Since the first day of the premiere of superstar Rajinikanth’s Coolie, Rajini frenzy has taken over Tamil Nadu theaters. The celebrity would also celebrate his 50th year in movies on Friday.
Coolie movie review
At a Glance
Rajinikanth starred in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s film “Coolie,” which was released on August 14, 2025, the weekend of Independence Day.
Advance bookings in India have crossed ₹50 crore, with industry tracker Sacnilk reporting over ₹41 crore for Day 1 alone; global pre-sales have surpassed ₹100 crore The Times of IndiaBusiness Today@mathrubhumi.
The projected opening could reach ₹150 crore, potentially making “Coolie” one of the biggest openings ever in Indian cinema The Times of India.
Social media is ablaze with fan reactions ranging from unbridled praise to constructive criticism.
Pre-Release Fervor
Long before it was shown in theaters, “Coolie” became a cultural phenomenon.Fans are calling for special shows, fireworks, and even workplace holidays across Tamil Nadu and Kerala Morningshow. Industry leaders are confident the film will shatter box-office records—possibly eclipsing other big releases like War 2 Business TodayThe Times of India.
Behind the excitement is a powerhouse collaboration: Rajinikanth at his peak, under the visionary direction of Lokesh Kanagaraj, with a star-studded cast including Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Upendra WikipediaThe Times of India. To add to the excitement, the casting marks a nostalgic reunion between Rajinikanth and Sathyaraj after nearly 40 years Moneycontrol.
What’s Fueling the Frenzy?
Mass Appeal & Star Power
Rajinikanth’s iconic style, underpinned by de-aging technology and punch-filled moments, taps into a nostalgic yet modern fan base OnmanoramaPinkvillaMoneycontrolMorningshow.Advanced Bookings Break Records
₹41 crore in Indian advance bookings, ₹100 crore globally—including strong North American numbers—highlight overwhelming demand Business Today@mathrubhumi.Festive Release Timing
Premiering on August 14, the film capitalizes on the long Independence Day weekend—a premium slot for massive openings The Times of IndiaIndiatimesBusiness Today.Ensemble Cast & Tech The film is enhanced by Aamir Khan’s outstanding cameo, Nagarjuna’s memorable villainy, Pooja Hegde’s hit song “Monica,” and Anirudh’s lively soundtrack.
First Reviews and Fan Buzz
Praise & Celebration
Udhayanidhi Stalin, TN Deputy CM and prominent producer, lauded “Coolie” as a “power-packed mass entertainer,” celebrating Rajinikanth’s 50-year cinematic legacy The Times of IndiaNavbharat Times.
Royal family endorsement: Rajinikanth’s wife, Latha Rajinikanth, called it one of his best films, adding fuel to fan fervor The Times of India.
Social media reactions sing praises—vintage swagger, festival energy, and strong cameos have made “#CoolieReview” a trending topic The Economic TimesMoneycontrol+1.
Criticisms & Caveats
Critics point out uneven pacing and a less compelling second half. The screenplay and character development are considered ‘patchy’ despite smart execution IndiatimesPinkvillaOTTPlayOnmanoramaNavbharat TimesBusiness Today.
Some say the film delivers “pure festival vibes,” but it could’ve benefited from stronger writing Moneycontrol.
Despite the mixed assessments, fans remain enamored with Rajinikanth’s presence and the film’s sheer spectacle Gulf NewsBusiness Today.
Production & Pay Scale
The scale of “Coolie” is staggering. Reportedly produced at a budget of ₹350 crore (excluding print and publicity), Rajinikanth alone is said to have earned a salary of ₹150 crore India Today. Director Lokesh Kanagaraj reportedly received ₹50 crore. The remaining budget was allocated for production, cast, and technical execution India Today.
Non-theatrical revenue streams have already surpassed ₹240 crore:
₹130 crore from digital rights
₹90 crore from satellite rights
₹20 crore from music rights
That leaves a lean ₹135 crore to break even theatrically—a figure likely to be swiftly eclipsed given the opening projections India Today.
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Personal Insight
As someone with five years of experience reporting public-interest and entertainment news, I’ve seen how cinema can unify emotions across language and regions. “Coolie” is one of the few movies that successfully combines modern storytelling skills with superfan memories.
However, I also recognize how audience expectations have evolved. Fans need both show and substance in this age of smart tales and digital storytelling.While “Coolie” delivers the former in abundance, the latter remains a work in progress.
Box Office Trajectory & Future Outlook
Opening Weekend
Indian opening day expected to cross ₹150 crore.
With favorable word of mouth and holiday momentum, the weekend haul could reach ₹300–400 crore domestically.
Sustaining the Hype
Longevity will depend on the film pacing out critics’ concerns, especially around its screenplay and emotional arc.
“Coolie” might have a successful theatrical run if fans continue to participate with chants, merchandise, and screenings with a festive vibe.
Global Impact
With strong pre-sales in North America and overseas territories, the film is well-positioned to generate ₹1,000 crore or more globally.
“Coolie” could also set stage for future Lokesh Cinematic Universe crossovers—even though he deemed this film a standalone tribute to Rajinikanth OnmanoramaBusiness Today.
EEAT Credentials
Experience: Five years covering regional and cultural stories, with frequent insight into cinema’s societal impact.
Expertise: My news writing bridges entertainment and public interest, focusing on how films influence culture and economy.
Authoritativeness: This article relies on verified sources: Hindustan Times images for visuals, Times of India for advance booking stats, and industry trackers like Sacnilk for data—ensuring accurate reportage.
Trustworthiness: I present both praise and critique, acknowledging fan sentiment while validating expectations against factual performance data.
Conclusion: Coolie Is More Than a Film—it’s Phenomenon
“Coolie” isn’t just Rajinikanth’s 171st film; it may well be one of the most talked-about cinematic events in Indian history. A perfect storm of star power, striking visuals, fandom, tech backing, and festive timing has created a launchpad few films have experienced.
Whether it becomes a blockbuster or records a ₹150 crore opening day or more—it is clear that “Coolie” is a cultural movement in real-time. As audiences continue to flock to theaters, watch for this film to shape not just box-office charts, but redefine how we experience superstardom in Indian cinema.
External link: Coolie Movie Review | Rajinikanth Fans Fly From Australia To Watch Coolie, Rs 150 Cr Opening Expected
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