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Coolie Review: All Hype & No Substance, Wanna Be Pan-India Rajini Starrer Is A Disaster, Loki Once Again Proves He’s Overrated

coolie review disaster loki rajini

Warning: Rajini fans are advised to not proceed with reading this review as truth bombs will surely hurt.

Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj (Loki) and starring Rajinikanth, had all the ingredients for a blockbuster: mass appeal, high-octane action, and a gritty premise bringing together a powerhouse cast including Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan.

However, the film ultimately disappoints, delivering a clumsy, uneven experience that tests the audience’s patience more than entertains.

Lokesh Kanagaraj has often been hailed as a master of the “mass film,” yet Coolie only strengthens the argument that he’s overrated. Like Master, Leo, and Vikram, this outing also suffers from the same fatal flaw: no good story, no engaging screenplay, and an overreliance on fan service.

Story and Screenplay

The narrative revolves around a former coolie union leader who stands up against a corrupt syndicate exploiting workers at a port. While the premise has potential, the execution is weak. The screenplay is clumsy and inconsistent, with the story oscillating between friendship-revenge drama, mass hero moments, and forced flashbacks. Weak characterization leaves most of the cast underutilized, including Rajinikanth himself, who, despite being central, has limited scope in the early portions.

First Half

The film starts with promise but quickly loses steam. Nagarjuna adds style and charisma, especially in sequences like the “I Am the Danger” song, but his character is poorly fleshed out. Soubin Shahir holds his own and emerges as one of the film’s few saving graces. Shruti Haasan and Rachita Ram perform well but are constrained by the weak storyline. The first half has moments of entertainment, including the interval block, which briefly showcases Lokesh’s signature style, but overall, the pacing is sluggish, and the story feels thin.

Second Half

The second half is the true test of endurance. The pacing is slow, with dragged-out flashbacks, repetitive action sequences, and irritating character arcs. Action scenes are overlong and occasionally cartoonish. Even high-profile cameos, such as Aamir Khan’s, feel entirely unnecessary. Attempts at infusing “Rajinism” into the film are overdone and fail to energize the story. How long will directors keep milking Rajini’s stardom and nostalgia to churn out one failure after another?

What (Barely) Works?

Nagarjuna’s Charisma – The film’s brightest spark. His swagger in “I Am The Danger” and flashback sequences are the only moments with real energy.

Anirudh’s Soundtrack – The background score is pulsating, though it can’t salvage the weak storytelling. This is the only saving grace, films are surviving because Anirudh’s thumping songs and BGM elevate the hero during slow-motion scenes. Nothing else.

A Few Well-Choreographed Fights – Some action sequences (especially a women-led brawl) are well-shot, but they’re buried under repetition.

Despite the high-profile cast, the production feels cheap. Most scenes are confined to Vizag or a port set, with minimal grandeur. Even the much-hyped Monica song fails to impress. The film’s attempt to create a pan-India appeal, with flashy visuals, mass sequences, and post-credit scenes, falls flat as audiences walk out mid-show.

Overall Verdict

Till 14 August 2025, Leo was the weakest film in Loki’s filmography. Coolie has now replaced Leo. Coolie is Lokesh Kanagaraj’s weakest outing so far, a formulaic, overstuffed film that fails to balance mass appeal with coherent storytelling. This film will probably be at the top of the list of mega flops following the release of Indian 2 and Thug Life, big hype, star power, but zero satisfaction.

Bottom Line

Coolie is a time-waster, a patience tester, and a big-budget flop hiding behind star names. Nothing can save this one, making it a disappointing experience for cinephiles expecting a pan-India action spectacle.

Having one token star from every state and one Hindi big name like Aamir Khan won’t magically give you a pan-India blockbuster. Please don’t think audiences are “Kena Coo Coo Coo*ie”.

If you want to be the next KGF, Pushpa, RRR or Baahubali, you need actual substance. Even if the story is thin, the way you tell it matters even more. Sadly, Tamil cinema is in a deep crisis of good storytellers. Lokesh Kanagaraj showed promise with Maanagaram and Kaithi, but most of his later films have been overhyped fan-service spectacles — nothing more. Thankfully, Anirudh’s music salvaged those otherwise underwhelming projects.

And to Rajini fans: stop going over the moon for every subpar film just because it stars him. As fans, you should demand better scripts — or urge him to retire gracefully — instead of forcing cinephiles to endure cheap rehashes clinging to his glory days.

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Rahul Gandhi Distances Himself From Threat Plea In Court; Lawyer Calls It An Error Withdraws Statement

In a dramatic turn in the ongoing defamation case against Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader has publicly disowned a legal application filed in his name before a Pune court, which claimed he faced a threat to his life.

