The advance booking for Coolie, the much-anticipated Tamil action thriller starring Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has kicked off with a phenomenal response in Kerala. Within just the first hour of ticket sales, the film raked in over ₹1 crore in gross collections, signaling a record-breaking start ahead of its August 14 release. According to industry tracker Friday Matinee, more than 64,000 tickets were sold across 563 shows in the state, showcasing the superstar’s enduring pull and the film’s massive pre-release buzz.
Produced by Sun Pictures, Coolie boasts a star-studded ensemble including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan in a special role. Rajinikanth plays Deva, a mysterious figure who challenges a corrupt syndicate, while the film’s music by Anirudh Ravichander has already struck a chord with fans. The movie was initially announced as Thalaivar 171 and has been shot across multiple locations including Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Bangkok. With principal photography wrapped up in March 2025, the film is now set for a grand Independence Day weekend release.
Kerala’s response is particularly significant given the state’s competitive market for South Indian cinema. Trade experts suggest that if this momentum continues, Coolie could set a new benchmark for Tamil film openings in the region. Overseas bookings have also been robust, with nearly ₹30 crore collected in advance sales, indicating strong global anticipation. The film is expected to challenge previous records set by blockbusters like Leo, and early tracking suggests a ₹100+ crore opening worldwide.
With early morning shows scheduled at 6 AM in Kerala and a pan-India rollout planned, Coolie is poised to dominate the box office. The combination of Rajinikanth’s charisma, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s directorial flair, and a festival release window makes this a cinematic event to watch. As fans gear up for the first-day-first-show frenzy, all eyes are on how Coolie performs across India and beyond.