The release of Coolie has triggered not just box office euphoria, but also a unique cultural clash on social media. On one side, Twitter (or X) is teeming with critical threads pointing out what they call “gaps” or “inconsistencies” in the film’s storytelling. On the other, an army of Superstar Rajinikanth devotees is mounting a scene-by-scene defence, claiming every detail — no matter how implausible it seems — has a narrative purpose.
The debate has become a phenomenon of its own, with hashtags in both camps trending simultaneously. What for some is a questionable plot choice, for others is an example of Thalaivar’s trademark cinematic flair.
Shruti’s Desperate Train Call
One of the most discussed moments is Shruti Haasan’s frantic attempt to contact Rajinikanth’s character, Deva, while trapped in a train compartment with antagonist Soubin Shahir. The script places Soubin a mere few metres away, yet the danger is amplified as passengers — including one of Rajini’s friends — struggle to stop him. Critics argue the delayed response from Rajinikanth, who takes a few minutes to answer the landline call in his mansion, stretches believability.
Fans counter that the sequence is designed to build tension and realism. They point out that the scuffle among passengers, the chaos of the moment, and the eventual exchange of the “Coolie number” are all crafted to heighten suspense rather than to follow strict logic.
The ‘Power House’ Enigma
Another flashpoint is Sathyaraj’s final utterance before dying — “Power House.” While some Twitter users interpreted it as an espionage-style code, the film later reveals it to be the name of a whiskey brand that Deva had sworn off for thirty years. In a poignant flashback, Sathyaraj makes Deva promise he will only drink again on the day of his death.
For critics, the reveal felt underwhelming. But for fans, it was a character-driven emotional payoff — a symbolic passing of the torch, a reminder of their bond, and a rare example of Thalaivar’s films intertwining personal sentiment with larger-than-life drama.
Alleged Alliance with the Villain
A late-game twist sees Deva in a conversation with Aamir, the mastermind behind an organ trafficking syndicate. Twitter commentators have read this as Deva agreeing to become Aamir’s “right hand.” However, fans fiercely disagree, highlighting that his dialogue specifically warns Aamir not to harm “coolies” through the business — not an acceptance of partnership.
This, they argue, is classic Rajinikanth: confronting evil face-to-face, setting boundaries, and keeping enemies within arm’s reach to protect the vulnerable.
Police Absence and the Organ Trade Plot
Sathyaraj’s machine arc and the villain gang’s fear of police attention in early scenes led many to expect a heavy law enforcement presence later on. Instead, police are almost completely absent in the second half. Critics called it a narrative oversight, but fans point to the underlying logic: the villains’ involvement in illegal heart transplants meant avoiding any official investigation at all costs, since even a routine post-mortem would expose their crimes.
The Monica Song Debate
One of the lighter yet divisive moments is the “Monica” song sequence, set during an engagement party. Pooja’s decision to join workers and even Soubin on the dance floor to provocative lyrics struck some as implausible and tonally odd. Fans suggest that had she been portrayed as a hired performer, the scene could have logically connected to a subplot — for instance, Deva using her to distract Dayal’s gang while gathering intel.
Still, others defend it as a fun, festive breather amid the film’s intensity — a staple of Tamil commercial cinema.
Shruti’s Recognition of Rajinikanth
In another contested scene, Shruti chases Deva at a funeral before the film reveals that she knows who he is. Twitter users flagged this as a continuity slip. Fans, however, cite earlier details: Shruti had seen a photograph of Deva with her aunt, survived a tragedy that killed her mother and aunt, and grew up hearing her father’s stories about him. They argue that the recognition is an emotional instinct rather than a literal confirmation.
A Social Media Battle That Mirrors the Film
Ultimately, the Coolie debate mirrors the film itself — intense, dramatic, and larger than life. Whether you side with Twitter’s sharp-eyed critics or with the fans defending every frame, the conversation has transformed Coolie into more than just a blockbuster. It’s now a cultural flashpoint, where cinematic interpretation is as fiercely fought as the on-screen battles themselves.
