War 2 Surges Ahead of Coolie on Day 2 Box Office: Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR Steal the Independence Day Spotlight

In a thrilling twist to the Independence Day box office clash, War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, and Kiara Advani, has taken a commanding lead over Rajinikanth’s Coolie on its second day, August 15, 2025. After Coolie dominated day one with its record-breaking opening, War 2 has roared back, capitalizing on the extended holiday weekend and strong audience buzz. This article dives into the day two box office performance, audience reactions, and what’s driving War 2’s surge, crafted for www.masalamirror.com.

Day 2 Box Office: War 2 Takes the Lead

On its opening day, August 14, 2025, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, set a blistering pace, grossing ₹65 crore net in India across all languages, outpacing War 2’s ₹52.5 crore net, according to industry tracker Sacnilk. However, day two tells a different story. War 2 has seen a significant spike, earning an estimated ₹70 crore net in India by evening, driven by strong walk-in crowds and repeat viewership. In contrast, Coolie added approximately ₹50 crore net, bringing its two-day total to ₹115 crore, while War 2 stands at ₹122.5 crore.

The turnaround is attributed to War 2’s appeal in Hindi and Telugu markets, where it recorded 65% occupancy in Hindi (IMAX 2D) and 80% in Telugu (4DX) on day two, compared to Coolie’s 70% Tamil and 75% Telugu occupancy. Posts on X highlight War 2’s action sequences and Jr NTR’s Bollywood debut as major draws, with fans sharing clips of theater celebrations.

Why War 2 Is Dominating

1. YRF Spy Universe Momentum

War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji, is the sixth installment in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe, building on the success of Pathaan and Tiger 3. Its interconnected narrative and post-credits scene introducing Alpha with Bobby Deol have fueled fan excitement, driving repeat viewership. The film’s high-octane action and global espionage theme resonate with audiences seeking a cinematic spectacle.

2. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s Star Power

Hrithik Roshan’s return as Kabir, paired with Jr NTR’s electrifying Hindi debut, has created a potent star duo. Fans on X are raving about their chemistry, with Jr NTR’s entry scene earning the loudest cheers. Despite mixed reviews on VFX, particularly a criticized shirtless scene, the duo’s performances have been a major pull.

3. Strategic Screen Allocation

With over 5,000 screens across India, including 2,500 for its Hindi version, War 2 has a wider reach than Coolie’s 1,980 screens in India. The film’s multilingual release in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil has capitalized on Jr NTR’s Telugu fanbase and Hrithik’s nationwide appeal, giving it an edge in urban centers and multiplexes.

4. Positive Word-of-Mouth

While Coolie received mixed reviews for its familiar storyline, War 2 is gaining traction for its action choreography and emotional depth. Critics praise Hrithik’s physical transformation and Jr NTR’s intensity, though some note inconsistencies in CGI. The hashtag #War2Rules trends on X, reflecting growing fan enthusiasm.

5. Holiday Weekend Boost

The Independence Day weekend, coupled with National Relaxation Day on August 15, has driven massive footfalls. War 2’s 10x surge in Telugu bookings post-release and strong walk-ins in Hindi-speaking regions have outpaced Coolie’s southern dominance, where its day two growth slowed.

Coolie’s Strengths and Challenges

Coolie’s day one triumph was fueled by Rajinikanth’s 50th anniversary in cinema and a star-studded cast, including Aamir Khan and Nagarjuna. Its ₹100 crore worldwide pre-sales and 92.10% Telugu occupancy showcased its southern stronghold. However, day two saw a dip, with some fans on X calling it Lokesh Kanagaraj’s weakest film due to a convoluted plot and excessive characters. Soubin Shahir’s performance as the antagonist earned praise, but the film’s ‘A’ certificate and mixed reviews have limited its family audience appeal.

Global and Regional Performance

Globally, Coolie led day one with ₹150 crore, but War 2 is closing the gap, with an estimated ₹130 crore worldwide by day two, boosted by strong U.S. walk-ins ($405K vs. Coolie’s $811K). In India, War 2’s Hindi version is gaining in the North, while Coolie remains dominant in Tamil Nadu with 1,000 screens. Both films are projected to benefit from the extended weekend, with War 2 potentially crossing ₹200 crore by Sunday.

Audience and Critical Reception

War 2’s action sequences and star chemistry have sparked viral theater reactions, though some X posts criticize its VFX and music. Coolie’s Rajinikanth-driven “festival energy” continues to draw crowds, but its narrative has been called uneven, with Aamir Khan’s cameo receiving mixed feedback. Despite this, both films are set to challenge Pushpa 2’s record of ₹179.25 crore for the highest single-day collection.

What’s Next?

With the holiday weekend in full swing, War 2’s momentum suggests it could sustain its lead, potentially becoming 2025’s biggest Bollywood opener. Coolie remains a strong contender in southern markets and may regain ground with family audiences over the weekend. Both films have secured lucrative OTT deals—Coolie on Amazon Prime Video and War 2 on Netflix—ensuring extended reach post-theatrical run.

Conclusion

The War 2 vs. Coolie box office battle is a cinematic spectacle, with War 2 surging ahead on day two thanks to its star power, wide release, and Spy Universe appeal. As India celebrates Independence Day, this clash underscores the vibrancy of Indian cinema. Stay tuned to www.masalamirror.com for the latest box office updates and film news!

Keywords: War 2 Box Office, Coolie Box Office, Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Rajinikanth, Independence Day Clash, YRF Spy Universe, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Bollywood 2025, Tamil Cinema

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