Lokesh Kanagaraj accepts Coolie criticism, says he will improve next film

Lokesh Kanagaraj's ensemble film Coolie, featuring Rajinikanth in the lead role, was released in cinemas on August 14, and has since garnered a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. Despite widespread criticism focusing on the script and writing, the film has managed to draw large numbers of fans and has surpassed Rs 500 crore in global box office collections. The director addressed these reactions in a recent media interaction, expressing gratitude towards viewers for their support in the face of negative commentary.

At a press event held on December 26, Lokesh Kanagaraj reflected on the feedback received for Coolie. He stated, "Coolie received 1000s of criticisms.. I'll try to rectify it in my next film.. Even with those criticisms, people watched the film for Rajinikanth sir. The producer told me the film collected Rs 500 crore. Thanks to everyone."

Earlier in September, Lokesh Kanagaraj spoke at a conclave hosted by SSVM Institutions in Coimbatore, elaborating on his approach to filmmaking and managing public expectations. He explained that he focuses on creating stories he believes in, rather than tailoring his work to meet external pressures. "But I can never write stories based on higher expectations. I write a storyif it meets their expectations, I'm good. If it doesn't, I will try, that's it," he said.

The film, which stars an extensive cast including Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Rachita Ram, Upendra, and Aamir Khan, was released alongside War 2 but maintained a steady performance at the box office. It centres on the character Deva, an ex-union leader played by Rajinikanth, who embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his friend's sudden death.

Coolie has been described by many viewers as lacking in narrative strength, with particular criticism aimed at its script and perceived formulaic writing. However, the presence of Rajinikanth appears to have been a decisive factor in attracting audiences, as evidenced by the film's strong box office showing.

The story of Coolie follows Deva as he comes up against Simon, a gangster portrayed by Nagarjuna, and Dayal, Simon's right-hand man played by Soubin Shahir. The plot revolves around Deva's determination to solve the mystery surrounding his friend Rajasekhar's demise, introducing themes of loyalty and justice.

Despite the criticism, many audience members praised the action sequences and cinematography, noting that the film delivers on spectacle even if the story falls short. The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has also been widely appreciated, with several tracks gaining popularity on social media platforms. This musical element has contributed to the film's overall appeal, providing fans with additional reasons to watch it in theaters.

Fans of Rajinikanth, often referred to as 'Superstar' by his admirers, were particularly enthusiastic, attending multiple screenings and sharing their experiences online. The film's dialogues and punch lines have also become a talking point, further amplifying audience engagement. Industry insiders suggest that this type of star-driven enthusiasm plays a critical role in ensuring commercial success, even when the narrative receives mixed reactions.

Lokesh Kanagaraj, in his interviews, highlighted that working with such a veteran actor comes with both opportunities and challenges. He mentioned that balancing Rajinikanth's larger-than-life persona with the ensemble cast required careful scripting and scene planning. Despite these challenges, the collaborative effort appears to have resonated with fans, contributing to the film's impressive box office figures.

Industry observers note that while the film's content drew significant criticism, the commercial outcome highlights the enduring appeal of star-led cinema in the region. The success of Coolie at the box office demonstrates the influence of established actors and the continued support of dedicated fanbases in determining a film's fortunes.

Looking ahead, both Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rajinikanth are expected to collaborate on future projects, with audiences eagerly anticipating how the duo will build on the experience of Coolie. Analysts predict that lessons learned from the reception of this film may influence the approach to storytelling, pacing, and character development in upcoming releases. The buzz around Coolie, despite its polarizing reviews, underscores the unique position that superstar-driven films hold in Indian cinema today.