in Tamil cinema circles suggests that Rajinikanth himself may have influenced the outcome.
Industry reports claim the superstar requested key changes to the script, including cameo appearances and stylistic adjustments, which curbed Lokesh’s signature storytelling style.
While Rajinikanth’s star power guaranteed a record-breaking opening, the film’s momentum slowed as audiences sensed a lack of depth.
Another setback was the film’s A certificate -a departure from Rajinikanth’s usual family-friendly films. With younger fans unable to watch it in theatres, the box office reach was inevitably limited.
So, is Rajinikanth to blame? Not entirely. His performance and energy remain the film’s highlight, and his presence drove the opening-day frenzy.
Yet, the changes he reportedly insisted on may have restricted the director’s creative freedom, leaving the final product uneven.
In the end, Coolie is proof that while star power pulls crowds, only strong storytelling can sustain the excitement.