Superstar Rajinikanth has once again proven his unparalleled box office dominance with the release of his latest film, Coolie. In a monumental start that has electrified the Indian and global film industries, the movie has shattered multiple records, delivering the biggest opening of Rajinikanth’s career. The film's first-day worldwide collection stands at a staggering ₹151.7 crore, a figure that not only cements his legendary status but also places Coolie among the highest-opening Indian films of all time. This remarkable achievement, coming from a man who has commanded the screen for over five decades, is a testament to his undiminished charisma and star power.
Breaking Records, Setting a New Standard
The opening day collections of Coolie have surpassed all expectations, setting a new benchmark for a Tamil film. The film's success is a result of both a strong domestic performance and a historic run overseas.
- Domestic Dominance: According to early estimates from industry trackers, Coolie earned a net collection of ₹65 crore in India on its opening day. This makes it the second-best domestic opening for a Tamil film, just shy of Vijay's Leo (₹66 crore), but it is Rajinikanth's personal best, surpassing his previous record-holder, 2.0. The film showed exceptional occupancy rates, with the Telugu and Hindi-dubbed versions also performing remarkably well.
- Global Phenomenon: The true story of Coolie's success lies in its international performance. The film's opening day overseas collection of ₹75 crore (approx. $8.76 million) is the biggest overseas opener for any Tamil film in history. The film set new territory records in North America (3.04million),theUK(£124K),andAustralia(Aus535K), demonstrating Rajinikanth's massive global appeal.
Coolie's success comes despite a direct box office clash with the high-octane Bollywood film War 2, which opened to mixed reviews and a lower collection. This further underscores Rajinikanth's ability to draw audiences to theaters regardless of the competition.
The Lokesh Kanagaraj Factor
A significant factor contributing to the film's massive opening is its collaboration with director Lokesh Kanagaraj, whose previous films, including Kaithi, Master, and Vikram, have cemented his reputation as a modern-day master of the action genre. The combination of Rajinikanth's timeless swagger with Lokesh's slick, gritty, and grounded filmmaking style created a frenzy of anticipation. The film's teaser, trailer, and Anirudh Ravichander's pulsating music all contributed to a festival-like buzz that translated into record-breaking advance ticket sales worldwide.
What's Next for Coolie?
With this explosive start, the film is well on its way to a record-breaking weekend. Industry analysts are optimistic that Coolie has the potential to surpass the ₹300 crore mark by its first Sunday. The Independence Day holiday has provided an additional boost, and if the positive word-of-mouth continues, the film could challenge the all-time grossing records for a Tamil film, including the impressive benchmark set by 2.0. The film’s success is a clear indicator that Rajinikanth's star power remains unmatched and that the South Indian film industry's global influence is stronger than ever.
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