Released on August 14, 2025, the pan-India films Coolie and War 2 have created a significant buzz at the box office, collectively earning over ₹100 crore within two days. Coolie, starring Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj under Sun Pictures, boasts a stellar cast including Upendra, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, and Aamir Khan in a cameo role.Are all seats empty in 'Coolie'? Did Rajinikanth pass or fail?
The film generated immense anticipation with its teaser, trailer, and the hit song Monica, which went viral on social media. However, upon release, Coolie received mixed reviews while Rajinikanth’s charismatic performance, high-octane action sequences, and Anirudh Ravichander’s music were widely praised, some critics pointed out a lack of novelty in the storyline.
War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, also made a strong impact but faced challenges due to lukewarm responses to its trailer. Despite this, the film garnered support from Jr. NTR’s fans in Telugu-speaking states and Hrithik Roshan’s fanbase in North India.Six Arrested in Ramya Case: Are Celebrities Abandoning Instagram?
Box Office Performance:
By the end of the second day, Coolie recorded a global collection of approximately ₹150 crore, including ₹72 crore from advance bookings. Rajinikanth’s massive fan following in countries like the USA, Malaysia, and Singapore contributed to robust ticket sales, with the film selling out in most theaters across Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, War 2 amassed around ₹80 crore globally, with ₹11 crore from advance bookings, driven by strong support in Telugu states and North India.Despite mixed critical reception, both films benefited from strong fan support and the Independence Day weekend, boosting their box office numbers.Darshan Faces Bars Again: Here’s Who Fought to Cancel His Bail!
Coolie has taken a clear lead, particularly in South India, owing to Rajinikanth’s star power, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction, and the ensemble cast. War 2 performed well in North India but faced hurdles due to unmet expectations from its promotional material. Both films capitalized on the festive weekend, with Coolie emerging as the frontrunner.Fans Eagerly Await 'Coolie' Tomorrow... Guess How Much Rajinikanth Was Paid for This Film!