Lagatar24 Desk
Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest release Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has stormed the box office, cementing its position as his third biggest hit in India. Following 2.0 (2018) and Jailer (2023), the film’s rapid march past the ₹200 crore mark highlights the enduring power of the 74-year-old icon.
Box Office Performance
Coolie opened to record-breaking numbers with a ₹65 crore Day 1 haul, the highest ever for Rajinikanth in Tamil Nadu. Over its opening weekend, it collected ₹194.5 crore across four days. Despite weekday drops, the film pushed its six-day India total to ₹216 crore. Analysts project a lifetime domestic collection between ₹275 crore and ₹300 crore, provided it sustains momentum in the upcoming weekend.
Comparison With Rajinikanth’s Other Blockbusters
When stacked against his previous hits, Coolie sits behind Shankar’s 2.0, which remains unbeaten at ₹407.05 crore, and Nelson’s Jailer at ₹348.55 crore. Unlike the sci-fi spectacle of 2.0 or the word-of-mouth-driven Jailer, Coolie is a mass-market entertainer. Yet, its ability to draw huge crowds and cross ₹200 crore in its first week reinforces Rajinikanth’s unshakable grip on the box office.
Fan Frenzy and Industry Impact
The release sparked mass celebrations across Tamil Nadu, with fans flooding theatres and dancing in jubilation. The film’s success underlines Rajinikanth’s rare ability to deliver historic openings consistently, even in a market dominated by younger stars and pan-India blockbusters. For the Tamil film industry, Coolie adds to his legacy of delivering three of its all-time biggest blockbusters across different decades and genres.
Looking Ahead
At 74, Rajinikanth shows no signs of slowing down. Talks are already underway for Jailer 2 with Nelson, while speculation grows about another collaboration with Lokesh Kanagaraj, potentially alongside Kamal Haasan. With Cooliesecuring its place among his top three hits, Rajinikanth once again reaffirms why he remains Tamil cinema’s most bankable star.
