Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has displayed an encouraging trend at the box office with its collections steadily increasing after the initial dip. Marking a significant milestone, the film is fast approaching the ₹250 crore mark in domestic net collections, showcasing that despite stiff competition, the superstar’s pull remains powerful.
Key Highlights: Coolie’s Box Office Journey
Coolie opened to massive fanfare, earning an impressive ₹65 crore on its first day across multiple languages, reflecting Rajinikanth’s immense pan-India appeal.
During the first week, it managed to collect ₹229.65 crore net domestically, with strong performances particularly in Tamil Nadu and Telugu-speaking states.
Although the weekday collections dipped sharply following the weekend frenzy, the film witnessed a resurgence in the second weekend, with latest reports indicating ₹244.94 crore net by day 10.
On the 10th day, the film collected ₹9.44 crore, improving significantly over the previous days and indicating renewed audience interest.
Battle Against ₹ War 2 and Market Context
Coolie has been in a close race with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2, which collected ₹208.25 crore domestically in the same period.
Despite the competition, Coolie maintains a lead of nearly ₹27 crore over War 2 in India, strengthening its position in a tough box office environment.
Internationally, Coolie has also been a major success, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film overseas in 2025 by grossing ₹168.5 crore to date.
Breaking Records and Industry Impact
Coolie is now the third-highest-grossing film in Rajinikanth’s illustrious career, behind 2.0 (₹668 crore) and Jailer (₹605 crore), affirming his continued dominance in Indian cinema.
The film's cumulative worldwide gross stands at about ₹438 crore, and industry experts predict that it could cross ₹500 crore globally in the coming weeks.
Coolie’s success further cements Rajinikanth’s status as a box office titan and marks a positive trajectory for Tamil cinema on the international stage.
Casting, Story, and Reception
Apart from Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence, the film features a strong supporting cast including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, and Soubin Shahir, with special appearances by Aamir Khan adding star power.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the gangster drama blends action, suspense, and emotional drama, appealing to Rajinikanth’s diverse fan base.
Critics lauded the film for its stylized narrative and earnest performances, though word-of-mouth remained mixed, affecting weekday footfalls.
Concluding Thoughts
Coolie’s box office journey exemplifies the enduring allure of Rajinikanth amid evolving audience preferences and intense competition. While initial doubts emerged with fluctuating weekday numbers, the film’s revival over the second weekend indicates robust fan loyalty and appeal. With collections nearing ₹250 crore domestically and strong overseas numbers, Coolie stands poised as a blockbuster milestone for 2025.
Sources: Koimoi, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, NDTV, Filmibeat, Times of India
