The Rajinikanth mania is set to engulf Mumbai as his highly anticipated film, "Coolie," gears up for its worldwide release on August 14, 2025. The excitement is palpable, with fan clubs organizing celebrations and moviegoers eagerly awaiting the chance to witness the superstar's return to the big screen.
"If he is the ocean, we are the unstoppable waves," exclaimed a member of a prominent Rajinikanth fan club in Mumbai, capturing the unwavering devotion the actor commands. This sentiment echoes throughout the city, as evidenced by the soaring advance bookings and the festive atmosphere surrounding the film's release.
"Coolie," directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, marks Rajinikanth's 50th year in cinema, adding another layer of significance to the event. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Sathyaraj, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra and Aamir Khan. The movie is an action thriller centering around a mysterious man who stands up to a corrupt syndicate exploiting laborers in a coastal town.
Advance bookings for "Coolie" have been record-breaking, with the film already earning ₹100 crore for its opening weekend and selling over 12 lakh tickets for the first day in India alone. The film has also crossed $2 million in premiere pre-sales in North America, making it the first Tamil film to achieve this milestone. This overwhelming response reflects not only Rajinikanth's immense star power but also the fierce loyalty of his global fanbase.
The release of "Coolie" is not without its challenges, as it clashes with another major release, "War 2," starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR. Despite "War 2" securing more screens across India, "Coolie" has sold significantly more tickets in advance booking sales, indicating a potentially bigger opening day.
Adding to the pre-release buzz, Rajinikanth's speech at the audio launch of "Coolie" has sparked controversy, with some finding his comments about co-stars to be in poor taste. However, the film's producer, Kalanithi Maran, has defended Rajinikanth, emphasizing his unparalleled influence in the industry.
Despite mixed reactions to the trailer, which some found lacking the signature "Rajini punch", expectations for the film remain high. Lokesh Kanagaraj faces the challenge of balancing Rajinikanth's mass appeal with a compelling storyline. The film has been certified 'A' (adults only) by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and has a running time of 2 hours and 48 minutes.
As the release date approaches, Mumbai is bracing itself for the Rajinikanth wave. The film's success is not just a measure of box office numbers; it is a celebration of Rajinikanth's enduring legacy and his profound connection with his fans. Uno Aqua Care, a company with branches across South India, has declared an official holiday for all its employees on the release day and is providing free tickets, further highlighting the cultural phenomenon that is Rajinikanth. The release of 'Coolie' is more than just a movie premiere; it's a cultural event.
