'Coolie' Early Reviews & Ticket Booking: Has the Rajinikanth starrer lived up to the hype?

Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is already looking like a cinematic storm in the making. With its release slated for August 14, the film has become the hot topic across social media, fan clubs, and industry circles alike. Even before it hits the theatres, Coolie has begun making massive waves both at the box office and in online chatter.

What is fueling the frenzy? A fresh review has surfaced online, sending expectations soaring. If early buzz is to be believed, Coolie is shaping up to be one of Rajinikanth’s most memorable films since Kabali, pairing the massy flavour of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s direction with the charisma of the superstar in a never-seen-before avatar.

A Star Cast That Delivers Fireworks

According to reports circulating on X, Shruti Haasan emerges as a major scene-stealer. She is being hailed as the heart of the film, bringing not just glamour but gravitas to her role. Meanwhile, Nagarjuna appears to have knocked it out of the park as the primary antagonist. His performance is reportedly chilling yet magnetic, with his character being called the driving force of the story.

Aamir Khan’s cameo, though brief, has sparked wild anticipation. His surprise appearance is expected to cause a raucous reaction in theatres, something fans have already begun speculating about in online threads. Add to that whispers of a “big twist” for fans within the film, and you have the makings of a theatrical event rather than just a regular release.

Trailer Impact and Record-Breaking Advance Bookings

The buzz around Coolie hit a new high after the trailer dropped. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature blend of gritty action and dramatic storytelling has caught on quickly with both die-hard fans and casual viewers. The momentum translated instantly into bookings. Within just three days, the film had already raked in over two million dollars in overseas pre-sales. That is over ninety crore rupees and counting.

North America alone contributed a massive chunk to this figure, proving that Rajinikanth’s global appeal remains unmatched. His reach goes far beyond the southern states of India, with diaspora audiences playing a key role in driving international sales.

Back home, ticketing platforms have begun gearing up for the rush. The official bookings are yet to open across India, but anticipation is already boiling. Every update, from character reveals to soundtrack snippets, is being devoured by fans who are ready to celebrate their icon on the big screen once again.

Clash of the Titans at the Box Office

While Coolie is heading into theatres with full steam, it is also facing a high-voltage box office clash. Hrithik Roshan and Jr. NTR’s War 2 is scheduled to hit screens on the same day. On paper, this could have been a nail-biting competition. However, early signs indicate that Coolie may dominate the race even before it officially begins.

Trade analysts are already predicting that Coolie could open with a triple-digit haul in India alone. Despite being certified with an A rating by the CBFC, the film is on track to pull in mass audiences thanks to its larger-than-life appeal and the magnetic pull of Rajinikanth’s stardom.

While War 2 has its own set of heavyweights, the scale and sentimental pull of Coolie seems to be creating a stronger pre-release connection. If the early reviews hold true, then the Rajinikanth-starrer may comfortably walk away with the opening weekend crown.

The Rajinikanth Phenomenon Continues

There is something electric about a Rajinikanth release. It is not just a film; it is a festival. With Coolie, Lokesh Kanagaraj appears to have channeled that energy into a high-stakes, high-style action spectacle that fans are dying to witness.

The combination of a powerhouse cast, explosive direction, record-breaking advance bookings, and the promise of theatrical surprises has transformed Coolie into more than just another action drama. It is being positioned as a cultural moment. One that might just redefine the monsoon box office of 2025.

Whether or not Coolie lives up to every ounce of the hype will soon be known. But one thing is certain. On August 14, all eyes will be on Rajinikanth. And theatres across the country are about to erupt.