Chennai, India – August 14, 2025 – Superstar Rajinikanth has once again proven why he is revered as the “Thalaivar” (leader) of Indian cinema with his latest release, Coolie, which hit theaters worldwide on August 14, 2025. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj, this high-octane action thriller has ignited theaters with its electrifying energy, record-breaking pre-sales, and a triumphant return to Rajinikanth’s vintage swagger. Early reactions from the First Day First Show (FDFS) screenings, particularly in Tamil Nadu and across international markets, have hailed the film as a “mass tsunami” and a cinematic spectacle that reaffirms Rajinikanth’s unparalleled charisma.
A Blockbuster Opening Fueled by Fan Frenzy
The anticipation for Coolie reached fever pitch long before its release, with advance bookings shattering records. According to industry reports, the film amassed over ₹100 crore in pre-sales globally, with more than 12 lakh tickets sold for its opening day alone. In Tamil Nadu, where Rajinikanth enjoys a cult following, FDFS tickets reportedly sold for as high as ₹4,500, with theaters in Chennai, Madurai, and Pondicherry hosting special 9 AM premiere shows approved by the state government. Internationally, the film made history with a $2 million collection in North America alone, setting a new benchmark for Tamil cinema.
Fans across the globe turned theaters into festive arenas, with videos of ecstatic crowds dancing to Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating track Monica going viral on social media. In Singapore, early morning screenings saw fans celebrating with unbridled enthusiasm, while in the USA, premieres kicked off as early as 4 AM IST, reflecting the global appeal of the Rajinikanth phenomenon.
A Vintage Rajini in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Cinematic Universe
Coolie, a gritty action-drama set against the backdrop of a port city’s underbelly, follows Deva (Rajinikanth), a hostel owner investigating the mysterious death of his friend Rajasekar (Sathyaraj). The narrative weaves themes of gold smuggling, loyalty, and redemption, culminating in a revenge-driven saga that fans have described as a blend of Baasha, KGF, and Salaar.
Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for his interconnected cinematic universe with films like Kaithi and Vikram, delivers a signature blend of intense action, emotional depth, and surprising plot twists. While the filmmakers have denied Coolie’s connection to the cinematic universe, fans speculate about subtle nods and potential cameos, adding to the film’s allure. The second half, in particular, has been lauded for its fierce action sequences and a climactic 20-minute finale that has left audiences spellbound.
Rajinikanth, marking his 50th year in cinema, channels his iconic 80s and 90s persona with slow, intimidating walks, punchy one-liners, and his signature cigarette flip. A three-minute monologue, reminiscent of his iconic performance in Annamalai, has been highlighted as a theater-shaking moment. Fans have praised the superstar’s energy at 75, with one viewer exclaiming, “WHAT AN Energy Rajinikanth in Coolie.”
Stellar Ensemble and Technical Brilliance
The film boasts a powerhouse ensemble, with Nagarjuna Akkineni delivering a formidable performance as the antagonist Simon, drawing comparisons to Heath Ledger’s Joker with his bold, “purple and cream” aesthetic. Soubin Shahir shines as the psychotic dockyard thug Dayal, earning praise as a “surprise package,” while Shruti Haasan’s emotionally resonant portrayal of Preethi has been hailed as one of her finest roles. Aamir Khan’s cameo as mafia boss Dahaa, alongside Upendra and Sathyaraj, adds pan-Indian appeal, with trade analyst Ramesh Bala noting, “Five big stars will pull five times more fans into theaters.”
Anirudh Ravichander’s score, featuring tracks like I Am The Danger and Mobsta by the mysterious lyricist “Heisenberg,” has been a standout, with the background music described as “goosebumps overload.” Cinematographer Girish Gangadharan’s gritty visuals and Philomin Raj’s sharp editing elevate the film’s larger-than-life set pieces, while the use of Unreal Engine for VFX and de-aging technology in flashback sequences has been lauded as a technical marvel.
Mixed Reactions Amid Overwhelming Positivity
While Coolie has received overwhelmingly positive reactions, some dissenting voices have called the film “average,” citing a predictable storyline or poorly executed action in the second half. One viewer remarked, “A very average outing from Lokesh! But powerful performance from Rajni!” Others, particularly fans of rival star Vijay, have shared negative reviews, labeling the film a “disaster.” However, these critiques are overshadowed by the dominant narrative of Coolie as a “blockbuster” and “mass entertainer,” with fans giving it ratings as high as 4.5/5.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister, who previewed the film, called it a “power-packed mass entertainer” that will “capture the hearts of audiences everywhere.” Industry peers like Kamal Haasan, Mammootty, Mohanlal, and Sivakarthikeyan also congratulated Rajinikanth on his golden jubilee in cinema, predicting Coolie’s global success.
Box Office Clash and Future Prospects
Coolie faces a high-stakes box office clash with YRF’s War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR, but its staggering pre-sales and Rajinikanth’s star power have given it a commanding lead. Trade experts predict an opening day haul of ₹150 crore, with the Independence Day weekend potentially pushing the film past ₹200 crore worldwide. Its release in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada, across 7,000 screens globally, underscores its pan-Indian ambition.
As theaters continue to buzz with Rajinikanth’s iconic dialogues and Anirudh’s fiery background music, Coolie is poised to be a landmark in Tamil cinema and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Thalaivar. With its OTT release scheduled for September 11-12 on Amazon Prime Video, the film’s global reach is set to expand further, promising to keep fans celebrating for weeks to come.
Disclaimer: Early reviews and social media reactions are based on initial audience feedback and may not reflect the final critical consensus.
