Rajinikanth’s action thriller Coolie hit theaters worldwide on August 14, 2025, sparking wild celebrations among fans eager to see the superstar in a fresh role directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. With music by Anirudh Ravichander and a star-packed cast including Nagarjuna and Aamir Khan, the film clashes head-on with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2, creating one of the biggest box office battles in recent Indian cinema history.
Epic Release and Box Office Clash
Coolie opened to packed houses across India and overseas markets, with early morning shows drawing huge crowds. Fans lined up hours before screenings, turning theaters into festive zones with dances, cheers, and custom merchandise.
The timing adds extra drama as it directly competes with War 2, another high-stakes action film released on the same day. Industry experts predict this clash could split audiences, especially in multiplexes where both movies vie for prime slots.
Analysts note that Rajinikanth’s films often dominate in South India, while War 2 might pull stronger in Hindi-speaking regions. Early reports suggest Coolie secured massive advance bookings, outpacing its rival in Tamil Nadu.
This release comes after months of hype, fueled by teasers and songs that went viral online. The film’s team aimed for a grand Independence Day weekend boost, tapping into the holiday spirit.
Fan Celebrations Light Up Theaters Worldwide
Excitement reached fever pitch as fans worldwide marked the release with unique traditions. In Chennai, groups performed energetic dances outside cinemas, while others waved flags featuring Rajinikanth’s iconic poses.
Overseas, the fervor matched the energy back home. Videos from Singapore showed devotees pouring milk on massive posters and conducting aarti rituals, a nod to the actor’s god-like status among supporters.
One touching story emerged from a fan who shared a photo of three generations his grandfather from the 1930s, his father from the 1960s, and himself from the 1990s all wearing matching Coolie T-shirts at a screening. This highlights how Rajinikanth’s appeal spans ages and unites families.
In theaters, director Lokesh Kanagaraj and composer Anirudh Ravichander surprised audiences by joining fans for a watch party. They arrived together, waving to cheers and sharing the experience, which added a personal touch to the launch.
Social media buzzed with live updates, as fans posted videos of packed halls and emotional reactions during key scenes.
Mixed Reviews and Audience Reactions
Initial reviews for Coolie poured in from early screenings, showing a mix of praise and criticism. Many hailed Rajinikanth’s energetic performance and vintage swag, calling it a return to form for the legend.
Critics appreciated Lokesh Kanagaraj’s raw storytelling and multi-layered second half, with Anirudh’s music elevating the action sequences. Fans described the film as a power-packed entertainer, full of intense dialogues and thrilling fights.
However, some overseas viewers pointed out flaws like a slow start and predictable twists. They felt the pace dragged in parts, despite a strong climax.
On social platforms, reactions varied widely:
- “Rajinikanth’s charisma shines through every frame, making Coolie a must-watch for fans.”
- “Anirudh’s beats and Lokesh’s direction create magic, but the story feels monotonous at times.”
- “Nagarjuna’s charm and Aamir Khan’s cameo add star power, turning it into a celebration.”
Overall, the film earns solid marks for its mass appeal, with ratings averaging around 3.5 out of 5 from early feedback.
One review called it a “decent watch” but advised keeping expectations in check, praising the racy second half while noting the flat arcs for some supporting characters.
Behind the Scenes and Stellar Cast
Coolie brings together a dream team, with Lokesh Kanagaraj directing his vision of a family-friendly action story. He shared in interviews that Rajinikanth’s input shaped key emotional moments, ensuring broad appeal.
Anirudh Ravichander’s soundtrack has been a standout, with tracks described as ominous and superb. The composer watched a near-final cut and called it one of his best works, blending mass beats with intelligent composition.
The cast shines with diverse talents. Rajinikanth plays the lead in a new shade, while Nagarjuna takes on his first negative role, earning rave reviews for his fantastic portrayal.
Supporting actors like Soubin Shahir deliver world-class performances, and cameos from stars like Aamir Khan add surprise elements. Shruti Haasan mentioned becoming an even bigger fan of Nagarjuna after working on the film.
Production focused on high-octane action and emotional depth, with only two songs to keep the narrative tight.
Box Office Predictions and Future Prospects
Experts forecast a strong opening for Coolie, potentially crossing 60 crore rupees on day one in India alone. The film’s buzz and Rajinikanth’s draw could push global collections higher, especially with positive word-of-mouth.
Here’s a quick look at predicted day-one earnings across regions:
| Region | Estimated Collection (in crores) | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 25-30 | Strong fan base and advance bookings |
| Telugu States | 10-15 | Nagarjuna’s popularity |
| Hindi Belt | 5-8 | Clash with War 2 |
| Overseas | 15-20 | Early positive reactions |
These figures depend on sustained momentum, but the holiday release gives it an edge.
Looking ahead, Coolie is set for an OTT release on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run, likely in September 2025. This will extend its reach to digital audiences.
The film’s success could influence future big-star clashes, showing how fan loyalty drives box office wins.
What did you think of Coolie? Share your reviews in the comments below and spread the word to fellow fans. Your thoughts could help others decide on their next movie night.
