Coolie Movie Review : Rajinikanth’s Vintage Power + Lokesh’s Dark Storytelling: Is Coolie the Next Box Office Tsunami?”

Coolie (2025), directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth, is a high-octane Tamil action thriller that delivers a larger-than-life cinematic experience. Released on August 14, 2025, the film has generated immense buzz, blending Rajinikanth’s vintage charisma with Lokesh’s signature gritty storytelling. Here’s a detailed review based on early reactions and available information, followed by an analysis of its expected worldwide box office performance.

Plot and Themes

Coolie follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a former gold smuggler seeking to reclaim his past glory in a world of power, betrayal, and vengeance. The narrative unfolds as a pan-Indian spectacle, weaving intense action with emotional depth. Lokesh Kanagaraj crafts a story packed with twists, mass moments, and a revenge-driven arc that keeps audiences guessing. While the film is marketed as a standalone project, speculation about ties to the Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU) adds intrigue, though the director has emphasized it’s tailored for Rajinikanth’s 50th year in cinema.

The first half has divided fans, with some calling it “average” and “disconnected,” while others praise its relentless pace and Rajinikanth’s commanding presence. The second half, however, is widely lauded for its strong cameos, emotional beats, and Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying score, which elevates key sequences. The interval block and a vintage Rajinikanth song are standout moments, delivering the nostalgic “Thalaivar” swagger fans crave.

Performances

• Rajinikanth: At 72, Rajinikanth channels his 80s and 90s glory days with unmatched style, delivering punchy one-liners and a slow, intimidating walk. His role as Deva is a crowd-pleaser, embodying the mass appeal that defines his legacy.
• Nagarjuna: As the antagonist Simon, Nagarjuna brings a menacing yet stylish edge, with his Joker-inspired look (purple jacket and baggy pants) stealing attention. His chemistry with Rajinikanth is a highlight.
• Supporting Cast: The ensemble, including Aamir Khan (in a cameo as Dahaa), Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Pooja Hegde (in a special song appearance), adds depth. Soubin Shahir, in particular, is tipped to be a breakout star in Tamil cinema, with Lokesh praising his potential.
• Cameos and Ensemble: The star-studded cast, including surprise appearances, amplifies the film’s pan-Indian appeal, though some fans note the first half struggles to balance the ensemble’s screen time.

Technical Aspects

• Direction: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s vision shines in the film’s action sequences and twists, though some criticize the first half’s pacing. His ability to blend mass entertainment with a gritty narrative makes Coolie a unique addition to his filmography.
• Music: Anirudh Ravichander’s score is a major strength, with a fiery background score and four songs, including a viral vintage track. The music complements the film’s high-energy vibe.
• Cinematography and Action: The visuals are grand, with a gritty yet polished aesthetic. Action sequences, choreographed by Anbariv, are intense and applause-worthy, especially in the second half.
• Production: Backed by Sun Pictures, the film’s ₹400 crore budget (including print and advertising) is evident in its scale, from lavish sets to global locations.

Strengths

• Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence and nostalgic appeal.
• Strong second half with emotional depth and gripping action.
• Anirudh’s music and Lokesh’s flair for surprises.
• A stellar ensemble that caters to diverse audiences across India.

Weaknesses

• Mixed reviews for the first half, with some calling it “average” and “disconnected.”
• An ‘A’ censorship rating may limit family audiences and impact OTT/satellite rights.
• Some X posts suggest “disaster” reviews from early screenings, indicating polarized word-of-mouth.
• Box office clash with War 2 could split audiences.

Overall Verdict

Coolie is a mass entertainer that thrives on Rajinikanth’s star power and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s bold direction. While the first half divides viewers, the second half redeems with its energy, cameos, and emotional payoff. It’s a theatrical spectacle best experienced on the big screen, especially for Rajinikanth fans and lovers of action-packed thrillers. Early reviews suggest a rating of 2.75/5 to 3.5/5, with potential to grow based on word-of-mouth.

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Expected Worldwide Box Office Business

Below is a table summarizing the expected worldwide box office business and pre-release financials for the movie Coolie (2025), based on available data and trade estimates.

