Rajinikanth’s “Coolie” is a Box Office Juggernaut, Already Smashing Records Before Release
Rajinikanth is back, and he’s not just coming for your screens—he’s coming for the record books. The upcoming Tamil-language action thriller “Coolie”, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and produced by Kalanithi Maran, is set to be a cinematic event of epic proportions. Slated for a pan-India theatrical release on August 14, 2025, this film is already a box office juggernaut, creating a storm of hype and breaking records even before its first show.
A Star-Studded Extravaganza with a Gritty Plot
“Coolie” marks a significant milestone in Rajinikanth’s illustrious career—his 171st film and his 50th year in the industry. The film’s cast is a who’s who of Indian cinema, featuring stalwarts like Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan, with a special cameo by none other than Aamir Khan. The music, composed by the sensational Anirudh Ravichander, is already a chartbuster.
The plot follows Deva, a former gold smuggler, on a mission to reclaim his past glory by reviving his old gang. The intrigue deepens with the use of stolen technology hidden in vintage golden watches, hinting at a high-octane, stylish action thriller that Lokesh Kanagaraj is known for.
Records are Meant to be Broken
The buzz around “Coolie” isn’t just fan-driven; it’s backed by concrete numbers that are redefining pre-release records.
Fastest to a Million: The film became the fastest Tamil movie to cross $1 million in premiere pre-sales in North America, achieving the feat with an astonishing 11 days still to go before its release.
Trailer Hype: The trailer, which dropped on August 2nd, became a viral sensation, racking up over 1 million views within the first 10 minutes and continuing its record-breaking spree on social media.
“A” for Action: The film’s “Adults Only” certificate from the CBFC has only intensified the hype. This is a rare occurrence for a recent Rajinikanth film and signals that director Lokesh is bringing his signature gritty and intense action to the superstar’s persona.
The Clash of the Titans: “Coolie” vs. “War 2”
The biggest talking point in the industry is the massive box office showdown with Yash Raj Films’ “War 2”, a highly anticipated spy thriller starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, also releasing on the same Independence Day weekend. This clash has a significant impact on both films. While “War 2” is set to dominate Hindi circuits and has reportedly secured most of the IMAX screens, “Coolie” has a clear advantage. Its strength lies in its stronghold in South India, where Rajinikanth’s star power and Lokesh’s directorial magic are expected to lead to a landslide victory at the box office. In the international market, particularly North America, “Coolie” is currently far ahead in pre-sales, suggesting a much stronger initial pull among the diaspora audience.
The box office battle will ultimately come down to which film’s content and word-of-mouth resonate more with the audience. However, as things stand, “Coolie” is poised for an explosive start, with its record-breaking pre-release performance setting a new benchmark for Indian cinema.