What is the plot?

The film opens at the bustling port of Visakhapatnam, where the crime kingpin Simon and his aide Dayal run an illegal smuggling and disposal operation. Due to a new police order banning the disposal of bodies at sea, Simon's gang turns to Rajshekhar, a former laborer who has invented a chair that can instantly cremate bodies, reducing them to ashes. This invention, originally rejected by the government for its dangerous potential, now falls into the hands of the criminals. Rajshekhar's involvement with the syndicate leads to his sudden death, officially reported as a cardiac arrest but actually caused by an injury. His longtime friend Deva, also known as Devaraj, who owns Deva Mansion--a hostel for students--uncovers the truth behind Rajshekhar's death when he finds the original death certificate showing the injury. Determined to find the murderer, Deva begins investigating the smuggling ring at the port.

Deva infiltrates the criminal network, navigating the dangerous underworld controlled by Simon and Dayal. As he digs deeper, he discovers that the syndicate is involved in drug smuggling and other illicit activities. During this investigation, Deva's past begins to resurface. Thirty years earlier, Deva was a union leader for coolies (manual laborers) in the North Indian town of Mandwa. At that time, Simon's father Xavier and his partner Kakkar exploited the coolies brutally. When Xavier and Kakkar attempted to kill 100 coolies to cover up their drug smuggling, Deva and his ally Kaleesha led a revolt against them. The revolt resulted in the death of Xavier and 70 coolies, a traumatic event witnessed by a young Simon, whose mother prevented him from seeing his father's death.

Back in the present, Deva confronts Simon aboard a ship. He reveals his identity and recounts the past conflict, explaining his vendetta against Simon's family. Deva tells Simon that Preethi, a young woman connected to the story, is actually his daughter. A duel ensues between Deva and Simon, ending with Deva killing Simon. Following this, the coolies on the ship rise up and destroy it, symbolizing the end of Simon's reign.

After the ship's destruction, Deva, Kaleesha, Preethi, and her sisters are kidnapped by Dahaa, the global syndicate leader who is revealed to be Kakkar's son. Dahaa takes them to a desert location and offers Deva a position as his right-hand man, impressed by Deva's strength and resolve. Deva agrees to join Dahaa on the condition that his coolies are spared from harm. Meanwhile, Dayal, Simon's former aide, is captured by the syndicate and buried alive, marking his downfall.

In the final scenes, Preethi and her sisters leave the country, forgiving Deva without knowing he is their father. They affectionately call him "uncle" as they bid farewell. The film closes with Deva continuing his fight against the syndicate, his past and present intertwined in his relentless quest for justice.

What is the ending?

The movie Coolie (2025) ends with Deva confronting Simon's son, Simon, on a ship, revealing his past as a coolie union leader who fought against exploitation. Deva kills Simon in a duel, and the coolies destroy the ship. Later, Deva, Kaleesha, Preethi, and her sisters are kidnapped by a global syndicate leader named Dahaa, who is Kakkar's son. Dahaa offers Deva a position as his right-hand man, which Deva accepts on the condition that his coolies are spared. Preethi and her sisters leave abroad, forgiving Deva without knowing he is her father, calling him "uncle" in farewell.

Expanded narrative of the ending scene by scene:

The climax begins aboard a ship where Deva storms in, confronting Simon, the son of Xavier, who was a powerful figure exploiting coolies 30 years ago. Deva reveals his history as a coolie union leader in Mandwa, where he and his ally Kaleesha fought against Xavier and his partner Kakkar's brutal exploitation. During that past conflict, Xavier attempted to kill 100 coolies to cover up drug smuggling, but Deva and Kaleesha led a revolt that resulted in Xavier's death, though 70 coolies died in the process. Simon, as a young boy, witnessed his father's death indirectly, a traumatic event that shaped him.

In the present, Deva tells Simon that Preethi is his daughter, a revelation that adds emotional weight to their confrontation. The two engage in a duel, which ends with Deva killing Simon. Following this, the coolies destroy the ship, symbolizing the end of Simon's smuggling empire and the old oppressive order.

Subsequently, Deva, Kaleesha, Preethi, and her sisters are kidnapped and taken to a desert by Dahaa, the global syndicate leader and son of Kakkar, the old partner of Xavier. Dahaa is impressed by Deva's resolve and offers him a position as his right-hand man. Deva agrees but insists that his coolies be spared, showing his continued commitment to protecting the workers.

