Superstar Rajinikanth’s Coolie created a storm at the box office in 2025. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, the high-octane action thriller came with sky-high expectations, a massive star cast, and one of the biggest budgets in Tamil cinema history. But did it live up to the hype? Let’s break down the Coolie box office report, worldwide collections, budget, and final verdict.
Rajinikanth Returns as Deva
Coolie brings back Rajinikanth in a powerful avatar as Deva, a former coolie union leader living a quiet life in Chennai. His peace shatters when a close friend dies mysteriously, leading him to uncover a massive criminal network. The story blends intense action, emotional depth, and Rajini’s unmatched charisma — all wrapped in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s signature storytelling.
The film also stars Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and features a special cameo by Aamir Khan, adding to the film’s grandeur and appeal.
Coolie Budget and Production Scale
- Budget: ₹350 Crore (approx.)
This makes Coolie one of the most expensive Indian films ever made, powered by extravagant sets, high-end VFX, and star salaries. The film was produced by Sun Pictures, who reportedly earned massive revenue from non-theatrical rights, including satellite and OTT deals.
Coolie Box Office Collection Report
Despite mixed reviews, Coolie stormed theatres with record-breaking openings worldwide.
| Box Office Region | Collection (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| India Net Collection | ₹285.01 Crore |
| India Gross Collection | ₹337.5 Crore |
| Overseas Collection | ₹180.5 Crore |
| Worldwide Total Collection | ₹518 Crore |
With over ₹518 crore worldwide, Coolie became one of the highest-grossing Tamil movies of all time, reaffirming Rajinikanth’s unparalleled box office dominance.
Hit or Flop: The Final Verdict
Here’s where the verdict gets tricky.
While Coolie’s total collections are gigantic, its massive ₹350 crore budget meant the film needed extraordinary performance in every region to achieve a clean “Hit” status.
- Worldwide Gross: ₹518 crore
- Budget: ₹350 crore
- Verdict: Above Average / Mixed
Profitable for producers (Sun Pictures) thanks to OTT, satellite, and music rights.
Losses reported for some distributors in Tamil Nadu and select regions due to high distribution costs.
In short — Coolie was a blockbuster in scale and box office numbers, but its financial performance remains mixed, making it a “costly success.”
All-Time Box Office Impact
- Among the Top 5 Highest-Grossing Tamil Films ever.
- Strengthened Rajinikanth’s global stardom.
- Set a new benchmark for production quality in Indian cinema.
Even with a complex verdict, Coolie stands tall as a mass entertainer that drew huge crowds, proving that Thalaiva’s magic never fades.
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Final Takeaway
Coolie might not have been a perfect “hit” for every stakeholder, but it delivered a massive cinematic experience and continued Rajinikanth’s legacy as the ultimate Superstar of Indian cinema. With its huge scale, emotional story, and worldwide reach, Coolie remains a major milestone in Tamil film history.
