Imagine a 74-year-old superstar stepping into the frame, wielding charisma like a weapon, and shattering box office records on Independence Day. What if this film, packed with high-octane action and a star-studded cast, not only rakes in millions but also sparks debates across social media? That’s the magic of Coolie, Rajinikanth’s latest venture directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. But does it live up to the hype? Stick around as we dive into the full breakdown— from jaw-dropping earnings to honest reviews that might just surprise you.
Released on August 14, 2025, Coolie has already become a talking point in the Tamil film industry, blending revenge drama with mass appeal. Starring Rajinikanth as Deva, a former coolie turned vigilante, the movie explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and justice against a backdrop of gold smuggling. With cameos from Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna as the antagonist Simon, and supporting roles by Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Soubin Shahir, it’s a cinematic feast. But let’s cut to the chase: how did it perform on Day 1, and what are critics and fans saying?
Coolie Box Office Collection Day 1: A Record-Breaking Start
Coolie exploded at the box office, collecting an estimated ₹170 crore worldwide gross on its opening day. This marks the highest Day 1 gross for a Kollywood film, surpassing expectations amid a clash with Hrithik Roshan’s War 2. In India alone, the net collection stood at ₹65 crore, with strong performances in Tamil Nadu and overseas markets.
Why such a massive opening? Advance bookings crossed ₹100 crore globally, with over 17 lakh tickets sold in India before release. Fans flocked to theaters, creating frenzy in Chennai, Mumbai, and even Singapore, where companies offered paid holidays for employees to watch it. North America was a standout, grossing $3.04 million (approximately ₹25 crore) from premieres alone, setting a new record for Tamil films.
However, it fell short of Thalapathy Vijay’s Leo, which grossed ₹148 crore worldwide on Day 1. Still, Coolie outperformed War 2‘s ₹52-75 crore worldwide opening, leading by a significant margin. Occupancy rates were impressive: 98.75% in Trichy and 97.75% in Chennai.
Here’s a detailed regional breakdown of Day 1 gross collections:
| Region | Day 1 Gross (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | 28-51 |
| AP/Telangana | 20-21 |
| Karnataka | 12-14.2 |
| Kerala | 5-9.6 |
| Hindi/ROI | 5-6 |
| Overseas | 70-92 |
| Total WW | 170 |
Vs. Competitors: How Coolie Stacks Up
In a head-to-head clash with War 2, Coolie emerged victorious on Day 1. While Hrithik’s spy thriller lagged behind in India, Coolie dominated with its mass appeal. Compared to Rajinikanth’s own 2.0, which had a sci-fi spectacle opening, Coolie focuses on action and drama, yet it delivered bigger numbers in key states like AP/TG (₹19 crore).
Fans on X are buzzing: “Coolie grabs the number 1 spot at TGV Cinemas nationwide 🔥,” shared one user, noting it as the highest opening for an Indian film there. Another post claimed, “All time No.1 record opening for a Kollywood movie for Day 1 at the WW Box office.. 🔥” But not all agree—some estimates peg it at ₹150 crore, sparking debates.
Rajinikanth Coolie Movie Reviews: Mixed Bag of Mass and Critique
Reviews for Coolie are mixed, leaning positive thanks to Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence. Critics praise the superstar’s charisma at 74, with de-aging effects shining in flashbacks. One review calls it “a thumping ode to Rajinikanth’s legacy—packed with energy, nostalgia, and mass appeal,” rating it 3.5/5.
The plot follows Deva uncovering his friend Rajasekhar’s murder, linked to smuggler Simon. Strengths include Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying BGM and action sequences, but weaknesses lie in pacing and a predictable second half. “Rajinikanth outshines all in a star-heavy film,” notes NDTV, giving 3 stars, but adds the story has “too many ideas, but too little impact.”
Audience reactions on X vary. “Coolie is pure mass! Rajini rocked,” raved one fan. Another said, “Missed Loki’s touch… couldn’t live up to the hype.” Overseas viewers called it a “letdown” due to slow pacing, yet praised the climax. IMDb lists it at 2h 48m, with an ‘A’ certificate for violence.
Shruti Haasan’s emotional role stands out, while Nagarjuna’s villain is stylish but one-note. Cameos, including Aamir Khan’s, add intrigue without feeling forced. Overall, it’s a fan-pleaser, but not Lokesh’s best like Vikram.
Day 2 Updates: Momentum Continues Despite Mixed Word-of-Mouth
As of August 15, 2025 (Day 2), early estimates show Coolie adding ₹20-25 crore net in India, pushing the total past ₹85-90 crore. Bookings remain strong, with War 2 trending ahead on platforms like BookMyShow (60K tickets/hour vs. Coolie’s 38K). Weekend projections: ₹300 crore worldwide if positive buzz grows.
Fans debate: “Sensational bookings everywhere on Day 2 despite mixed reviews 💣💥” The film’s runtime and ‘A’ rating might limit family audiences, but Rajinikanth’s draw is undeniable.
Why Coolie Deserves Your Attention
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for Master and Vikram, Coolie is a standalone story outside the LCU, focusing on gold smuggling. Shot in locations like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangkok, it wrapped in March 2025. Anirudh’s soundtrack, including remixes like “Vaa Vaa Pakkam Vaa,” elevates the experience.
For Rajinikanth fans, it’s a must-watch for his vintage vibes and elevations. Casual viewers might enjoy the action but find the plot formulaic.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Did Coolie beat War 2 at the box office? Yes, with ₹170 crore WW vs. War 2‘s lower opening.
Is Coolie part of Lokesh Cinematic Universe? No, it’s standalone, though rumors persist.
What’s the audience rating for Coolie? Mixed, around 3/5, with praise for Rajinikanth but critiques on script.
How much did Coolie earn in North America? Over $3 million from premieres.
In conclusion, Coolie is more than a movie—it’s a testament to Rajinikanth’s stardom. With ₹170 crore on Day 1 and buzzing reviews, it’s set for a blockbuster run. Whether you’re in for the action or the superstar, this one’s worth the ticket. What’s your take—hit or miss? Share below!