Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated film Coolie made an impressive splash at the box office on its opening day, grossing an estimated ₹130 crore worldwide. Released on August 14, 2025, the film drew massive crowds despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.
Coolie directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, premiered across India and several international locations, with Tamil Nadu witnessing record-breaking theatre occupancy. The movie opened widely on thousands of screens, especially dominating in the southern states, where Rajinikanth’s fan base is strongest. Bookings were remarkable, generating ₹37.3 crore in India alone before the premiere. Reports showed occupancy rates exceeding 83% for Tamil shows, with cities like Trichy and Chennai seeing near-full houses.
The film follows the story of Devaraj “Deva” (Rajinikanth), a former coolie who investigates the suspicious death of his friend, leading him into a dangerous criminal syndicate. Featuring an ensemble cast including Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Aamir Khan, Coolie blends action, drama, and emotional moments. Fans lauded Rajinikanth’s charismatic performance and the powerful background score by Anirudh Ravichander, even as some critics felt the narrative was weighed down by too many characters and tangled plotlines.
Competing at the box office with Hrithik Roshan’s War 2, Coolie currently holds an edge, particularly in Tamil Nadu and southern India’s multiplex and single-screen markets. At 6 PM on its release day, Coolie had already amassed ₹44.22 crore domestically, while War 2 stood at ₹28.65 crore in the same timeframe.
Critics have noted that though the film carries classic Rajinikanth “swag” and thrilling climax action scenes, its overstuffed story and multiple subplots lessen its impact. Nevertheless, fans have been thrilled by the film’s nostalgic and mass-entertainment moments, with many calling it a fitting tribute to Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema.
A fan tweeted after watching the film, “Coolie’s second half hits with one epic moment after another, and Rajinikanth’s charm keeps the whole theatre on its feet.” Director Lokesh Kanagaraj expressed gratitude for the audience’s enthusiasm and promised exciting developments in the coming days.
In conclusion, Coolie opened on a high note at the box office, showcasing Rajinikanth’s lasting appeal despite some narrative flaws criticised by reviewers. With strong performances and widespread fan support, the film is set to continue its successful run. Fans are encouraged to catch Coolie in theatres and experience the mass entertainer that celebrates the legend of Rajinikanth.
Don’t miss out—head to theatres now to witness Rajinikanth’s latest blockbuster!