Coolie Review

Coolie released on August 14 2025, under the direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film stars Rajinikanth in the lead role. Alongside him are Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Nagarjuna, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan and many more. The movie promised to be a massive entertainer and came with the usual Lokesh hype. But post release Coolie leaves us with mixed feelings.

The casting is something that stands out first. Every actor played their part well. The screen presence was balanced even with such a huge lineup. Characters did not just appear for namesake. They were given something to do. But the problem is with the writing. The characterisation was poor. Anybody could have filled the cameo roles. Nagarjuna’s villain role had style but was weak in depth. Shruti, Soubin and Rachitha stood out but others had no scope. The film did not need such a heavy casting.

The plot is another weak link. It starts at one point moves to something else and ends at another. Many scenes had no link to the core story. Events take place without clear reason or follow up. Some moments stand on their own without belonging to the core. The story felt scattered. It was never tightened by the director. The loopholes were many and they hurt the backbone of the movie.

The screenplay did not help either. It had the same rhythm as earlier Lokesh films. A few twists came but they faded quickly. Nothing remained in the mind after the scenes had passed. The film kept drifting without focus. Even though it was designed as a larger than life film it crossed into excess and broke its own balance.

On the technical side Coolie shines. Cinematography was strong. Lokesh and his team framed the film beautifully. The use of colours the tone of the visuals and the fight sequences were handled well. Even though some fights felt too much for Rajini they were choreographed smartly. The camera work covered the weak spots and gave the film grandeur.

Music was another major strength. Though Anirudh has reached the point of saturation, here he delivered with energy. The songs may not have been needed for a film like this but the background score was outstanding. It lifted many flat scenes and gave them power. The sound design alone made a few moments memorable.

Now the big concern. Coolie once again falls into the Lokesh template. Revenge motive, flashback, retro songs, cameos and a hero centred story. He repeats what worked in his earlier films. But repetition has now turned into saturation. Lokesh is a strong filmmaker but his writing is his weakest area. From Master to Vikram to Leo and now Coolie the flaws in writing are clear. The films look grand and even match international standards in making but the soul is missing.

The story of Coolie in its core is just a revenge tale. But instead of driving the plot on one line it keeps spinning around. Questions keep rising during the film. Why is this scene here. Who is this character. What is the purpose. Not in a way that excites us but in a way that shows the film is half written. The lack of clarity breaks the flow.

Coolie has moments. It has technical brilliance. It has Rajini carrying the film with his presence. But it also has poor writing weak characters and a story that collapses at times. Lokesh may need to take a break and rethink. Because style alone cannot hold a film forever. But it sure is not as bad as the social media posts portray.

Rating: 6/10⭐️

E20 Fuel Explained: What you need to know

India is rolling out E20 fuel, which is 20% ethanol blended with petrol as part of a push for cleaner energy and energy security. Ethanol is made from crops like sugarcane maize and surplus grains. It is renewable burns cleaner and supports local farmers while reducing oil imports. The aim is to cut emissions boost rural incomes and move towards more sustainable fuel.

Technically ethanol has a higher octane rating than petrol so it resists knocking and can help high compression engines run smoother. But it also carries less energy per litre so fuel efficiency may drop slightly. Ethanol absorbs water from the air and acts like a solvent which can corrode or damage fuel system parts if the vehicle is not designed for it. That is why compatibility matters.

Let us get into some common questions that might come to your mind as a driver or rider.

Can I use E20 in my vehicle?
If your vehicle is labeled E20 compatible you are good to go. Many models after 2023 onward are built for it. But Older vehicles may have rubber hoses seals or fuel components that are not ethanol resistant so checking the manual or asking a technician is wise.

Will mileage suffer or fuel parts degrade?
Ethanol has lower energy per litre than petrol, so expect a small drop in mileage usually around 1-6% percent depending on engine type tuning and vehicle weight. Ethanol also dissolves residues and attracts moisture which can loosen deposits or degrade parts over time. Newer vehicles usually handle this well as long as regular maintenance is done.

Does it avoid warranty or affect insurance?
Using an unapproved fuel can lead to warranty issues or insurance claim denial if damage is found to be linked to wrong fuel. To be safe follow your owner manual and use E20 only if your vehicle is designed for it.

Will performance be better or worse?
Ethanol has a higher octane rating so modern vehicles with fuel injection turbochargers or high compression engines may see smoother throttle response. Older or simpler carbureted systems may not benefit and could lose efficiency.

Are cold starts a concern?
In most of India cold starts are not affected by E20. Only in freezing climates might starting be more difficult because ethanol vaporizes differently. For most users this will not matter.