• Pre-Release Business:
• Theatrical Rights: The film has secured ₹300 crore from theatrical rights globally, including ₹68 crore for overseas rights (second-highest for a Tamil film) and ₹23 crore for Karnataka alone.
• Non-Theatrical Deals: OTT, satellite, and audio rights have contributed ₹230–240 crore, pushing the total pre-release business to nearly ₹500 crore.
• Advance Bookings: Globally, Coolie has crossed ₹250 crore in pre-sales, with India contributing ₹41–50 crore and North America alone hitting $2.85 million (₹24 crore). Over 55,000 tickets were sold for North American premieres.
• X posts claim a pre-sale figure of over ₹600 crore, though this seems exaggerated and unverified.
• Opening Day Projections:
• Trade experts predict an opening day haul of ₹150 crore worldwide, boosted by the Independence Day holiday and a long weekend. India’s net collection on day one is estimated at ₹7.4 crore, with overseas markets (USA, Canada, UAE, etc.) contributing significantly.
• X posts suggest a day-one worldwide gross of ₹65 crore, with ₹25 crore from India and ₹40 crore ($4.5 million) from overseas, though these figures are speculative.
• Break-Even Target:
• With a ₹400 crore budget, Coolie needs to gross around ₹600 crore worldwide to break even, accounting for theatrical and non-theatrical recoveries.
• The film has already recovered ₹230–240 crore from non-theatrical deals, reducing the theatrical break-even target to approximately ₹360–370 crore.
• Total Worldwide Box Office Estimate:
• Optimistic projections, fueled by Rajinikanth’s global appeal and Lokesh’s track record, suggest Coolie could gross ₹800–1000 crore worldwide if word-of-mouth is strong. Actor Sundeep Kishan boldly predicted a ₹1000 crore collection after watching 45 minutes of the film.
• However, challenges like the ‘A’ rating, mixed early reviews, and competition with War 2 could cap its potential at ₹600–800 crore if audience reception falters.
• Overseas markets (USA, Canada, UAE, Singapore, etc.) are expected to contribute heavily, potentially pushing the film past ₹300 crore internationally.
• Factors Influencing Performance:
• Strengths: Rajinikanth’s star power, Lokesh’s fanbase, a stellar cast, and massive pre-release hype. The Independence Day release and global screenings in 100 countries enhance its reach.
• Challenges: Polarized reviews, the ‘A’ rating restricting audiences, and the War 2 clash could dent its momentum. Negative word-of-mouth from early screenings, as noted on X, may also impact sustained collections.

Coolie has generated unprecedented pre-release buzz, with estimates suggesting a massive global box office potential. Here’s a breakdown based on available data:

Detailed Breakdown Table

Metric	Amount (₹ Crore)	Details
Pre-Release Business	500	Includes ₹300 Cr (theatrical rights) + ₹230–240 Cr (OTT, satellite, audio).
Advance Bookings	250–600	₹41–50 Cr (India), $2.85M (North America). X posts claim up to ₹600 Cr.
Opening Day Gross	150	Estimated ₹65 Cr (India: ₹25 Cr, Overseas: ₹40 Cr). Subject to actuals.
Break-Even Target	600	₹400 Cr budget + P&A, with ₹230–240 Cr recovered from non-theatrical deals.
Projected Total Gross	700–1000	Optimistic: ₹1000 Cr; Realistic: ₹700–900 Cr, depending on word-of-mouth.
Overseas Contribution	300+	Strong performance expected in USA, Canada, UAE, Singapore, etc.

Conclusion

Coolie is poised to be a box office juggernaut, with a realistic worldwide gross of ₹700–900 crore, potentially hitting ₹1000 crore if it sustains positive buzz beyond the opening weekend. Its pre-release earnings of ₹250–500 crore and record-breaking advance bookings signal a blockbuster in the making, but its success hinges on overcoming mixed reviews and competition. For now, Coolie remains a cultural event, celebrating Rajinikanth’s 50-year legacy with a spectacle that demands the big screen.

Note: Box office figures are based on trade estimates and may vary as actual collections are reported. For the latest updates, check sources like Sacnilk or trade analysts on X.

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