Byline: Shubh Times Entertainment Desk | August 18, 2025
Summary: At 74, Rajinikanth proves once again why he is Indian cinema’s ultimate superstar. His latest release, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has broken multiple records in just its first two days, rewriting Tamil cinema history and reaffirming the actor’s unmatched box office dominance.
Record-Breaking Opening for a Tamil Film
Coolie stormed into theatres with an unprecedented ₹151 crore gross worldwide on day one, making it the biggest opening ever for a Tamil film. This milestone surpasses director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s previous blockbuster Leo, which had collected ₹143 crore on its opening day last year.
The film’s performance also made it the highest-grossing Indian film opening of 2025, eclipsing the ₹80 crore debut of Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Shankar. For perspective, only a handful of Indian films have opened stronger—like RRR (₹223 crore), Kalki 2898 AD (₹178 crore), and Salaar (₹158 crore). Unlike those sequels or franchise entries, Coolie achieved this feat as an original release, further underscoring its extraordinary impact.
Highest-Grossing Tamil Film of 2025
In just two days, Coolie raked in more than ₹250 crore globally, including ₹118 crore net from the Indian market alone. This rapid success has already crowned it as the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year, surpassing Ajith Kumar’s Good Bad Ugly, which ended its run at ₹248 crore.
Trade analysts point out that Coolie is not only attracting massive crowds in Tamil Nadu but also in North India, Kerala, and international markets like the Middle East, USA, and Malaysia—regions where Rajinikanth continues to enjoy unparalleled fan loyalty.
Fastest Tamil Film to Cross ₹100 Crore
Domestically, Coolie became the first Tamil film to cross ₹100 crore in just two days, outpacing earlier blockbusters such as Rajinikanth’s 2.0 and Vijay’s Leo, both of which had taken three days to achieve the milestone. The film is now rapidly racing towards the ₹300 crore global mark and ₹200 crore in India, rivaling all-time records held by Bollywood and pan-Indian hits like Jawan and KGF Chapter 2.
Rajinikanth’s Evergreen Stardom
At 74, Rajinikanth’s enduring star power remains unmatched. His style, charisma, and screen presence continue to pull audiences of all ages into theatres. Fans across Tamil Nadu have been celebrating Coolie’s release with massive cutouts, firecracker displays, and early morning shows at 4 a.m. Videos of fans dancing outside theatres have gone viral, proving that the “Thalaivar” phenomenon is still alive and stronger than ever.
Industry insiders note that while many stars struggle to maintain relevance after decades, Rajinikanth remains a national cultural icon, bridging generations of moviegoers.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Directorial Impact
Director Lokesh Kanagaraj, already celebrated for his unique storytelling style and action-packed spectacles, has further solidified his reputation with Coolie. Known for crafting the “Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)” that includes hits like Kaithi, Vikram, and Leo, Kanagaraj’s collaboration with Rajinikanth was among the most anticipated in Tamil cinema.
Cinematography, stylish action sequences, and a gripping storyline have been praised by both critics and fans, with many calling Coolie one of the finest Rajinikanth films of the past decade.
Conclusion
Coolie has rewritten box office history in record time. From achieving the biggest Tamil opening ever to crossing ₹250 crore in just two days, the film proves Rajinikanth’s star power is timeless. With Lokesh Kanagaraj’s visionary direction and overwhelming fan support, the film’s record-breaking journey shows no signs of slowing down. As trade experts predict, Coolie could very well join the ranks of all-time Indian blockbusters, further cementing Rajinikanth’s legendary status in world cinema.
