Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, headlined by superstar Rajinikanth, is rewriting Tamil cinema’s record books even before hitting the screens. According to reports of Sacnilk.com, the action drama has turned into a global box office storm, with first-day advance bookings crossing ₹37.2 crore net (₹46.36 crore with block seats) in India alone, and pre-sales momentum surging worldwide.
In North America, the film has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first Tamil movie to cross $2 million in premiere pre-sales, a number now inching closer to $3 million, dethroning Rajinikanth’s own Kabali (2016). The demand has been equally explosive across Indian states, with Tamil Nadu leading the charge at over ₹14 crore and near-sellout shows in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Pondicherry. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have witnessed a booking frenzy in the Telugu version, with Hyderabad nearing full occupancy.
Across languages, Coolie has sold over 1.73 million tickets in India for its opening day. The Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada versions are also drawing solid numbers, ensuring the film’s footprint extends well beyond its Tamil base. Special screenings and fan events are planned worldwide on August 14, underlining Rajinikanth’s unmatched mass appeal.
Trade analysts predict Coolie could open at over ₹125 crore globally, with the potential to challenge the all-time Tamil record set by Leo (₹143 crore). The hype stems not only from Rajinikanth’s star power but also from Lokesh Kanagaraj’s reputation for crafting high-octane spectacles.
Backed by Sun Pictures, Coolie features Rajinikanth alongside Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, and Aamir Khan. The film has been certified A and also boasts high-energy action sequences choreographed by Anbariv, cinematography by Girish Gangadharan, editing by Philomin Raj, and music by Anirudh.
