Superstar Rajinikanth’s much-anticipated film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has stormed the box office with a record-breaking opening day. Released on August 14, 2025, the film has not only lived up to the hype but surpassed expectations, marking one of the biggest openings in Indian cinema history.
Advance Bookings Set the Stage
Before the first show even began, Coolie had already made headlines with its massive advance bookings. Over 12 lakh tickets were sold across India, with Tamil Nadu leading the charge. The film grossed approximately ₹75 crore worldwide from pre-sales alone, including more than ₹30 crore from domestic markets. In North America, Coolie became the first Tamil-language film to cross $2 million in premiere pre-sales.
Opening Day Collection: A ₹150 Crore Juggernaut
According to early trade estimates, Coolie raked in a staggering ₹150 crore globally on its first day. This includes a projected ₹100 crore from India, making it the highest opening for a Tamil film, surpassing Vijay’s Leo, which had earned ₹145 crore on its debut. The film’s performance in the Hindi belt was also notable, with an estimated ₹5 crore collection despite limited screens3.
Star Power & Strategic Release
The film’s ensemble cast—featuring Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and a cameo by Aamir Khan—added to its pan-India appeal. Released during the Independence Day weekend, Coolie benefited from a long holiday window and minimal competition, aside from War 2, which opened in Bollywood circuits.
What’s Next?
With strong word-of-mouth and packed theatres across regions, Coolie is poised to dominate the box office in the coming days. Industry experts predict that the film could cross the ₹500 crore mark within its first weekend, potentially entering the elite ₹1,000 crore club if momentum continues.
Rajinikanth’s 171st film is not just a commercial triumph—it’s a celebration of his 50-year legacy in cinema. Coolie has proven that the Thalaivar magic is timeless.