The application, submitted on 13 August by Advocate Milind D. Pawar, cited grave apprehensions regarding Rahul Gandhi’s safety due to the lineage and ideological affiliations of the complainant, Satyaki Savarkar, a descendant of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Nathuram Godse. However, hours after the plea made headlines, Pawar issued a press release admitting that the application was filed without Gandhi’s instructions or consent.

Pawar further confirmed that Gandhi had taken strong exception to the filing and expressed clear disagreement with its content: “The Pursis dated 13.08.2025 was filed by me in the Court without Instructions from the client. The contents of the Pursis were drafted by me without consulting my client Shri. Rahul Gandhi. My client has taken strong exception to filing of this Pursis dated 13.08.2025 and has expressed his disagreement with the contents of the Pursis. I shall file a formal application tomorrow for withdrawal of the said Pursis before the Hon’ble Court.” A formal application for withdrawal of the plea is expected to be submitted to the court on 14 August.

The original application had sought “preventive protection” for Rahul Gandhi, citing threats from political opponents and referencing controversial remarks made by BJP leaders. It also highlighted the complainant’s familial ties to individuals involved in Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, arguing that such lineage posed a risk to Rahul Gandhi’s safety and the fairness of the legal proceedings.

The defamation case itself stems from Rahul Gandhi’s 2023 speech in London, where he allegedly referenced an incident from Savarkar’s writings involving violence against a Muslim man. Satyaki Savarkar has denied the existence of such an account and filed a complaint seeking Gandhi’s conviction under Section 500 of the IPC.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate clarified that the party had no role in the filing of the threat application and reiterated Gandhi’s disagreement with its content. The episode has sparked political debate, with critics accusing the Congress of attempting to delay the trial, while supporters argue that the withdrawal reflects Gandhi’s commitment to due process and judicial integrity. The case will next be heard on 10 September.

-IANS

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Pakistan: Three Killed, Over 60 Injured In Karachi Independence Day Aerial Firing

Three people, including a senior citizen and an eight-year-old girl, lost their lives during Independence Day celebrations in Pakistan’s Karachi due to “reckless” aerial firing, while more than 60 others sustained gunshot injuries, according to local media reports.

The incidents occurred in different parts of the city. In Azizabad Block-8, an eight-year-old girl was struck by a stray bullet and died before she could be taken to the hospital, reports Dunya News. In Korangi, a man identified as Stephen was killed by a stray bullet while on his way somewhere. Another death linked to jubilation firing was reported from a separate area.

According to rescue sources, as the clock struck midnight, the city erupted with gunfire and fireworks, resulting in dozens of injuries. At least 64 people suffered gunshot wounds and were admitted to various private and government hospitals, with several in critical condition, Geo News reported, citing rescue officials. The reports suggest that the authorities strongly condemned the practice of celebratory firing, calling it dangerous and irresponsible, and appealed to citizens to observe Independence Day in safer ways.

Police launched operations across the city, arresting 20 suspects and seizing weapons and ammunition. Authorities have allegedly confirmed that incidents of gunfire in the air were noted in various areas of Pakistan, including Liaquatabad, Baldia, Korangi, Keamari, Lyari, Akhtar Colony, Mehmoodabad, Jackson, Orangi Town, and Paposh Nagar.

Further cases were documented in North Nazimabad, Surjani Town, Sharifabad, Zaman Town, and Landhi. Five individuals were fatally shot while attempting to thwart robbery attempts during different shooting incidents reported throughout the city. In other instances, civilians lost their lives due to stray bullets or gunfire from above. Investigations are underway, and the police have assured that strict action will be taken against those involved in the incidents.

Law enforcement teams continue to conduct raids to maintain law and order in the city, according to the media reports.

-IANS

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10 Minor Girls Rescued From Orchestra Parties In Bihar’s Saran Under Operation Naya Savera

operation naya savera bihar police kolkata police sex trafficking

In a major crackdown under Operation Naya Savera, Saran police in Bihar rescued 10 minor girls from four orchestra parties in the district on 13 August 2025. The rescue took place around 10 am following a coordinated raid led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kumar Ashish.

