The theatrical landscape for Independence Day 2025 is poised for an unprecedented shake-up, with two cinematic titans battling it out for box office supremacy. While the Hrithik Roshan-Jr. NTR-led War 2 is a formidable pan-Indian contender, all eyes are currently fixated on one man and one film: Superstar Rajinikanth's Coolie. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, this high-octane action-thriller is not just a film; it’s a cultural event, and the pre-release metrics are already painting a picture of a historic opening that could easily shatter multiple industry benchmarks.
As of the latest reports, Coolie has already generated a monumental buzz, with its worldwide Day 1 advance bookings crossing an astounding ₹65 crore gross. This figure, achieved with several days still to go before the August 14th release, has already surpassed the opening day pre-sales of many blockbusters and firmly establishes the film as a record-breaker in the making. The momentum is so strong that trade analysts are confidently predicting that the film’s total Day 1 pre-sales could touch or even surpass the ₹100 crore mark, a feat rarely, if ever, seen in Indian cinema.
The global domination of Coolie is particularly noteworthy. The film’s advance booking opened internationally well ahead of its domestic release, and the results have been nothing short of sensational. In the crucial North American market, often a bellwether for a film’s overseas performance, Coolie has already amassed an impressive $1.7 million (₹14 crore) in premiere advance sales. This not only places it well ahead of its competitor, War 2, but also allows it to comfortably surpass the North American premiere record of Lokesh Kanagaraj's previous mega-hit, Leo, which had grossed $1.3 million. This performance is a clear testament to Rajinikanth's enduring star power and the immense loyalty of his diaspora fan base. Other key international markets, including the Middle East, Malaysia, and the UK, are also reporting packed shows and rapid ticket sales, contributing significantly to the film’s massive overseas collection, which currently stands at over ₹41 crore.
Domestically, the response has been equally explosive. Although advance bookings in India opened in a staggered fashion, the film has quickly caught fire. As of now, the film has secured over ₹20 crore in Day 1 advance bookings across all languages, with the original Tamil version leading the charge with a staggering ₹13.80 crore. The dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada are also performing steadily, indicating a strong pan-Indian appeal. While Coolie has already surpassed the India pre-sales record of Rajinikanth’s last film, Jailer (₹18 crore), it is now eyeing the all-time Tamil cinema record of ₹46 crore, set by Leo. Given the current trajectory and the typical last-minute surge in ticket sales, especially in mass centers and single-screen theatres, trade experts believe it is well within reach of breaking that record.
The staggering Day 1 prediction of ₹70–90 crore for Coolie is not merely based on star power, but on a perfect storm of several factors. Firstly, the collaboration between Superstar Rajinikanth and blockbuster director Lokesh Kanagaraj has created a level of anticipation that is off the charts. Kanagaraj's reputation for crafting gritty, stylish, and narratively compelling action thrillers, combined with Rajinikanth's iconic screen presence, has made Coolie a must-watch for fans and general audiences alike. The film's trailer, while slightly polarizing to some, has been widely praised for its raw energy and explosive action sequences, further fueling the hype.
Secondly, the strategic release during the extended Independence Day weekend provides a significant advantage. A long weekend, coupled with a national holiday, typically results in a massive surge in footfalls, allowing films to capitalize on the festive mood. The makers have also been meticulous with their marketing and promotion, including a grand audio launch event and strategically timed updates that have kept the film constantly in the news cycle.
Thirdly, the film’s star-studded ensemble cast, which includes prominent names from various industries such as Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, and Shruti Haasan, with a special cameo by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, ensures a broad appeal across linguistic and regional barriers. This pan-Indian approach is crucial for achieving a global opening of this magnitude.
Finally, the word-of-mouth and early reviews, which have been overwhelmingly positive, have added another layer of confidence. The film has been hailed as one of Rajinikanth’s best performances in years, with some critics even comparing it favorably to his classic films. While the film has received an 'A' certificate, hinting at intense and unfiltered action, this has only added to the curiosity among audiences who are eager to see the superstar in a raw, uninhibited avatar.
In conclusion, all indicators—from the historic advance booking figures to the global demand and critical reception—point towards a monumental opening for Coolie. While a ₹90 crore Day 1 global haul might seem ambitious, the current momentum suggests that Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj are on track to deliver one of the biggest opening days in Indian cinema history, setting a new benchmark for a Tamil film and reinforcing the timeless appeal of a true superstar. The box office battle with War 2 is set to be a fascinating study in film economics, but for now, it's clear that Coolie is in a league of its own.
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