India’s Independence Day Box Office Surge: “War 2,” “Coolie,” and “Dhumketo” Ignite Cinematic Records

The Independence Day weekend has reignited the Indian box office with a cinematic triple blast—War 2, Coolie, and Dhumketo—each setting new records and reigniting audience enthusiasm across languages and regions.

On August 14, just before India’s 78th Independence Day, these films launched simultaneously across the country, drawing large crowds, houseful shows, and record-breaking revenues. The timing, combined with the return of star duos and fan-favorite directors, ensured that theaters buzzed like pre-pandemic times.

How Independence Day Boosted the Box Office for Three Blockbusters

War 2 Breaks Past ₹150 Crore in Four Days

Ayan Mukerji’s War 2, the next installment in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe, brings Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR together on screen for the first time. Released in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil, the film collected over ₹52.5 crore globally on its opening day.

By Day 4, the movie had surpassed ₹150 crore worldwide. This performance positions War 2 as one of Hrithik Roshan’s top-grossing films in such a short time span. Kiara Advani and Ashutosh Rana also play key roles, adding further appeal to the action-packed film.

The blend of pan-India casting, high-octane visuals, and patriotic timing ensured massive footfalls—particularly in metro cities and South India, where Jr NTR’s presence boosted box office numbers.

Coolie Crosses ₹320 Crore in Just Three Days

Superstar Rajinikanth’s Coolie roared into cinemas as a tribute to his 50 years in cinema. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the Tamil-language action thriller opened with an unprecedented ₹151 crore global collection on Day 1—the highest ever for a Tamil film.

By the end of Day 3, Coolie crossed ₹320 crore globally and around ₹158 crore net in India alone. Its Hindi-dubbed version also performed impressively, earning ₹15.05 crore within the first three days—making it Rajinikanth’s highest-grossing Hindi film post-COVID.

The ensemble cast includes Nagarjuna, Aamir Khan (in a cameo), Shruti Haasan, and Upendra, contributing to the film’s wide appeal across age groups and regions. With its dynamic screenplay and signature Rajini flair, Coolie has become the fastest Tamil film to breach the ₹300 crore mark.

Dhumketo Sets a Bengali Box Office Benchmark

Bengali cinema joined the celebration with Dhumketo, directed by Kaushik Ganguly and featuring the beloved on-screen couple Dev and Subhashree, reuniting after a decade. Though the film was shot nearly 10 years ago, it found renewed life upon release due to the return of the iconic duo.

On Day 1, Dhumketo collected over ₹2 crore, a record-setting opening for a Bengali film. Theater owners across West Bengal reported full houses over the weekend, reflecting the audience’s nostalgic connection and excitement for this reunion.

The story, rooted in contemporary issues and rich with local flavor, resonated well with audiences across age groups, particularly in urban Bengal.

Why It Matters for Indian Cinema

This Independence Day weekend underlines several emerging box office trends:

• Pan-India releases are the new norm, with dubbed versions boosting revenues.

• Regional cinema is on the rise, with Coolie and Dhumketo showcasing the growing appetite for Tamil and Bengali films across India.

• Star power remains a strong pull, especially when blended with patriotic themes and festival releases.

Film trade analysts believe the holiday period could set the tone for upcoming mega-releases slated for the festive season later this year.

For your information:

Q1: What are the current box office earnings of War 2, Coolie, and Dhumketo?
A1: As of August 17, 2025:

• War 2 has earned over ₹150 crore globally in 4 days.

• Coolie has grossed ₹320 crore worldwide in 3 days.

• Dhumketo collected ₹2 crore on Day 1, a record in Bengali cinema.

Q2: Which movie had the biggest opening?
A2: Coolie took the lead with ₹151 crore on Day 1 globally—the highest opening ever for a Tamil film.

Q3: Are dubbed versions contributing to the success of these films?
A3: Yes. War 2 released in three languages, and Coolie’s Hindi version alone earned over ₹15 crore in three days.

Q4: What makes Dhumketo special?
A4: It marks the return of Dev and Subhashree after a decade, sparking massive excitement in the Bengali film market.

Q5: Can Coolie reach ₹500 crore globally?
A5: Analysts suggest it’s possible if weekday momentum continues, supported by its wide appeal and repeat viewership.