What about storage if the vehicle is parked for long?
Ethanol blends can separate from petrol and absorb water when vehicles sit unused. To avoid issues keep the tank nearly full and drive regularly. Check filters fuel lines and seals more often during early transition.

Can older vehicles be retrofitted for E20?
Some manufacturers are exploring retrofit options but they are limited and model specific. Generic “ethanol safe” parts may not be reliable. The cost benefit may not justify the risk unless it is an official kit.

Is premium 100 octane a good alternative?
Yes it contains no ethanol and avoids the blend related risks. It may make sense for infrequently used vehicles or performance classic machines, but its cost can make it impractical for daily mainstream use.

Should I accept or resist E20?
If your vehicle is compatible, continue using it while monitoring efficiency and fuel system health. If your vehicle is older or you are unsure stay cautious look for alternatives and ask the manufacturer. The shift to E20 is driven by national policy and with time vehicle users feedback and experience will help manufacturers enhance compatibility and updates.

E20 fuel brings environmental and economic benefits when used wisely. Stay informed maintain your vehicle and share your experience so the automotive community and manufacturers build better solutions together.

Stray Dog Controversy and the Dangerous Comparisons

The decision to capture stray dogs in Delhi has ignited a wave of online petitions demanding its reversal. A common argument made by social warriors is that government shelters are not well maintained, also small in size and will not provide the dogs with a decent life. But beyond that a disturbing argument has emerged where some have started comparing the action against stray dogs to the government’s inaction on rape cases. The idea that if rape cases still exist why can’t stray dogs remain on the streets. This is not just logically flawed but also deeply insensitive.

The problem with this comparison is two sided. First it equates women who have faced one of the worst forms of violence imaginable with dogs being taken to shelters which is an entirely different context. Second it trivializes both issues. Rape is a violent crime that demands its own separate protests laws and focus while stray dog control addresses public health and safety. Linking the two not only deviates the conversation but also ignores the actual problems each issue poses. It sends a message to the families of rabies victims and the survivors of sexual assault that their pain can be used as a rhetorical tool in unrelated debates.

This is not unique to the stray dog debate. Such diversions happen often. Whenever a concern is raised instead of addressing it some people switch to "whataboutism". If you can do this why not fix that first. This mindset freezes progress because it replaces action with endless comparisons. In this case instead of debating how to humanely handle the stray population the focus shifts to unrelated crimes and the actual victims are left without solutions.

Some even argue that only a few people have been killed by rabies as if the number makes those deaths less significant. That reasoning risks trivialising the seriousness of the issue. A human life lost to a preventable cause should not be devalued simply because the number is smaller compared to another tragedy. Rape victims deserve attention and justice through a separate and strong movement just as rabies victims deserve solutions to prevent more deaths. Both issues are serious in their own right and neither should be used to downplay the other.

What if the same style of argument was applied elsewhere. How cute does an animal need to be to get public sympathy. What about cows, goats, hens, fish and other living beings that are killed every day. They also deserve a life. When framed like this, it becomes clear how absurd these comparisons are. They do not solve the problem instead they take away the seriousness from the actual issue at hand. The conversation should be about finding real solutions not about defending one problem by pointing to another.

Delhi’s Stray Dog Dilemma

Yesterday, 11th August Supreme Court directed authorities in Delhi and the surrounding areas to capture all stray dogs within six to eight weeks. The order requires the animals to be sterilized, vaccinated and permanently moved to shelters with a strict ban on returning them to the streets. The aim is to protect citizens, especially children from the growing threat of dog bites and rabies. Penalties have been warned for anyone obstructing the process.

The decision triggered strong protests in the capital. Animal rights activists, local caregivers and several organisations called the move unscientific and cruel. They argued that existing rules already demand sterilisation and vaccination but also state that the dogs should be returned to their original locations to prevent territorial conflicts. Many questioned whether this change would truly make people safer without creating new problems for the dogs.

Concerns over what will happen to the dogs after capture remain serious. Most shelters in Delhi are already overcrowded and poorly maintained. Many are run by NGOs with limited funds and space. Shifting thousands of dogs at once could lead to unhygienic conditions resulting in spread of disease and high death rates. There is also the ecological aspect. Stray dogs have been part of the urban environment for decades. They play a role in keeping certain pests under control and removing them suddenly could disturb that balance.

The safety concerns behind the order are supported by troubling numbers. Across India there are an estimated 17.4 million dog bite cases every year and around 20,000 deaths from rabies. Delhi and its surrounding areas recorded over 35,000 animal bite incidents and 49 rabies cases in the first half of this year alone. On average about 2,000 dog bite cases are reported every day in the capital. Nationally the count rose to more than 3.7 million cases last year, a sharp increase compared to the years during the pandemic.

