Chennai, August 8, 2025 – Rajinikanth’s Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is rewriting the rules of pre-release hype, emerging as a cinematic juggernaut ahead of its August 14, 2025, release. The film, backed by Sun Pictures, has sparked a global frenzy, breaking box office records and dominating social media, positioning it as one of the most anticipated Indian films of the year.
Overseas Box Office Bonanza
Coolie has set a new benchmark for South Indian cinema with over $2 million in advance ticket sales overseas, including a staggering $1.25 million from North America alone, where 35,000 tickets have been sold across the USA and Canada. Industry trackers note that these figures surpass the premiere earnings of Rajinikanth’s Jailer ($948K) and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Leo ($1.3M), with projections suggesting a potential $2.5 million in U.S. premieres before release day. With distribution deals secured in Switzerland, the UK, Malaysia, and beyond, the film’s global pre-release business has crossed ₹500 crore, a rare feat for Indian cinema.
Social Media Storm and Viral Trailer
The Coolie trailer, unveiled on August 2, 2025, at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, has taken the internet by storm, amassing over 50 million views across platforms. Fans have flooded X with hashtags like #Coolie, #CoolieTrailer, and #CoolieThePowerHouse, praising Rajinikanth’s intense portrayal of Deva, a former gang leader, and Lokesh’s signature gritty action. Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying tracks, including Monica featuring Pooja Hegde’s viral hook step and Chikitu, have become chart-toppers, further fueling the excitement. The trailer’s blend of vintage Rajini charisma and modern action aesthetics has sparked fan theories about connections to his 1981 classic Thee.
Star-Studded Audio Launch Amplifies Hype
The grand audio launch event, attended by Rajinikanth, Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Upendra, and Soubin Shahir, was a spectacle that drew millions of live-stream viewers. Aamir Khan’s confirmation of his cameo as Dahaa, marking his South Indian cinema debut, has added a new layer of intrigue, with fans speculating about a larger role. Anirudh’s eight-track album, described as a “musical firestorm,” has dominated playlists, with Power House emerging as a fan favorite for its high-energy vibe.
Innovative Marketing Sets New Standards
Sun Pictures has redefined film promotion with Coolie, partnering with Amazon India to wrap packages in official posters—a first for Indian cinema. This innovative campaign, combined with strategic partnerships with global distributors like Prathyangira Cinemas (North America) and Malik Streams (Malaysia), has ensured a massive international footprint. Amazon Prime Video reportedly secured post-theatrical streaming rights for ₹110 crore, with an OTT release slated for mid-October 2025 after an eight-week theatrical run. On BookMyShow, Coolie has garnered 175,000 interests across its Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada versions, signaling robust domestic demand.
A Milestone for Rajinikanth
Celebrating Rajinikanth’s 50th year in cinema, Coolie is a testament to his enduring star power. With a ₹350 crore budget and an ‘A’ certificate for its intense action, the film promises a raw, emotional, and action-packed experience shot in real locations like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Bangkok. IMDb ranks Coolie as the most anticipated Indian film of 2025’s second half, with 250 million page views, outshining competitors like War 2 and The RajaSaab.
Clash of Titans on Independence Day
As Coolie gears up for its Independence Day release, it faces a high-stakes box office clash with War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Exhibitors predict a combined ₹200 crore opening weekend for both films, with Coolie expected to dominate South India and diaspora markets. With advance bookings set to open in India 4-5 days prior, the film is poised to deliver one of the biggest opening days in Indian cinema history, potentially hitting ₹100 crore globally.
Coolie’s record-breaking pre-release buzz is a testament to Rajinikanth’s unmatched legacy, Lokesh Kanagaraj’s visionary direction, and a marketing campaign that has captured global attention. As the countdown to August 14 begins, all eyes are on Coolie to redefine Tamil cinema’s reach.