Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
Rajinikanth’s Coolie Shatters U.S. Box Office Records, Rewrites the Global Tamil Cinema Playbook
In a dazzling display of star power, Rajinikanth’s latest action thriller, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has stormed into U.S. theaters—earning its place among the elite few Indian films to deliver a blockbuster overseas launch.
A Landmark U.S. Debut
On opening day in the U.S., Coolie pulled in a colossal US $3.95 million, including a stunning $3.04 million just from early preview shows. This unprecedented revenue catapulted it into the top five highest opening days ever for Indian films in the United States.
To put this in perspective, here’s how Coolie compares with its predecessors:
- Kalki 2898 AD – $5.56M
- RRR – $5.4M
- Baahubali 2: The Conclusion – $4.6M
- Pushpa 2: The Rule – $4.47M
- Coolie – $3.97M (includes both premiere and opening day collections)
This triumph made Coolie a record-breaker for Tamil cinema, surpassing Kabali to become the sixth-highest-grossing Tamil film ever in North America, with a two-day haul of approximately $4.67 million—overtaking Kabali’s lifetime total.
Four-Day Weekend: A Promising Outlook
Trade analysts estimate Coolie could rake in $6–8 million over its first four-day weekend—though this ambitious target edges close to its $7.5 million breakeven point. Still, the roaring start suggests Coolie has the momentum and fan fervor to go well beyond.
Domestic & Global Triumph
Coolie isn’t just ruling overseas—it’s breaking records at home too. It earned a jaw-dropping Rs 151 crore gross worldwide on its opening day, marking the biggest opening ever for a Tamil film, surpassing Vijay’s Leo.
By the end of its third day, the film had crossed the Rs 300 crore worldwide mark, making it the fastest Tamil film this year to do so—outpacing even Leo. Its domestic four-day net stands at Rs 184 crore, with $16 million (≈ Rs 130 crore) earned overseas in the same period.
Why Coolie is Making Waves
- Rajinikanth’s Enduring Global Pull
Even at 74, Rajinikanth remains a force to be reckoned with, commanding packed theaters and fervent fans spanning continents. - Tamil Cinema’s Global Ascent
With Coolie, Tamil film achieves a new high in international markets, underscoring its growing global footprint. - Pan-India Casting & Design
Featuring an ensemble cast—Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, a cameo from Aamir Khan, and more—the film is crafted as a multi-regional spectacle. - Pre-Release Buzz
Advance bookings alone crossed Rs 51 crore worldwide—with Rs 37 crore coming from international markets—highlighting anticipation even before release. - Strategic Release Timing
Coolie premiered globally on August 14, 2025, aligning with India’s Independence Day weekend to maximize box office potential.
Summary Snapshot
| Metric | Achievement |
| U.S. Opening Day Gross | US $3.95 million (incl. previews) |
| U.S. Premiere Revenue | $3.04 million — record for Tamil cinema |
| U.S. Two-Day Total | ~$4.67 million — surpasses Kabali’s lifetime total |
| Global Opening Day Gross | Rs 151 crore — highest ever for Tamil cinema |
| Worldwide in 3 Days | Rs 300+ crore — fastest for Tamil film this year |
| Domestic 4-Day Net Revenue | Rs 184 crore |
| Projected 4-Day U.S. Weekend | $6–8 million, nearing the $7.5 million breakeven |
| Advance Worldwide Bookings | Rs 51 crore (Rs 37 crore international) |
Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest release, Coolie, has stormed the U.S. box office, earning approximately $3.95 million. This marks it as one of the top five openings ever for an Indian film in America.
Rajinikanth’s Coolie has entered the elite league—registering one of the top five openings ever for an Indian film in the United States
With such a resounding start, Coolie is poised to become a cinematic juggernaut. Will it reach Rs 600 crore globally, rival Rajinikanth’s own 2.0 and Jailer? Only time will tell—but its trajectory so far is nothing short of spectacular.
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