Meanwhile, Dayal, Simon's loyal aide, is captured and buried alive, marking his grim fate at the story's end.

Finally, Preethi and her sisters depart abroad. They forgive Deva for past actions without knowing he is their father, addressing him as "uncle" in their farewell. This bittersweet moment closes the story, highlighting themes of sacrifice, hidden identities, and unresolved family ties.

In summary, the main characters' fates at the end are:

  • Deva: Emerges victorious over Simon, accepts a complex alliance with Dahaa to protect his people.
  • Simon: Killed by Deva in a duel aboard the ship.
  • Preethi and her sisters: Leave abroad, forgiving Deva without knowing he is their father.
  • Dayal: Captured and buried alive.
  • Dahaa: Takes Deva under his wing as his right-hand man, continuing the syndicate's influence but with Deva's conditions.

This detailed ending ties together the past and present conflicts, revealing deep personal connections and the ongoing struggle between exploitation and resistance among the coolies.

Is there a post-credit scene?

The movie Coolie (2025) does not have a post-credit scene. It ends on an emotional note with the protagonist Deva deciding not to reveal to Preethi that he is her biological father, allowing her to live without the burden of that knowledge. The credits roll immediately after this conclusion, with no additional scenes or Easter eggs following.

Although some viewers hoped for a post-credit scene due to director Lokesh Kanagaraj's style of layered storytelling, the filmmakers have confirmed that Coolie is a standalone film and not part of the Lokesh Cinematic Universe. Therefore, there is no setup for a sequel or continuation after the credits.

Some online discussions and videos have speculated about a post-credit scene, but the official and most credible sources confirm that none exists in the theatrical release.

What is the significance of Deva's past as a coolie union leader in the story?

Deva's past as a coolie union leader in Mandwa is central to the plot, revealing his long-standing fight against exploitation by Simon's father Xavier and Kakkar. This history explains his deep personal vendetta, including a revolt that led to the death of 70 coolies and the killing of Xavier. It also connects to the present conflict with the crime syndicate and the traumatic event of Simon witnessing his father's death, which shapes the motivations of key characters.

How does the relationship between Deva and Preethi evolve throughout the film?

Preethi is revealed to be Deva's daughter, though she remains unaware of this fact and calls him 'uncle.' Their relationship is complicated by the kidnapping and threats from the syndicate. Despite this, Preethi and her sisters forgive Deva at their departure abroad, highlighting a poignant emotional undercurrent where familial bonds are strained but not broken.

What role does the character Dahaa play in the plot and his connection to other characters?

Dahaa, played by Aamir Khan, is the global syndicate leader and son of Kakkar, the antagonist from Deva's past. He kidnaps Deva, Kaleesha, Preethi, and her sisters, and later offers Deva a position as his right-hand man, which Deva accepts under the condition that his coolies are spared. Dahaa's character bridges the past and present conflicts and adds complexity to the power dynamics within the syndicate.

What is the significance of Rajasekar's invention in the story?

Rajasekar invents a machine that instantly burns animal remains, which is initially rejected by authorities but later exploited by the smuggling syndicate. His invention becomes a key plot device, as it ties into his murder and the syndicate's illegal activities, motivating Deva's investigation and quest for justice.

How does the character Dayal influence the unfolding of events in the film?

Dayal is initially presented as Simon's aide but is later revealed to be a police constable who orchestrated Rajasekar's murder. He kidnaps Preethi and manipulates Deva into working under him. Dayal's duplicity and control over the syndicate's operations create significant obstacles for Deva and add layers of intrigue and betrayal to the narrative.

Is this family friendly?

The 2025 film Coolie is not family friendly and has been certified 'A' (Adults Only) by the Central Board of Film Certification, meaning it is intended strictly for adult audiences.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects for children or sensitive viewers include:

  • Severe violence and gore, with sustained scenes involving bloody stabbings, shootings, beatings with blunt instruments, strangulation, and graphic physical brutality such as a man's head being smashed against a train track.
  • Moderate profanity and some references to alcohol, drugs, and smoking.
  • The film contains moderate frightening and intense scenes that may be disturbing to sensitive viewers.
  • There is no sexual content or nudity, but some song lyrics make undetailed verbal references to sexual activity.

Given these elements, Coolie is unsuitable for children and sensitive audiences, and parents are advised to exercise caution. Fans have requested a family-friendly 'U/A' version, but as of now, only the adult-rated version is available.