The Independence Day weekend witnessed a box office storm as two major Indian blockbusters—Rajinikanth’s “Coolie” and Hrithik Roshan’s “War 2”—locked horns on August 14, 2025. Despite both films showcasing star-studded casts and massive pre-release hype, the early numbers from Day 6 reveal a clear frontrunner. Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is staying ahead despite a noticeable weekday dip, while War 2, helmed by Ayan Mukerji, struggles to keep up momentum.
According to industry trackers, Day 6 saw both films witnessing their lowest single-day earnings so far. However, Coolie has crossed the Rs 200 crore mark, while War 2 trails behind by nearly Rs 24 crore. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this cinematic box office battle.
How is Coolie outperforming War 2 at the box office?
The sixth-day box office collection data shows a downward trend for both films, a typical post-holiday dip. Yet, Rajinikanth’s Coolie retained a slight edge. According to data from Sacnilk, Coolie earned Rs 1.4 crore on Tuesday, bringing its total domestic net to Rs 208.05 crore.
Despite this being the film’s weakest performance since release, the movie remains in a strong position thanks to its extended weekend performance and ensemble cast, which includes Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Shruti Haasan, and Soubin Shahir.
Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction has infused the movie with mass appeal and high-octane storytelling, capitalizing on Rajinikanth’s legacy while bringing a fresh flavor to his action avatar. Nagarjuna plays the main antagonist, adding depth and gravitas to the storyline, while Aamir Khan’s surprise cameo continues to be a talking point.
War 2 struggles to maintain its pace despite strong cast
On the other side, Hrithik Roshan’s War 2 collected Rs 1.25 crore on Day 6, pulling its total domestic collection to Rs 184.4 crore. This marks the film’s lowest daily gross since its release and indicates a worrying trend for the big-budget action thriller produced by Yash Raj Films.
War 2 carries an estimated budget of Rs 300–400 crore and features an ensemble including Jr NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana, and Anil Kapoor. Despite Jr NTR’s addition creating buzz, the film has been unable to sustain the energy of its opening weekend. The complex plot—where Kabir Dhaliwal, played by Hrithik, is accused of betrayal—may not have resonated as expected with mainstream audiences.
Director Ayan Mukerji’s ambition is evident, but viewer feedback suggests the sequel lacks the tight screenplay and gripping pace that made the original War (2019) a blockbuster.
This clash between Coolie and War 2 is more than just a competition between two films—it highlights evolving audience preferences in India’s post-pandemic theatrical landscape. Star power alone no longer guarantees long-term success; storytelling, direction, emotional engagement, and release timing are becoming critical factors.
“Coolie’s success proves the value of nostalgic legacy done right,” said a senior trade analyst. “War 2, though sleek and well-cast, is facing narrative fatigue.”
With more big releases lined up for the festive season, these early lessons could shape distribution, marketing, and release strategies for future high-budget Indian cinema.
Coolie vs War 2 is far from over, but as of Day 6, the scoreboard tips in favor of the Rajinikanth-starrer. The next few days will be critical in determining if War 2 can recover lost ground or if Coolie will continue its march toward the year’s biggest grosser list.
For your information:
What is the total box office collection of Coolie till Day 6?
Coolie has collected approximately Rs 208.05 crore in net earnings across all languages in India by the end of Day 6.
How much did War 2 earn on Day 6?
War 2 collected Rs 1.25 crore on its sixth day, marking its lowest daily earnings since its release on August 14.
Which movie has a bigger star cast, Coolie or War 2?
Both films boast star-studded casts. Coolie features Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan, Shruti Haasan, and Soubin Shahir. War 2 stars Hrithik Roshan, Jr NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana, and Anil Kapoor.
Who directed Coolie and War 2?
Coolie is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, while War 2 is helmed by Ayan Mukerji.
Is War 2 a sequel?
Yes, War 2 is the official sequel to the 2019 hit movie War, produced by Yash Raj Films.
Why did Coolie perform better than War 2?
Coolie leveraged Rajinikanth’s enduring fan base, a compelling storyline, and strong weekend momentum. War 2, despite its scale, saw a dip due to mixed reviews and a complex narrative.
Get the latest News first — Follow us on Google News, Twitter, Facebook, Telegram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
