Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ Smashes North American Box Office Records in Premiere Day Collection

In a thunderous return to the silver screen, Superstar Rajinikanth has shattered records once again. His latest film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has debuted to an extraordinary $3.04 million opening day collection across North American theatres. This makes Coolie the highest-grossing Tamil film for premiere day earnings in the region—a milestone that cements Rajinikanth’s enduring global appeal and the film’s immense hype.

The announcement came via Sun Pictures, the production house behind the film, with a nod to the high-octane “Powerhouse” song from the movie: “Thalaivan Erangi, Saritham Eluthavey”—meaning “The leader has arrived to rewrite history.”

How did Coolie break box office records in North America?

The film’s record-breaking figures didn’t come as a surprise to trade analysts. Weeks before its release, Coolie had already sold over ₹100 crore worth of advance tickets globally, becoming the fastest Tamil film to cross the $3 million mark in the USA. According to distribution insiders and box office trackers, the numbers reflect not only Rajinikanth’s star power but also the magnetic appeal of director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s storytelling.

Coolie premiered on August 14, 2025, with early screenings packed across major North American cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, and Houston. The combination of aggressive promotions, fan mobilization, and the nostalgia of Rajinikanth reuniting with legendary actor Sathyaraj for the first time since Mr. Bharath (1986) helped create a cinematic event feel around the film.

Why Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s ‘Coolie’ is a Landmark Film

Beyond the numbers, Coolie is an emotional celebration of legacy and cinematic flair. Lokesh Kanagaraj, known for creating the “Lokesh Cinematic Universe” (LCU), confirmed that this project stands apart as a standalone film, crafted to highlight Rajinikanth’s mass appeal without tying into his other universe films.

This directorial approach offered a refreshing narrative that blends action, emotion, and fan service. The film’s ensemble cast includes Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, with special appearances by Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde—bringing pan-Indian star power to an already powerful project.

What makes Coolie a must-watch event film in 2025?

• Star Power: Rajinikanth’s rare screen presence, combined with Sathyaraj’s comeback, delivers nostalgia and new-age mass appeal.

• Innovative Direction: Lokesh Kanagaraj’s standalone film breaks away from the LCU formula, offering a fresh take on the action genre.

• Fan Frenzy: Advance bookings broke global records, with more than ₹100 crore in sales, showing unmatched anticipation.

• Pan-India Appeal: Featuring stars from Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, Coolie is a true crossover entertainer.

• Critical Acclaim: Early reviews praise its gripping screenplay, stylized visuals, and Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life performance.

What’s Next for Coolie at the Global Box Office?

With such an earth-shattering start in North America and historic pre-release bookings worldwide, Coolie is poised to dominate international charts over the coming weeks. Trade experts anticipate strong weekend collections across the UK, Australia, and the Middle East, where Rajinikanth commands a loyal fanbase.

The question is no longer whether Coolie will enter the ₹500 crore club—it’s about how fast it will get there. The momentum is unstoppable, and with no major competing releases in its window, the box office is wide open.

Rajinikanth’s Coolie has once again proved that age is no barrier for charisma, and when mass meets craft, cinema history is made.

For your information:

What is Coolie’s North America box office collection on Day 1?
Coolie grossed $3.04 million on its opening day in North America, making it the highest-ever for a Tamil film.

Is Coolie part of Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU)?
No, director Lokesh Kanagaraj confirmed that Coolie is a standalone film and not linked to his LCU timeline.

How much did Coolie make in advance bookings?
The film collected over ₹100 crore in global advance bookings even before its official release.

Who are the stars in Rajinikanth’s Coolie?
Besides Rajinikanth, the film stars Sathyaraj, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and features cameos by Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde.

Why is Coolie significant for Rajinikanth’s career?
It marks one of his strongest international openings and a high-profile collaboration with director Lokesh Kanagaraj, further solidifying his pan-Indian appeal.

When was Coolie released?
Coolie was officially released on August 14, 2025, with premiere shows starting a day earlier in international markets.