Rajinikanth’s Coolie may have taken the box office by storm, but director Lokesh Kanagaraj isn’t one to shy away from the criticism that came after the film hit theaters. While the action-packed flick enjoyed packed houses and impressive earnings, some audiences and critics raised concerns about its story and screenplay. Instead of brushing off the feedback, Lokesh has stepped up and taken responsibility.
In a recent media interaction, the filmmaker tackled the mixed reviews head-on. He acknowledged that Coolie faced a flood of critical comments and stated that he fully owns up to its shortcomings. For Lokesh, this feedback has only fueled his determination to work harder and improve in his future projects. He also recognized that many viewers flocked to see the film mainly because of Rajinikanth, whose star power was a significant factor in the movie’s box office success.
Despite the critiques, Coolie has reportedly surpassed the ₹500 crore mark globally, marking it as a significant commercial triumph. Lokesh expressed his gratitude for the love and support the film garnered, emphasizing that audience expectations are incredibly important to him as a storyteller. He reiterated that he crafts stories he believes in, and when they resonate with viewers, it feels like hitting the jackpot. However, when they don’t, it serves as a valuable lesson for the future.
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Mar 20, 2026The Tamil-language action thriller boasted a star-studded ensemble cast, including Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Rachita Ram, with special appearances from Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde. The film’s grand scale and impressive lineup ensured strong opening days and steady attendance, even amidst mixed opinions.
On the professional front, Rajinikanth is already gearing up for his next big release, Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. This sequel features another powerhouse cast, including Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Vijay Sethupathi, Vidya Balan, and Mithun Chakraborty, keeping fans buzzing with excitement about what’s coming next.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s candid response has struck a chord with many cinema lovers, showing that for him, box office numbers don’t outweigh honest self-reflection. As he looks forward, expectations are high that the director will return stronger, armed with lessons learned from Coolie.
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