Rajinikanth’s latest film Coolie has taken the box office by storm, grossing $55 million worldwide in just 12 days since its release on August 14, 2025. This Tamil action drama, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, now stands as India’s third highest grossing movie of the year, beating out big competitors and showing the superstar’s lasting pull at theaters across the globe.
The movie tells the story of a porter caught in a web of crime and revenge, blending high octane action with emotional depth. Fans rushed to see Rajinikanth in his signature style, leading to packed houses from day one. This success comes amid a busy year for Indian cinema, where audiences crave fresh stories from their favorite stars.
Strong Start and Steady Run
Coolie opened with a bang, pulling in huge crowds during the Independence Day weekend in India. It faced off against other releases but quickly pulled ahead thanks to positive word of mouth and Rajinikanth’s star power.
In its first week, the film collected over $30 million in India alone, with daily earnings holding steady even on weekdays. By day 12, domestic collections crossed $31 million net, pushing the global total to $55 million. This puts it ahead of many expected hits and shows how well it connected with viewers in Tamil speaking regions and beyond.
Experts point to smart marketing and cameo appearances by stars like Nagarjuna and Shruti Haasan as key boosts. The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, also played a big role in drawing younger fans.
The film’s performance varied by region, with strong showings in South India and growing interest overseas.
- Tamil Nadu led with the highest share of earnings.
- Overseas markets like North America contributed over $6 million.
- Hindi dubbed versions added a surprise boost in northern states.
Battle with War 2 at the Box Office
Coolie went head to head with the Bollywood thriller War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, which released on the same day. While both films aimed for pan India appeal, Coolie came out on top.
War 2 managed about $40 million worldwide in the same period, falling short of expectations despite its high profile cast and action packed plot. Coolie beat it by $15 million, thanks to better advance bookings and sustained interest.
This clash highlights shifts in Indian cinema, where regional films often outperform Hindi ones when backed by massive fan bases. Rajinikanth’s movie benefited from loyal supporters who turned out in droves, while War 2 struggled with mixed reviews.
| Day | Coolie India Net (in million USD) | War 2 India Net (in million USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 9.0 | 6.5 |
| Day 5 | 24.0 (cumulative) | 18.0 (cumulative) |
| Day 12 | 31.0 (cumulative) | 27.0 (cumulative) |
These numbers show Coolie’s edge, especially in the crucial opening days.
Factors Driving Coolie’s Success
Several elements came together to make Coolie a hit. Rajinikanth, at 74, delivers a powerful performance that reminds fans why he is called Thalaivar. His role as a coolie turned hero resonates with themes of justice and family, striking a chord in today’s world.
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj brought his signature style from hits like Vikram, mixing intense fights with clever twists. The film’s budget, around $50 million, was well spent on stunning visuals and locations shot across India.
Promotion played a huge part too. Teasers and songs went viral on social media, building hype months before release. Tie ins with brands and fan events kept the buzz alive.
Coolie also tapped into the growing trend of multilingual releases, reaching non Tamil audiences through dubs and subtitles. This strategy helped it break into new markets like Europe and the Middle East.
Global Reach and Future Outlook
Beyond India, Coolie has made waves internationally. It earned strong numbers in the US, UAE, and Malaysia, where Rajinikanth has a dedicated following. This global haul pushes it toward $60 million soon, potentially making it his biggest earner since Jailer in 2023.
Compared to other 2025 releases, it trails only two Bollywood blockbusters but leads all Tamil films. This success boosts confidence in South Indian cinema’s ability to compete on a world stage.
As theaters see fewer crowds midweek, Coolie aims to hold on through word of mouth. Upcoming festivals could give it another lift.
What This Means for Indian Cinema
Coolie’s run reflects changing tastes, where star driven stories still rule but need fresh ideas to thrive. It outpaced War 2 by focusing on cultural roots while appealing broadly.
This year has seen other hits like sequels and biopics, but Coolie stands out for its pure entertainment value. Fans appreciate how it honors Rajinikanth’s legacy while introducing new talent.
Looking ahead, the film could inspire more cross regional projects. Its earnings prove that with the right mix, any Indian movie can go global.
Share your thoughts on Coolie’s success or if you have seen it. Did it live up to the hype? Drop a comment below and spread the word to your friends.
