Rajinikanth's ‘Coolie' beats 'Kabali' to become sixth biggest Tamil grosser of all time in North America
's Coolie has roared past the overseas box office, scripting history in North America by overtaking the numbers held by Pa. Ranjith's Kabali. Directed by
, the action entertainer has now become the sixth biggest Tamil hit in the region, reaffirming Rajinikanth's unparalleled draw among North America audience.
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The film's premiere day saw a thunderous opening, minting USD 3.04 million, signaling the massive anticipation surrounding the project. This was followed by a solid USD 95,000 haul on its first day. Momentum carried forward on the second day, with the film collecting another USD 720,000 till 9 a.m. IST. This took the film's cumulative earnings in North America to a staggering USD 4.67 million, comfortably surpassing the lifetime total of USD 4.44 million earned by Kabali nearly nine years ago.
Kabali had become the standard for Tamil films in the circuit as it had collected USD 1.92 million just from its premiere shows and for nearly a decade, no Tamil film was able to breach that mark. The film then went on to earn USD 4.44 million by the end of its theatrical run.
Part of the film's appeal lies in Lokesh Kanagaraj's unique directorial vision. Known for crafting gritty, larger-than-life narratives with a modern edge, Lokesh brings a refreshing touch to Rajinikanth's stardom.
Coolie blends action, drama, and spectacle in a way that resonates with younger audiences while staying true to Rajinikanth's larger-than-life persona.
Adding to the star power, Coolie boasts a formidable ensemble cast featuring Nagarjuna,
,
, Sathyaraj,
, and
. Bollywood superstar
also makes a cameo appearance, further elevating the film's pan-India appeal. The diverse casting reflects Lokesh's ambition of positioning Coolie as more than just a Tamil blockbuster—it is designed as a cinematic event cutting across languages and markets.
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Industry experts believe that the record-breaking start in North America is only the beginning. With strong word of mouth and Rajinikanth's massive fan following, Coolie is expected to enjoy a long theatrical run overseas. If the current pace sustains, it could well find itself climbing further up the all-time overseas Tamil box office rankings.
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