Rajinikanth’s much-awaited film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is rewriting box office history even before its theatrical release on August 14, 2025. The film’s grand pre-release event on August 10, 2025, in Chennai, coupled with unprecedented advance ticket sales surpassing ₹60 crore globally, has sent fans into a frenzy. With over 900,000 tickets sold worldwide, Coolie is poised to deliver one of the biggest openings in Indian cinema history. Here’s everything you need to know about this cinematic juggernaut, exclusively for MasalaMirror.com readers.

A Grand Pre-Release Event Celebrating Rajinikanth’s 50-Year Legacy

On August 10, 2025, Chennai’s iconic venue hosted a spectacular pre-release event for Coolie, marking a milestone in Rajinikanth’s illustrious 50-year career in cinema. The event was a star-studded affair, featuring electrifying musical performances by the film’s composer, Anirudh Ravichander, whose chart-topping tracks have already gone viral. The Coolie soundtrack, blending high-energy beats with nostalgic vibes, set the stage ablaze, with fans chanting Rajinikanth’s name in unison.

Speeches by the cast and crew, including director Lokesh Kanagaraj, actors Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and a special mention of Aamir Khan’s cameo, paid tribute to Rajinikanth’s enduring legacy. Lokesh Kanagaraj highlighted the film’s unique storyline, describing it as a “mass entertainer with a heart,” while Rajinikanth himself expressed gratitude to his fans, calling them the “backbone of his journey.” The event, live-streamed across platforms, trended globally, with hashtags like #Coolie and #Rajinikanth50 dominating social media.

Record-Breaking Advance Ticket Sales: ₹60 Crore and Counting

Coolie has shattered box office records with advance ticket sales crossing ₹60 crore globally, a figure that continues to climb as the release date approaches. Over 900,000 tickets have been sold across India and international markets, making it one of the biggest pre-release hauls for any Indian film. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:

• India: The film has raked in ₹18 crore in domestic pre-sales, with Tamil Nadu and Kerala leading the charge. Tamil Nadu alone contributed ₹12 crore, with over 500,000 tickets sold for the Tamil version. The Telugu and Kannada versions are gaining traction, while the Hindi-dubbed version, despite a slower start with 3,000 tickets sold, is expected to pick up closer to release.
• Overseas: The international market has been a game-changer, with ₹42 crore in pre-sales. North America leads with $5.2 million (approximately ₹43 crore), surpassing the premiere records of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Leo ($1.3 million) and Rajinikanth’s Jailer ($1.12 million). The USA alone saw over 60,000 tickets sold for premiere shows. The UK, Australia, and Malaysia have reported sold-out shows, with additional screenings added to meet demand.

Industry trackers predict that Coolie could hit ₹85–95 crore in global advance bookings by opening day, potentially eclipsing the all-time Tamil film record set by Leo at ₹46 crore. Posts on X reflect the frenzy, with users calling it “Rajinikanth’s biggest opening ever” and a “box office tsunami.”

Why Coolie Is a Pan-India Phenomenon

Coolie is not just another Rajinikanth film—it’s a cinematic event. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for blockbusters like Vikram and Leo, the film promises a high-octane action thriller centered on Deva, a former gold smuggler (played by Rajinikanth) who reunites with his old gang to reclaim his glory using stolen technology hidden in vintage gold watches. The plot’s intriguing mix of action, drama, and technology has piqued audience curiosity.

The star-studded cast, including Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and a cameo by Aamir Khan, adds to its pan-India appeal. The film’s release in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada ensures it caters to a diverse audience. Despite a clash with War 2 (starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR) on August 14, Coolie is dominating advance bookings, particularly in South India and North America, where it leads War 2 by five times in pre-sales.

Fan Reactions and Early Reviews

The buzz around Coolie is palpable, with fans flooding social media with praise. A post on X called it a “one-man show” with Rajinikanth delivering a “power-packed performance,” though some noted the screenplay as “average” with the climax being the highlight. Early reviews from special screenings have hailed Rajinikanth’s role as his “best since Kabali,” predicting a massive opening. However, some X posts criticized the trailer for lacking “money shots” compared to Lokesh’s previous works, suggesting it feels like a “routine commercial film.” Despite mixed trailer feedback, the advance booking numbers speak volumes about Rajinikanth’s star power.

Non-Theatrical Revenue and Budget

Beyond ticket sales, Coolie has already earned ₹250 crore through non-theatrical deals, including international rights, digital streaming, satellite broadcasting, and music rights. The film’s reported budget of ₹200 crore reflects its grand scale, with high production values, international shooting locations, and Anirudh’s blockbuster soundtrack. The foreign rights alone fetched ₹81 crore, underscoring its global appeal.

What to Expect on Release Day

With its release coinciding with India’s Independence Day weekend, Coolie is set for a historic opening. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have scheduled early shows at 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., respectively, with unprecedented demand leading to additional screenings. Industry experts predict a global Day 1 gross of ₹100–120 crore, potentially making it Rajinikanth’s biggest opener and one of the top Indian film openings ever.

Conclusion: A Cinematic Milestone Awaits

Coolie is more than a film—it’s a celebration of Rajinikanth’s 50-year legacy and a testament to his unmatched stardom. With record-breaking advance sales, a stellar cast, and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s vision, the film is poised to dominate the box office. Whether you’re a die-hard Rajinikanth fan or a cinema enthusiast, Coolie promises an unforgettable experience. Book your tickets now and join the Coolie mania!

Stay tuned to MasalaMirror.com for the latest updates on Coolie, box office reports, and exclusive entertainment news.

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