Rajinikanth’s latest action film Coolie has ended its first week with a solid Rs 222.5 crore net collection in India, beating out the competition from War 2. Released on August 14, 2025, the movie rode high on fan excitement and holiday crowds, proving the star’s lasting pull at the box office despite a midweek slowdown.
Explosive Start at the Box Office
Coolie kicked off with a bang, pulling in Rs 65 crore on its opening day alone. This strong debut came amid huge buzz for Rajinikanth’s role in the Lokesh Kanagaraj-directed thriller, which blends high-octane action with a story of grit and revenge.
Fans packed theaters across Tamil Nadu and beyond, leading to sold-out shows during the Independence Day weekend. By the end of day two, the film had crossed Rs 100 crore, reaching Rs 119.75 crore. This quick rise showed how Rajinikanth’s star power can turn a release into an event.
The extended holiday period helped boost numbers further. On Saturday, collections hit Rs 39.5 crore, and Sunday added Rs 35.25 crore, taking the four-day total to Rs 194.5 crore. Trade experts note that this performance aligns with Rajinikanth’s history of big openings, much like his past hits that drew massive crowds.
Midweek Slowdown but Steady Gains
After the weekend high, Coolie saw a dip in daily earnings as weekdays set in. Monday brought in Rs 12 crore, pushing the film past Rs 200 crore overall. This marked a key milestone, even as attendance dropped from the holiday rush.
Tuesday collections fell to Rs 9.5 crore, reflecting the usual post-holiday lull. By Wednesday, the film earned Rs 6.5 crore, wrapping up week one at Rs 222.5 crore net in India. Analysts point out that while the drops were sharp, they stayed better than many recent releases facing similar clashes.
Despite the slowdown, Coolie held its ground in key regions like Tamil Nadu, where it neared Rs 90 crore in just seven days. Overseas markets also contributed strongly, with North America alone seeing record-breaking sales for a Tamil film.
Here is a breakdown of Coolie’s daily net collections in India:
- Day 1: Rs 65 crore
- Day 2: Rs 54.75 crore
- Day 3: Rs 39.5 crore
- Day 4: Rs 35.25 crore
- Day 5: Rs 12 crore
- Day 6: Rs 9.5 crore
- Day 7: Rs 6.5 crore
Head-to-Head Clash with War 2
Coolie went up against War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, in a major box office battle. Both films hit theaters on the same day, splitting audience attention and screens. Yet, Coolie pulled ahead, ending the week at Rs 222.5 crore compared to War 2’s estimated Rs 199 crore in India.
War 2 started strong with Rs 51.5 crore on day one but saw similar weekday drops. Social media buzz highlighted Coolie’s lead in advance bookings, especially in international markets where it outpaced War 2 by a wide margin.
In North America, Coolie grossed over $1.4 million in premieres, beating War 2’s $300,000. This overseas edge helped Coolie maintain momentum, even as War 2 drew crowds in Hindi-speaking areas.
| Metric | Coolie | War 2 |
|---|---|---|
| India Net Week 1 | Rs 222.5 crore | Rs 199 crore |
| Worldwide Week 1 | Rs 422.8 crore | Rs 350 crore (estimated) |
| Opening Day | Rs 65 crore | Rs 51.5 crore |
| Overseas Gross | Rs 162.2 crore | Rs 100 crore (estimated) |
Global Reach and Profit Milestone
Worldwide, Coolie has raked in Rs 422.8 crore, including Rs 260.6 crore gross in India and Rs 162.2 crore from abroad. Made on a Rs 350 crore budget, the film has already turned profitable, recovering costs through ticket sales and rights deals.
Strong showings in markets like the US and Europe underscore Rajinikanth’s global appeal. The movie even beat records set by his previous film Leo in North America, collecting more in its first week than Leo’s lifetime there.
This success comes amid a busy year for Indian cinema, with other hits like Chhaava and Saiyaara also performing well. Coolie’s run shows how star-driven stories can thrive in a crowded release calendar.
What Lies Ahead for Coolie
Looking forward, Coolie is poised to cross Rs 250 crore in India soon, with experts predicting a total haul that could challenge Rajinikanth’s top earners like 2.0 (Rs 407 crore) and Jailer (Rs 348 crore). Positive word-of-mouth and no major releases next week could help it rebound over the second weekend.
The film’s themes of justice and action have resonated with viewers, adding to its staying power. As Rajinikanth continues to dominate at 74, this release cements his status as a box office king.
Trade watchers believe Coolie might end up as the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2025, outpacing rivals through sheer fan loyalty.
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