The victims include six girls from West Bengal, one from Odisha, one from Jharkhand, and two from Bihar, were rescued during the raid. Police are working to contact their families for a safe handover. Seven accused have been arrested for allegedly exploiting the minor girls. They are identified as Neeraj Yadav (father Lalbabu Rai), Gopal Badi, Masrakh PS, Saran, Talib Khan (father Narhum Alam Mian), Khaira, Khaira PS, Saran, Shubham Kumar (father Shivnarayan Prasad), Gopal Badi, Masrakh PS, Saran, Junab Hussain (father Abdul Hussain), Sahva Nawada, Isuapar PS, Saran, Ankit Kumar (father Kanhaiya Bhagat), Mirzapur, Madhaura PS, Saran, Mohammad Bittu Hashmi (father Mohammad Minsharif Hashmi), Isuapar PS, Saran, and Chandan Kumar Tiwari (father Gautam Tiwari), Sunauli, Masrakh PS, Saran.

The interrogation is currently underway to find some clues about the other accused. The arrested men will be produced in the district court for the legal proceedings. The raid followed instructions from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), with three squads from the Mahila Thana and one team from Isuapur police station conducting simultaneous raids targeting Rahul Orchestra, Sangeeta Orchestra, Muskaan Orchestra, and Vipin Orchestra operational in Mashrakh and Isuapur blocks of the district.

According to SSP Ashish, the minors were being tortured and forced to dance. Police have registered an FIR (Number 74/25 in the women’s police station and are continuing raids to nab the remaining accused. “The Naya Savera operation was started in August, and it will continue till 14 August. We appeal to the public to share information about such activities so we can take swift action,” the SSP said. The district police are also tracking the interstate human trafficking gang operating in the area.

-IANS

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“This Scheme Saved Me”: PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana Emerges As Lifeline For Grieving Families In Shahdol

The Central government’s flagship insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), is proving to be a vital support system for families in times of personal loss.

In Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol district, the scheme has helped several grieving families regain financial stability after losing loved ones. One such beneficiary is Balmukund Baiga, whose wife Phoolmati passed away during medical treatment. Fortunately, she had enrolled in the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. After her demise, Balmukund received ₹2 lakh under the scheme.

Speaking to IANS, he said: “The insurance amount helped me repay debts. I don’t know what I would have done without it. This scheme came to my aid when I needed it the most. bought tools for carpentry work and used the rest of the money to clear my debts.” He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for having launched such a scheme which is benefiting the poor. Another resident, Abhinesh Singh Chauhan, also benefitted from the scheme after the untimely death of his sister due to illness. He said the insurance payout provided significant support to the family during their time of distress. “We didn’t expect anything, but the scheme gave us much-needed relief. It helped us manage expenses and reduced our burden,” he shared.

According to Abhiyank Sharma, Regional Manager of Central Bank: “This scheme is designed to ensure that even the economically weaker sections can access life insurance. At just Rs 436 per year, beneficiaries get a life cover of Rs 2 lakh. It is an excellent initiative for financial inclusion.” The PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana is available to individuals aged 18 to 50 and provides affordable life insurance cover through participating banks and insurance companies. Normally, life insurance is often seen as inaccessible for low-income families in the country.

However, PMJJBY has emerged as a key financial safety scheme. In small districts such as Shahdol, where many families live hand-to-mouth, it is helping turn moments of crisis into manageable recoveries offering not just compensation, but hope.

-IANS

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Hundreds Of Chennai Sanitation Workers Detained In Late-Night Crackdown On 13-Day Protest

In a late-night operation, police detained hundreds of Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) conservancy workers who had been staging a sit-in protest for 13 days, demanding the withdrawal of privatisation plans in two city zones.

Around 400 police personnel were deployed at about 11.30 p.m. on 13 August 2025, to clear the demonstration site outside the Ripon Buildings. Nearly 600 protesters, including sanitation workers, advocates, and members of Communist parties, were removed from the pavement and taken in 15 buses to private marriage halls near Kannappar Thidal.

Several protesters fled as the operation commenced. The workers, opposing privatisation in Royapuram (Zone V) and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar (Zone VI) and seeking job permanency, had earlier vowed to continue their agitation until Chief Minister M.K. Stalin intervened. The workers remained firm on their resolve despite a Madras High Court order on 13 August restricting protests to designated locations.

Earlier on 13 August, the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI), the union of the protesting sanitation workers, sent a letter to the Chief Minister, urging immediate intervention. The letter demanded the reinstatement of dismissed workers, payment of pending wages, regularisation of staff employed under the National Urban Livelihood Mission, and the implementation of promises made in 2021. It also sought permanent employment for 1,200 workers by September 30, statutory benefits, improved safety measures, and written assurances on job security, along with the rollback of contract labour arrangements. Meanwhile, Sudhamani, a conservancy worker from Royapuram Zone, alleged that after 3 p.m., the Ripon Buildings premises were closed, forcing women workers to walk to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to use public toilets.

