Lokesh Kanagaraj Acknowledges Criticism for Coolie

At a recent event, Lokesh addressed the criticism and expressed gratitude to audiences for supporting the film despite the negative feedback.

Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ensemble film Coolie, headlined by Rajinikanth, was released in theatres on August 14 to mixed reviews. While fans of the superstar flocked to cinemas, the film was widely criticised by a section of viewers for its weak script and perceived lazy writing.

At a recent event, Lokesh addressed the criticism and expressed gratitude to audiences for supporting the film despite the negative feedback. Speaking to reporters on Friday evening, the director said, “Coolie received thousands of criticisms. I will try to rectify them in my next film. Even with those criticisms, people watched the film for Rajinikanth sir. The producer told me the film collected ₹500 crore. Thanks to everyone.”

Earlier, in September, Lokesh had spoken about the film’s mixed reception at a conclave organised by SSVM Institutions in Coimbatore. He reiterated that he does not write films to cater to heightened expectations. “I can only write what I believe in. If it meets the audience’s expectations, I’m happy. If it doesn’t, I’ll try to improve that’s it,” he said.

Lokesh Kanagaraj rose to prominence with a string of hits such as Kaidhi, Master and Vikram, earning both critical acclaim and a strong fan following. However, with Coolie, the director appears to have stumbled, as many viewers felt the film lacked a logical narrative and failed to connect emotionally, even as Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Upendra's presence ensured strong footfalls at the box office.

Despite the criticism, Coolie’s commercial performance became a major talking point within the industry. Trade analysts noted that the film opened strongly across multiple regions, driven largely by Rajinikanth’s loyal fan base. The reported ₹500 crore collection, as mentioned by Lokesh, placed the film among the highest grossers of the year, reinforcing the superstar’s unmatched pull at the box office. For many observers, the financial success highlighted the clear gap between critical reception and audience turnout.

The director’s response to criticism stood out for its honesty and calm tone. Instead of dismissing feedback or placing blame elsewhere, Lokesh openly acknowledged the flaws pointed out by viewers. His statement about rectifying mistakes in future films reflected a willingness to learn rather than defend. This approach resonated with many fans who appreciated the transparency, especially at a time when public reactions to criticism can often turn defensive.

Industry insiders also pointed out that Coolie carried unusually high expectations even before its release. A Lokesh Kanagaraj film featuring Rajinikanth and supported by a powerful ensemble naturally generated hype. Such anticipation often magnifies disappointment when the narrative does not fully deliver. In this context, the mixed reception was seen by some as a result of inflated expectations rather than a complete failure of the film itself.

Lokesh’s earlier comments at the Coimbatore conclave further shed light on his creative philosophy. By stating that he writes only what he believes in, the filmmaker positioned himself as someone unwilling to chase trends or over please audiences. This mindset has previously worked in his favour, helping him deliver distinctive films like Kaidhi and Vikram. Coolie, however, became a reminder that experimentation does not always land as intended.

For Rajinikanth, Coolie reaffirmed his enduring star power. Even critics who were disappointed with the screenplay acknowledged his screen presence and charisma. The combined appeal of the cast ensured packed theatres during the opening days, proving once again that star driven cinema still holds strong influence in the current market.

As Lokesh Kanagaraj moves forward, Coolie is likely to serve as a learning experience rather than a setback. With his track record and openness to improvement, expectations remain high for his next project. Many fans now wait to see how he applies these lessons, hoping his future films strike a stronger balance between personal vision and audience connection.