Kollywood’s star composer Anirudh has long been known for lifting films with his music. Once the actors deliver and the director shapes the story, Anirudh steps in, turning songs and background scores into major highlights. His work in Rajinikanth films, in particular, often reaches a whole new level, creating several blockbuster soundtracks.
But Coolie, despite massive expectations, fell short. Anirudh’s usual magic seemed missing. Whether it was a compositional lapse or creative choices by director Lokesh Kanagaraj, the music didn’t fully resonate. Even in Vijay Deverakonda’s Kingdom, only a couple of tracks stood out, leaving the rest feeling flat.
In Coolie, the soundtrack was expected to be a pillar of the film, but apart from the theme and the Rajini song, most of the album felt average. While Anirudh clearly worked hard, the output didn’t match his usual high standards. In contrast, his music for Jailer and Vikram felt exceptional. If this continues, Anirudh may need to reinvent his approach—routine work won’t suffice; each film needs music that truly elevates it.
