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Coolie (2025) — Lokesh Kanagaraj’s High-Octane Rajinikanth Spectacle

By your  Entertainment  Journalist Following the runaway success of Leo and Vikram , filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj reunites with icon Rajinikanth for Coolie —an epic Tamil action thriller that aims to make a seismic impact this August. 🛠️ Genesis & Filmmaking Project announcement & production : Officially unveiled as Thalaivar 171 in September 2023 and retitled Coolie in April 2024, principal photography began mid‑2024, spanning Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok Crew highlights : Director & Writers : Lokesh Kanagaraj (story/screenplay) alongside Chandhru Anbazhagan . Music : Anirudh Ravichander – marking his fifth collaboration with Rajini and fourth with Lokesh . Cinematography by Girish Gangadharan and editing by Philomin Raj . Casting : Apart from Rajinikanth , the ensemble includes Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, and a special cameo by Aamir Khan ....
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Kuberaa (2025): Dhanush’s Gritty Descent into Crime & Morality

 


Published: June 22, 2025

🗓️ Release & Opening

Directed by Sekhar Kammula, Kuberaa hit theaters on June 20, 2025 in Telugu and Tamil, backed by a powerful cast including Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna. It had a solid opening day in theaters, earning ₹13 crore, predominantly from the Telugu-speaking market.

🎭 Plot & Performances

Dhanush portrays a marginalized beggar who rises through the criminal underworld, grappling with wealth, loyalty, and moral consequences. Nagarjuna brings gravitas to a pivotal role, while Rashmika Mandanna and Jim Sarbh add emotional and narrative layers.
Critics and audiences praised Dhanush’s transformation—his intense, unconventional portrayal earning widespread acclaim .

📊 Critical Reaction & Box Office

Critics lauded the film’s raw realism and character depth, highlighting Dhanush’s nuanced take on poverty and crime .
However, despite early buzz, the film struggled commercially. Its strong reviews didn’t translate into sustained box office performance, with earnings falling below expectations.

🎥 Technical & Directorial Notes

At nearly 193 minutes in Telugu (184 in Tamil), Kuberaa unfolds at a deliberate pace. Sekhar Kammula balances introspective drama with grim violence, supported by Devi Sri Prasad’s evocative background score and Niketh Bommireddy’s moody cinematography .


🎯 Highlights & Caveats

✅ The Good

  • Dhanush’s intense, transformative performance

  • Bold crime saga with social commentary

  • Strong supporting roles and technical polish

⚠️ The Flaws

  • Extended runtime may test viewer patience

  • Box-office shortfall raises questions about mass appeal despite critical praise

✅ Final Verdict

Kuberaa is a compelling cinematic experiment—rooted in gritty realism, powered by Dhanush’s magnetic screen presence, and unafraid to explore moral ambiguity. Though it may falter commercially, it stands tall as a bold, character-driven crime epic that challenges mainstream conventions.

Recommended for: Fans of intense drama, unconventional storytelling, and performers pushing boundaries.
Think twice if: You prefer lean, commercial thrillers with lighter themes.

💬 Over to You

Have you seen Kuberaa? Did Dhanush’s portrayal move you? How did the crime-soaked setting and layered storytelling resonate? Share your reaction below!





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