Superstar Rajinikanth is once again proving why he is hailed as the “Thalaivar” of Indian cinema. His upcoming film Coolie has scripted history even before its release, becoming the first Tamil film to cross $2 million in premiere pre-sales in the United States. The massive advance booking figures highlight Rajinikanth’s unmatched global fan base and the enormous hype surrounding the movie.
Industry trackers confirm that the film’s premiere shows in North America are selling out rapidly, with fans securing tickets weeks in advance. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie is expected to set new benchmarks in Tamil cinema, both in terms of box office performance and cinematic storytelling.
Breaking International Records
Coolie has achieved an unprecedented feat by crossing the $2 million mark in North American premiere sales, overtaking previous records set by Rajinikanth’s own Kabali ($1.92 million)—a record held since 2016.
Early reports estimate the film has already grossed approximately $2.10 million from premiere pre-sales, with $1.85 million alone generated in the U.S.—and revenues continuing to climb.
India Today
Coolie has established a new standard for premiere-level profits, ranking first in the North America Top 10 Tamil debuts, according to Movie Crow.MovieCrow
Domination at the Global Box Office
Over ₹50 crore has already been booked in advance worldwide, with ₹14 crore coming from India and ₹37 crore from other markets.
In India alone, as of August 11 morning, the film’s advance sales for opening-day and first-show tickets have topped ₹26.28 crore, outshining even key competitor War 2.
In Kerala, Coolie minted a whopping ₹3 crore within just five hours of advance ticket sales, indicating a frenzy-level hype.
Fan Frenzy & Cultural Impact
Social media is ablaze with excitement and celebration. Fans are calling this a record-making “Rajinikanth mass moment.” Some cinemas in Chennai have reportedly priced tickets as high as ₹4,500 for the first shows—a move reflecting unprecedented demand.
Even businesses are tapping into the buzz, offering paid holidays for employees to watch the film in Singapore, while Indian vendors provide free sweets and treats to fans.
Why Is Coolie Resonating Globally?
Several key factors contribute to its runaway success:
Rajinikanth’s Legendary Star Power: The iconic actor’s fan base remains unshakable, and his partnership with director Lokesh Kanagaraj has heightened anticipation.
Blockbuster Marketing and Hype: Pooja Hegde’s powerful hook-step and star presence were major factors in the song’s effortless viral success, which included viral tunes like “Monica” and a captivating trailer release.
Pan-Indian and Global Release Strategy: Coolie is releasing across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada markets, backed by an expansive distribution network that includes over 100 countries.
The Battle with War 2
Despite being pitted against War 2—a high-octane action film featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. Both in India and beyond, NTR—Coolie has achieved impressive advance booking figures. In India, Coolie has earned more than ₹26 crore in pre-sales compared to War 2’s ₹8.67 crore.
This early lead suggests that Coolie may emerge as the more dominant force at the box office, especially during the Independence Day weekend release.
Summary Table
| Metric | Achievement |
|---|---|
| North America Premiere Presales | Over $2 million – first for any Tamil film |
| Global Advance Booking | Over ₹50 crore, led by ₹37 crore internationally |
| Domestic Sales (India) | ₹26.28 crore in advance bookings |
| Kerala Advance Sales | ₹3 crore in just 5 hours |
| Competition | Outpaced War 2’s ₹8.67 crore at same booking stage |
| Fan Engagement | Viral promotions, ticket frenzy, pop culture buzz |
| Distribution Reach | Global release across India and 100+ countries |
Final Thoughts
Coolie is not just a movie—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Its staggering pre-sales figures have rewritten benchmarks for Tamil cinema globally. With a powerhouse performance by Rajinikanth, modern marketing strategies, and genuine fan fervor fueling its rise, Coolie is poised to deliver one of the most memorable box office openings of 2025.
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