Soon after its release, Coolie became the talk of social media—not only for Rajinikanth’s towering performance but also for its narrative complexity. Critics and casual viewers flagged inconsistencies in the storyline, but Rajini fans have responded with detailed counterarguments. Their defense paints a picture of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s writing as purposeful rather than flawed.
Sathyaraj’s Death and Soubin’s Betrayal
One of the most debated moments concerns why Soubin kills Sathyaraj instead of Nagarjuna. Fans argue that Sathyaraj uncovers sensitive documents linked to Nagarjuna’s network, which posed a greater threat to Soubin. This discovery, they say, justified Soubin’s betrayal. For audiences confused about Nag’s silence, fans point out that Nag himself admits the documents may mean little to him but are invaluable to Dayal—hence, Soubin’s violent move.
Why Deva Hid His Identity from Simon
Another point of contention is why Nagarjuna failed to recognize Deva while Aamir Khan’s character spotted him instantly. Fans explain this through trauma: Simon was haunted by Deva’s past killing of his father Xavier, a wound he subconsciously buried. Deva, on his part, always underplayed himself before Simon, addressing him respectfully and avoiding familiarity. Only during his monologue did Deva break this restraint—triggering Simon’s realization.
The Purpose of Deva’s Flashback
Viewers questioned why Deva revealed his past to Simon. Fans interpret this as a calculated move. With his son killed by Soubin and Rachita, Deva wanted Simon’s anger redirected toward him. It was less a confession than a psychological maneuver—allowing Simon to believe he now held power over Deva.
Simon: Not in Danger, But the Danger
Fans also highlight that Simon is crafted not as a vulnerable villain but as the embodiment of menace itself. His line—“I am not in danger, I am the danger”—cements his position as an unpredictable force, always one step ahead of those around him.
Shruthi and the Web of Relationships
Another recurring debate is Shruthi Haasan’s character and her anger toward Deva. Fans suggest Sathyaraj likely withheld Deva’s true nature for her safety. Her grief and mistrust stem from fragments of information, making her hostility believable. As for whether Shruthi is Rajini’s daughter or one of the sisters, fans insist the ambiguity is intentional, sustaining emotional tension across the narrative.
The Dayal Chase and Monica’s Identity
Critics mocked the chase scene where Dayal on a bike catches Shruthi in a car. Fans counter this by pointing to traffic-packed roads that allowed a bike to weave faster than a car. Similarly, the subplot about Monica’s identity is explained as a logical thread: Dayal, entrenched in port circles, could easily connect dots about Monica’s background as the daughter of a captain with access to ships.
The Enigma of Dilipan and Other Loose Ends
The mysterious Dilipan character has also stirred debate. Fans interpret him as part of an opposing gang framed as a police informer—explaining his suspicious phone calls and eventual isolation. Likewise, Sathyaraj’s “mobile cremator” subplot, criticized for implausibility, is explained as a technological loophole—an illegally built device more efficient than government-approved cremators.
The Villain vs. Hero Dynamic
Some argue Simon lacked menace because he failed to shoot Deva during the “Say Sorry” confrontation. But fans insist Lokesh designed this as a clash of egos—Simon believed fear and dominance were already established. By refusing to kill Deva outright, Simon allowed tension to simmer, making their final clash inevitable.
A Layered Screenplay Worth Defending
Ultimately, Rajinikanth fans argue that Coolie is not a film that spoon-feeds answers but one that rewards close observation. Every perceived “plot hole,” they insist, has an embedded logic within the script. To them, dismissing the film as illogical is to miss Lokesh Kanagaraj’s layered storytelling—where character motives, trauma, and psychology drive the narrative as much as the action.
