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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 ....

“Heads of State: An Explosive Prime Video Debut with Dash of Star Power — Is It Worth a Stream?”

 

🎥 What Is It?

Heads of State is a high-budget, exclusive Amazon Prime Video action-comedy that premiered on July 2, 2025. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the film stars John Cena (U.S. President) and Idris Elba (U.K. Prime Minister), with Priyanka Chopra Jonas as MI6 agent Noel Bisset. The unlikely trio must team up to thwart a global conspiracy after an attack during a diplomatic crisis.


Critical Reception

  • Mixed to Positive Consensus

    • Metacritic gives it a 57/100, noting the movie delivers on entertainment but lacks depth.

    • Rotten Tomatoes stands at 60%, with reviewers calling it predictable yet enjoyable.


🔍 Highlights & Low Points

Strengths:

  • Cena & Elba's chemistry shines through in their buddy‑cop dynamics.

  • Pacing and energy: a slick, satisfying mix of stunts and humor.

  • Priyanka Chopra’s presence adds flair, though screen time is limited.

Criticisms:

  • Script is predictable, and action scenes are often formulaic.

  • Political context feels superficial, resembling “buttoned-down background noise”.


📊 OTT Platform Rankings

Here’s how Heads of State ranks across major OTT review and trending platforms:

PlatformRanking / Rating
Prime VideoFeatured as “Pick of the Month” among Prime releases 
Rotten Tomatoes60% critics’ approval (15 reviews)
MetacriticScore: 57 / 100 from critics
India Today / XSocial media users praised it as a “perfect popcorn action flick” with a 7/10 vibe

🧠 Viewer & Critic Quotes

“If you need a big, dumb action movie… You are in luck.” – Collider 
Priyanka Chopra Jonas steals the spotlight as Noel… Her chemistry with Cena and Elba elevates every scene.” – The Chandigarh News 


KOLKATABARI

💬 Our Verdict

Not a groundbreaking thriller — but as light, entertaining summer fare, it scores:

  • Entertainment Value: 8/10

  • Script & Depth: 5/10

  • Cast Chemistry: 9/10

If you're after a mind‑lighter escape with star charisma, Heads of State is a solid pick.


🔍 Is It Worth a Watch?

  • ✅ Yes if you enjoy action-comedies with slick set pieces, political hijinks, and a touch of friendly rivalry.

  • ⚠️ Maybe Not if you're seeking thoughtful political satire or deeper character arcs.


📌 Final Thoughts

Heads of State may lack political heft, but it makes up for it in kinetic fun and on-screen spark — ideal for a relaxed night in. It’s a classic Prime Video pick for July 2025: buoyant, flashy, and unapologetically popcorn‑ready.




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