Sun Pictures, Sun TV Network Ltd. and Kalanithi Maran’s Coolie The Powerhouse (dubbed from the Tamil film the same name; A) is an action film. Deva (Rajinikanth) is the leader of coolies and his heart beats for the community. His best friend, Rajasekhar (Sathyaraj) is murdered. Deva and Rajasekhar’s daughter, Preeti (Shruti Haasan), set out to find out who the killer is. Simon (Nagarjuna) is into all kinds of illegal businesses for which he employs thousands of coolies. Rajasekhar used to supply his services to Simon, but Deva is convinced that the evil Simon had not murdered him (Rajasekhar). Who is the killer? Why was Rajasekhar murdered? Is Simon a friend of Deva or a foe? All these and many more questions get answered as the drama progresses.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s story is very long-drawn and often convoluted and contrived. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s screenplay, with additional screenplay by Chandru Anbazhagan, is confusing — and that’s not just because of the excessive characters in the drama. The screenplay is so round-and-about that the drama often tests the viewers’ patience. Oftentimes, the turns and twists are so convenient that the audience realise that this is a weak part of the screenplay. For instance, Deva leaving Preeti to look after Dayal looks like a very convenient twist. The second half has too many tracks and, therefore, becomes even more confusing than the pre-interval portion. Frankly, the plot lacks cohesiveness. Climax is predictable. Dialogues (by Lokesh Kanagaraj and Chandhru Anbazhagan) are okay.
Rajinikanth does well as Deva, but there’s nothing extraordinary about his acting. Nagarjuna is good as Simon but his performance also doesn’t stand out as fantastic. Shruti Haasan acts ably as Preeti Rajasekhar. Sathyaraj makes a fair mark in a brief role as Rajasekhar. Soubin Shahir makes a fine mark as Dayal. Upendra is average as Kaleesha. Aamir Khan lends tremendous star value as Dahaa. Mahesh Manjrekar has his moments in a tiny role as Dahaa’s father. Pooja Hegde adds glamour in a special appearance in a song-dance. Rachita Ram is pretty impressive as Dayal’s wife. Kanna Ravi makes his presence felt as Simon’s son, Arjun. Kaali Venkat is fair as an undercover cop. Rishikanth leaves quite a mark as Simon’s aide. Reba Monica John and Monisha Blessy are adequate as Rajasekhar’s daughters. Tamizh (as the goon) and Charlie (as Rajasekhar’s friend) lend the desired support.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction is technically sound but his narration doesn’t quite impress. Anirudh’s music is very nice. The title song and the party song (picturised on Pooja Hegde) are well-tuned. Lyrics are appropriate. Sandy’s choreography is lovely. Background music is quite good but ought to have been better. Girish Gangadharan’s cinematography is lovely. Anbariv’s action and stunt scenes are thrilling but they are also gruesome. N. Sathees Kumar’s production designing is of a good standard. Philomin Raj’s editing leaves something to be desired. Dubbing is very good.
On the whole, Coolie The Powerhouse is an average fare and will not make a great mark at the Hindi box-office. Collections tomorrow will jump dramatically because of the Independence Day national holiday.
Released on 14-8-’25 at Inox (daily 3 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru PEN Marudhar Cine Entertainment. Publicity: so-so. Opening: ordinary …….Also released all over. Opening ranged from below-average to average. Of course, collections picked up as the day progressed.