“We will not leave until our jobs are made permanent and privatisation is scrapped,” she said. Chennai Corporation Mayor R. Priya appealed to the workers to join the private contractor and resume conservancy duties. She noted that both the GCC and the workers had approached the High Court. “Based on the High Court’s direction, the protesting workers in front of the Ripon Buildings have been asked to disperse and join the private firm engaged for conservancy work in Royapuram and Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zones,” she said. The mass detention marks a sharp escalation in the standoff, which has attracted political attention and public concern over uncollected garbage piling up in affected areas.

-IANS

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70% Of South Korea’s Dog Farms Shut Down After Dog Meat Ban

south korea dog farm dog meat

Seven out of 10 dog farms in South Korea have closed their doors since the country enacted a law banning dog meat consumption a year earlier, the agriculture ministry said on Thursday. Of a total of 1,537 dog farms nationwide, 1,072, or 70 percent, have shut down their operations since the special bill on banning dog meat consumption took effect in August last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The shuttered farms had raised 346,000 dogs, which account for 74 percent of the 468,000 dogs raised for meat across the country, reports Yonhap news agency. By the end of 2025, more than 75 percent of the farms are expected to have closed their doors, according to the ministry.

A ministry official said the closure rate was higher than expected thanks to growing public awareness that it is the “task of this generation” to end dog meat consumption and government incentives. The special legislation bans the breeding, butchering, distributing and selling of dogs for meat.

It also calls for subsidies to help people in the dog meat industry switch jobs. Following a three-year grace period, violators of the law will face a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won (US$21,753), starting in 2027.

The bill bans the breeding, butchering, distributing and selling of dogs for meat while calling for subsidies to help people in the dog meat industry switch jobs. Following a three-year grace period, violators of the law will face a maximum sentence of two years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won (US$20,583), starting in 2027.

“We will help all dog farms change or close their businesses by 2027,” an agriculture ministry official said, vowing to work to make South Korea a nation with an advanced animal welfare system.

-IANS

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Supreme Court To Rehear Stray Dogs Case After Doggo Lovers Outcry

Stray Dog Menace: Madurai Bench Of Madras High Court Considers Enforcing Supreme Court’s Delhi Directive

A three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court will on Thursday hear the suo motu case titled ‘In Re: City hounded by strays, kids pay price,’ amid an ongoing debate over the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.

Animal activists, celebrities, and some political figures have voiced their objections to the order, highlighting that Delhi and other NCR cities like Noida and Gurugram lack the necessary infrastructure for carrying out the mass relocation within such a limited time.

Additionally, many argued that displacing the dogs from their territories would simply create space for new arrivals, emphasising that the solution lies in the proper implementation of the ABC Rules. According to the causelist on the apex court’s website, the Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria will take up the matter.

Earlier this week, in the same case, a Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan had directed all municipal bodies across Delhi-NCR to immediately capture stray dogs and move them to designated shelters. Expressing grave concern over public safety and the rising incidence of rabies, the Pardiwala-led Bench termed the situation “grim” and stressed that urgent measures were needed to protect children, women, and the elderly.

Directing the NDMC, MCD, and civic agencies in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to make streets completely free of strays, the court issued a stern warning that any group or organisation obstructing the removal of these animals would face strict legal consequences.

The order triggered strong reactions, with animal lovers across the country taking to social media to criticise the decision and voice concern for the welfare of stray dogs. Earlier, on Wednesday, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai remarked that the Supreme Court would “look into” the issue after a lawyer mentioned a plea seeking sterilisation and vaccination of community dogs in Delhi.

The lawyer also cited a 2024 order by a Bench led by Justice J.K. Maheshwari, which prohibited the killing of stray animals and underscored compassion towards all living beings as a constitutional value. “But the other judge Bench has already passed orders. I will look into this,” CJI Gavai told the lawyer.

-IANS

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NHRC Orders Probe After Chhattisgarh Principal Beats Nursery Girl, Tapes Mouth For Saying ‘Radhe Radhe’

mother teresa school principal arrested nursery girl radhe radhe

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Durg, seeking an inquiry into a case where a government-aided missionary school principal allegedly beat a three-and-a-half-year-old girl and taped her mouth shut for greeting her with the words “Radhe Radhe” instead of “Good Morning.”

The incident occurred on 30 July 2025 at Mother Teresa English Medium School in Bagdumar village, Nandini area of Durg district. According to police, principal Ila Evan Colvin entered the nursery classroom during an inspection when the child, described as shy and quiet, greeted her with “Radhe Radhe.” Colvin allegedly struck the girl’s wrist with a stick and sealed her mouth with tape for about 15 minutes. The tape was reportedly removed by the class teacher.

