Coolie’s Historic Day-One Box Office Triumph: The Unstoppable Rajinikanth Beats War 2 and Smashes 5 Major 2025 Records
From Zero to ₹65 Crore in a Day: How Rajinikanth’s Coolie Dominated War 2 and Redefined Box Office History in 2025
The cinematic clash of 2025 has arrived in grand style, with two of the year’s most highly anticipated films—Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Hrithik Roshan–Jr NTR’s War 2—hitting theatres on August 14. Audiences were eager to see how the superstar-driven Tamil action entertainer would fare against the latest chapter in the blockbuster YRF Spy Universe. Early predictions had placed both films on a collision course for box office glory, but as the first-day numbers rolled in, it became clear that Coolie had emerged as the dominant force.
While War 2 drew huge crowds and delivered a thunderous start, Rajinikanth’s magnetic screen presence and the film’s high-octane storytelling propelled Coolie to a record-shattering opening. Not only did it surpass its rival on day one, but it also outperformed every other major release of 2025 so far. With a winning combination of star power, gripping action sequences, and director Lokesh Kanagaraj’s proven storytelling craft, Coolie has captured the public’s imagination, setting the stage for what could be one of the year’s most remarkable box office runs. As fans celebrate this cinematic triumph, industry analysts are already predicting that Coolie could maintain its lead well beyond the opening weekend, solidifying its place as a historic blockbuster.
War 2’s Strong Start in the Spy Universe
The YRF Spy Universe has consistently delivered crowd-pulling hits, and War 2 is no exception. Directed by Ayan Mukerji, the film pairs Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR in an adrenaline-fuelled spectacle that spans multiple languages. On its first day, early estimates from Sacnilk suggest War 2 earned ₹52.5 crore domestically. Breaking it down, the Hindi version contributed ₹29 crore, the Tamil version ₹25 lakh, and the Telugu version ₹23.25 crore.
While these figures mark a strong entry for the spy franchise, they ultimately fell short of eclipsing Rajinikanth’s juggernaut release. Nevertheless, with its mass appeal and the backing of a loyal fanbase, War 2 still has a solid chance to perform well over the long run, especially if word-of-mouth remains positive.
Coolie’s Historic Day-One Performance
Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, made a thunderous impact on its opening day. Early reports indicate the film raked in a staggering ₹65 crore in India alone—a figure that easily surpasses War 2’s earnings. This triumph not only secured Coolie the title of biggest opener of the year but also made it a standout performer in recent cinematic history.
The success lies in the film’s perfect blend of action, drama, and nostalgia, combined with Rajinikanth’s commanding presence. Fans thronged theatres across the country, leading to packed shows and repeat viewings.
Breaking Multiple Box Office Records
Coolie didn’t just beat War 2; it shattered the records of 2025’s top five openers, overtaking:
- Chava (₹31 crore) starring Vicky Kaushal
- Sikander (₹26 crore) starring Salman Khan
- Housefull 5 (₹24 crore) starring Akshay Kumar
- Saiyaara (₹21.5 crore) featuring Ahan Pandey and Anit Padda
- Raid 2 (₹19.5 crore) starring Ajay Devgn
With such an explosive debut, Coolie has established itself as the film to beat in 2025.
Star-Studded Cast and Direction
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, a filmmaker celebrated for hits like Leo, Kaithi, and Vikram, Coolie boasts a powerful ensemble. Rajinikanth leads the charge, supported by big names such as Nagarjuna, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, and Soubin Shahir. In a surprise treat for audiences, Aamir Khan makes a special cameo appearance.
Meanwhile, War 2 stars Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR alongside Kiara Advani and Ashutosh Rana, bringing together an impressive lineup under the vision of Ayan Mukerji.
Conclusion
The box office battle between Coolie and War 2 has made for one of the most exciting opening weekends in recent memory. While both films have performed impressively, Rajinikanth’s Coolie has emerged as the clear winner on day one, rewriting the record books and setting a new standard for 2025’s cinematic achievements. With sustained hype, strong critical reception, and immense fan enthusiasm, Coolie is poised to dominate the weeks ahead, while War 2 will aim to hold its ground and capitalise on its franchise appeal.
FAQs
Q1: Which movie earned more on the first day—Coolie or War 2?
A: Coolie earned ₹65 crore, surpassing War 2’s ₹52.5 crore opening.
Q2: Who directed Coolie?
A: The film was directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
Q3: What is War 2 about?
A: War 2 is the latest entry in the YRF Spy Universe, featuring espionage, action, and an international plotline.
Q4: Which films’ records did Coolie break?
A: Coolie surpassed the opening day earnings of Chava, Sikander, Housefull 5, Saiyaara, and Raid 2.
Q5: Who makes a cameo in Coolie?
A: Aamir Khan appears in a cameo role.
