Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Aug 18: Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest outing Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, is rewriting box office history. Released on August 14, the film stormed theatres with a record-breaking opening of nearly Rs 150 cr worldwide, the biggest ever for a Tamil film.

According to Sacnilk, Coolie collected Rs 35 cr net across India on Day 4, taking its domestic earnings to Rs 194.25 cr. The film is now set to breach the Rs 200-cr mark by the end of the day. Globally, it has already grossed more than Rs 320 cr, making it one of the fastest Tamil films to achieve the milestone.

On Sunday, the Tamil version led with nearly 64% occupancy, drawing packed houses in Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Dindigul. The Hindi version followed with 42% occupancy across Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Lucknow, while the Telugu version registered close to 50%.

Even as War 2, starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, managed Rs 173.60 cr in four days, Coolie has maintained its dominance. Trade experts predict the film could race towards Rs 600 cr globally, putting it in league with Rajinikanth’s previous blockbusters 2.0 and Jailer.

So far, only three Tamil films have crossed the Rs 600-cr mark—two of them headlined by Rajinikanth, the other being Vijay’s Leo. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the superstar’s charisma has ensured packed theatres. The film’s release also marks a special moment as Rajinikanth celebrates 50 years in cinema.