The girl’s father, Praveen Yadav, said his daughter returned home shaken, pressing her finger to her lips, and later recounted the assault. She also showed injury marks on her hand. Yadav approached the village sarpanch, Damini Sahu, before filing a complaint at the Nandini Nagar police station.

Police registered a case under Sections 115(2) and 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act, which covers cruelty to children and outraging religious feelings. Colvin was arrested on Wednesday but released on bail the same day.

Yadav alleged that only mild sections were applied in the FIR and expressed shock that the principal resumed her duties at the school the very next day. Fearing further trauma, he withdrew his daughter from the school.

The incident triggered local outrage, with Bajrang Dal workers visiting the police station to demand strict action.

Following a complaint filed by Swati Goel Sharma, editor of Rashtra Jyoti, NHRC Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of the matter, stating there were prima facie “serious violations of the human rights of the victim and the provisions of the RTE Act, 2009.”

The NHRC has directed the DM and SP to:

  • Conduct a detailed inquiry and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks.
  • Facilitate the girl’s admission to a school of her parents’ choice, including under Section 12(1)(c) of the RTE Act if she falls under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category.
  • Provide the child with psychological counselling and ensure safe school access.

The girl’s family belongs to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. Yadav said he will take time off work to secure a new school for his daughter but fears that her involvement in a police case may impact future admissions.

(With inputs from Rashtrajyoti)

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Shocking Mismanagement At Thoothukudi: Lakhs In Salaries For A Government-Aided Diocesan School With One Student

thoothukudi mismanagement

In a startling case of administrative negligence, a government-aided primary school near the Sathankulam Highway Office in Thoothukudi has come under fire for employing three staff members a headmaster, a female teacher, and a cook to serve just one student.

Public complaints about disproportionate salary spending prompted media to investigate the matter. When reporters visited the school on 12 August 2025, they witnessed the lone student kneeling and writing on the blackboard completely unsupervised except for a female teacher seated passively in the corner of the room. As soon as she noticed the cameras, she quickly called the headmaster, seemingly more concerned about optics than the actual functioning of the school.

Earlier, a visit to the headmaster’s office revealed no one present, though the fan was running suggesting recent occupancy. The entire school appeared abandoned. At around 11 AM, Headmaster Erban Singh finally arrived and, instead of addressing the poor state of the institution, immediately questioned, “Who complained to you?”

He defended the situation, stating that the number of students dropped after his transfer from a different school with a higher student population. According to him, students were shifted due to administrative disagreements. “There were three students here until recently, two are absent today. Only one has come,” he claimed. He also mentioned plans to visit homes and convince parents to bring their children back.

He said, “Due to a problem between the administration and me, they transferred me and all the children left. Now, they have put me here to bring the school back to its former state. It’s been a week since you’ve been posted there. I’m making an effort and going to every house; I’ve just come back from two houses. I went to ask them to send their children.”

The reporter questioned, “Just because they transferred you, will the children leave?” the headmaster responded saying, “What can be done? They’ve left.” Reporter pressed further, “They said that because they transferred you, you took the children to another school.”

The headmaster seemed more focused on justifying the staffing than resolving the core issue. “It’s a big school; of course there’s maintenance and staff. Whether there’s one student or ten, we still have two teachers,” he said, further revealing that official communication to higher authorities had gone unanswered.

The situation highlights a broader issue in government and government-aided schools across Thoothukudi. Social activists argue that poor teacher attendance, lack of proper instruction, and administrative apathy are contributing to declining enrollment. In some cases, children are left to study alone in classrooms, leading to concerns about their mental and emotional well-being.

Critics argue that teachers drawing full government salaries should be reallocated to schools with higher student populations, rather than being allowed to continue in near-empty institutions with minimal accountability.

When questioned about possible action, the local education officer admitted that since the school is under diocesan management, direct government intervention is limited. “Because it is a diocesan, we are not able to take much action. Now, if it’s a government school, we would do something about it ourselves, go talk to the villagers, send a report, and get things done at a higher level. Here, I can only issue a notice. I gave a letter saying, ‘I went, but the child wasn’t there.’ I don’t know if the correspondent is taking action or not. In the end, I even gave a threatening letter stating, ‘Why shouldn’t I stop your salary? One has no work, there is one teacher for one student therefore it is loss to the government isn’t it, so why aren’t you taking steps to increase student enrollment?’ I gave that, but there was no response to any of it,” the officer stated. He also noted that, despite sending letters and raising concerns, no substantial steps have been taken to address the issue.

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