New Rajinikanth Film Coolie: A Box Office Blockbuster Shaken by Mixed Reception

Chennai / Global — The moment "Thalaiva" Rajinikanth's action drama Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, hit theaters on August 14, 2025, it set the film world ablaze—delivering a record-shattering performance while also navigating mixed reactions and the threat of piracy. Opening Day: Massive Records and Global Triumphs Coolie smashed U.S. premiere records for Tamil cinema, earning over $3 million from pre-sales alone. Globally, the film raked in a staggering ₹150 crore on its opening day, with strong numbers across India: Tamil Nadu: ₹28–30 crore Andhra Pradesh/Telangana: ₹16–18 crore Karnataka: ₹14–15 crore Kerala: ₹10 crore North India: ₹2 crore Overseas: ₹75 crore A Blockbuster Amid Festive Fever Released during India's Independence Day weekend, Coolie faced stiff competition but still outperformed rivals like War 2, becoming Rajinikanth’s biggest opening in 50 years. With a reported production budget nearing ₹400 crore and ₹20 crore in advance bookings alone, expectations were already sky-high heading into the release. What Makes Coolie Special? Rajinikanth stars as Deva, a former coolie union leader drawn into crime and revenge in this gritty, gold-smuggling thriller. For the first time in decades, his film was certified 'A' (Adult-only), signaling unflinching action and intensity. The soundtrack by Anirudh Ravichander features the viral hit "Monica", whose hook-step by Pooja Hegde became a social media sensation. Fan Frenzy & Piracy Woes Fan celebrations were extraordinary—complete with dhol beats, milk rituals, and dance-filled theater lobbies. Unfortunately, mere hours after release, Coolie was hit by piracy with leaked copies circulating online, raising concerns over its box office impact. Critics Speak: Mixed Reviews While Rajinikanth’s commanding presence and high-octane energy won praise, reviewers pointed out pacing issues, particularly in the second half, calling it underwhelming in places. On social media, some fans united under the hashtag #CoolieDisaster, labeling the narrative formulaic or cartoonish. Verdict: A Cultural Moment, Not Just a Film Coolie isn’t just a movie—it’s a milestone. Its spectacular box office debut and mass appeal reinforce Rajinikanth’s superstar status. Even so, mixed critical feedback and piracy concerns serve as a reminder of modern filmmaking’s fragile balance.