Coolie OTT release: Did Aamir Khan’s last-minute cameo save Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj film?

Coolie, the much-anticipated film starring Rajinikanth, has finally landed on OTT. Prime Video is streaming the film in multiple audio and subtitle language options. OTTplay Premium users can also stream the film by topping up their existing plan with Prime Video. Rajinikanth’s Coolie features a star-studded ensemble, including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir and others. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj also pulled off a pan-Indian stint by roping in Aamir Khan for a last-minute cameo. But did Aamir Khan’s appearance really save Lokesh’s film, and recreate the magic that Suriya’s Rolex did? Well, not really.

Did Aamir Khan’s last-minute cameo save Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj Coolie?

After its theatrical run, Coolie is now streaming on Prime Video. The film, which was one of the much-anticipated titles of this year, had many hopes pinned on it to become Tamil cinema’s first 1000-crore film. While the film could only make half of it, Coolie boasts a star-ensemble cast, and that includes Aamir Khan’s last-minute cameo. Many expected that Aamir Khan’s Dahaa might be as chilling and effective as Suriya’s Rolex cameo in Vikram, but the Hindi actor’s role was reduced to mere clownery, given that the audience felt it was a wasted opportunity.

For those who have not watched the film, Aamir Khan’s Dahaa is not seen until the end of the film. However, his presence lingers as we are hyped Dahaa as a terrorising villain and someone of high rank in the crime syndicate. In fact, Nagarjuna’s Simon too, expresses his fear for Dahaa. But it is only until the end, when Rajinikanth’s Deva finishes off Simon, before he comes face to face with Dahaa. It is at that time we are once again reminded of Deva’s flashback when he worked as a coolie among the thousand others for Xavier and Kakkar (Simon and Dahaa’s fathers). 

The flashback shows us that 60 coolies, including Deva, were exploited by the syndicate under the pretence of giving work. But when the port was raided and drugs were found, the coolies were blamed, kidnapped, and killed. When Deva avenges the death of his coolies by attacking Kakkar and Xavier, it leaves a scarring memory in Simon and Dahaa. Back to the present, Dahaa, who is now revering Deva for his skills, asks him to join his gang along with Upendra’s Kokki. Deva once again says that he will do so, but on the condition that his coolies will come first for him.

Also read: Coolie movie review: Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj film is a starry powerhouse with disjointed connections and unclear writing

How impactful was Aamir Khan as Dahaa?

Much like Rolex, Dahaa also comes towards the end. But unlike the former, Dahaa does not appear impactful or ruthless as portrayed. Despite the star presence of someone like Aamir Khan, the weakly written Dahaa character comes across as a person not to be taken seriously. To add on to this, when Dahaa, instead of being a ruthless character, becomes a subdued man in front of Deva, Coolie fails to capitalise on the starry reunion, resulting in becoming fodder to memes on social media. Hence, even as the scene had the combination of stalwarts like Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan and Upendra, it only became a weakly written scene that did not serve any purpose to the overall conclusion of Coolie.

FAQs

Q. Is Coolie released in OTT?

A. Yes, Coolie is streaming on Prime Video now.

Q. Is Coolie part of LCU?

A. No, Coolie is not connected to LCU.

Q. Is the Coolie movie a hit?

A. Financially, Coolie grossed over Rs 500 crore worldwide and is a hit, but received negative reviews.