Yes it is true that these animals are lives in themselves but the numbers tell a different side of the story. Those who are comfortable sharing their streets with them are free to feel that way, but there is also a group of people who suffer the consequences of attacks and bites. If the love for these dogs runs as deep as many claim, there is always the option of bringing them into homes and offering proper care. Yet most are unwilling to take that step. This only leaves the burden on those who never chose to live alongside them in the first place.

It is clear that the rule addresses a real public safety problem. For families that have lost loved ones or seen lives permanently changed by dog attacks immediate action feels necessary. Yet without enough shelter capacity and a proper long term plan this move could create suffering for the dogs and new risks for people.

Perhaps the decision is right in intention because human safety cannot be ignored. But what will follow remains unknown. If shelters are built well, care is humane and population control is done responsibly this could bring relief. If not the crisis might simply move from the streets into cramped enclosures. The outcome is uncertain and that uncertainty may decide whether this becomes a solution or a new problem.

Understanding Reservation

Reservation is a constitutional provision in India created to ensure fair opportunities in education, government jobs and political representation for communities that have faced social and economic disadvantages for centuries. It is often misunderstood as simply giving seats or jobs based on community but not on marks or merit. But reservation is much more than that, it is a step towards correcting historic inequalities.

India’s population is broadly divided into different social groups with different levels of access to resources and opportunities. According to the Census and government data:

• The General Category (also called Open Category or OC) forms about 30 to 35% of the population.
• Other Backward Classes (OBC) make up roughly 40 to 45%.
• Scheduled Castes (SC) account for around 16 to 17%.
• Scheduled Tribes (ST) represent about 8 to 9%.
• Some states recognize Most Backward Classes (MBC) or Denotified Communities separately, with percentages varying from 10 to 20%.

The Indian government provides reservation as follows:

• 15% of seats and jobs are reserved for Scheduled Castes.
• 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes.
• Around 27% for Other Backward Classes.
• 10% reservation has been introduced for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among the General Category.

State governments may also add reservations for other groups based on local social conditions.

The aim of reservation is to support communities that have faced long standing social discrimination, economic hardship and limited access to quality education and employment. To understand this consider your own family where your parents or grandparents may have had the advantage of education, stable jobs and a secure home environment. Now compare that with families benefiting from reservation where previous generations often worked as laborers or in other low income jobs while also facing discrimination. For many individuals from these communities being the first in their family to attend college or secure a government job is a significant milestone achieved despite lacking the resources and support that others may take for granted.

Some question why reservation exists instead of relying solely on merit. While merit is important it cannot be the only measure of potential or opportunity because the conditions under which individuals compete vary greatly. A student from a privileged background typically has access to well funded schools, private coaching and family guidance. In contrast a student from a disadvantaged background often has poorly equipped schools, financial constraints and social barriers alongside academic challenges. 

Reservation provides a way to level this uneven system by ensuring that those who have been historically excluded get access to education and jobs. It is not about giving unfair advantage but about recognizing that equal opportunities cannot exist unless social and economic inequalities are addressed. Reservation also helps increase diversity and representation in education and workplaces. 

This representation plays a vital role in breaking stereotypes and encouraging social inclusion. To those who question or oppose reservation, consider this: how can merit alone be fair when generations of disadvantage and discrimination have created unequal starting points? It is easy to demand opportunity when your family’s path has been paved with education and stability, but millions still face barriers today. Reservation is not about giving an edge but about creating a fair chance for those who have long been denied opportunities. Until every person regardless of their background can compete on equal footing reservation remains essential. As the Tamil saying goes, “பிறப்பால் அனைவரும் சமம்", which means “All people are born equal".

Caste Before Conscience

In a country that calls itself free, it should be simple. Murder is wrong and those responsible should face the consequences. Yet after a recent honor killing, the biggest outrage was not about the fact that a young boy was killed for loving across caste lines. It was about someone daring to mention the caste issues behind it.

No one openly defended the killer, but some felt the need to say he was an athlete whose dreams are now lost. As if a planned act of murder deserved sympathy. This shift in attention from the victim’s stolen life to the murderer’s missed future shows how misplaced priorities can be.

The YouTube channel Paridhabangal addressed the caste factor directly. That alone brought threats, backlash and even a legal case filed by a lawyer. The killing itself did not push them to act this way, but the pointing out of caste did. It is hard not to see what this says about the values being defended.

Where was this energy when the boy was killed. Where were these actions when justice truly needed defenders. Their silence then and sudden reaction now make it clear that community pride is being protected more than truth. Speaking about the system that fuels such crimes has become more dangerous than the crime itself.

If talking about caste shakes people more than the taking of a life, what kind of justice do we live under. And how many more will be lost?