a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘Is Coolie your Avengers?' Rajinikanth's fever takes over U.S. box office, moviegoers stunned as film marks fifth-biggest opening for an Indian release
Rajinikanth has once again proved why he's the biggest name in Indian cinema. His new film Coolie exploded at the U.S. box office, raking in $3.95 million on Thursday. By August 17, Coolie had grossed over $5.5 million in North America, just below Weapons and Freakier Friday. The early hype and Rajni mania took over the internet as well, from flash mobs to number plates, fans are celebrating the superstar's 50 years in creative ways.
Also read: Coolie box office collection Day 3: Rajinikanth starrer becomes fastest Tamil film to earn Rs 300 crore worldwide, beats Vettaiyan
With insane advance bookings, Coolie pulled in $3.04 million from premieres, breaking an 8-year-old record set by Kabali ($1.92M in 2016). It also became the first-ever Tamil film to cross $2M and $3M in North American premieres. Among all Indian films, it now holds the 4th biggest premiere tally in the U.S.: Kalki 2898 AD: $3.9M, RRR: $3.5M, Pushpa 2: $3.34M, Coolie: $3.04M (Early premiere Wednesday numbers), Devara: $2.85M.
It now holds the fifth-biggest opening day ever for an Indian film in the U.S.
Trade circles in North America are speculating Coolie is projected to make $6–8 million in its four-day weekend, though its breakeven point is pegged at $7.5 million. On social media, American moviegoers were shocked to see theatres sold out for days. One user posted: 'What is Coolie, and how is half of a giant theatre sold out five days out, charging $30 a ticket? Is this your Avengers???' The user added, 'I need someone from India Twitter to put me on game.' One of the most viral tweets read, 'I've never seen anything like this. They're charging 3X what a regular seat for other movies would go for. Very impressive.' A Rajini fan responded, 'Man, you've no idea what you're in for. Book a ticket and you're welcome!' Another added, clarifying, 'This is literally Kollywood's Avengers moment (it isn't even Bollywood, more like South Indian regional cinema with a few pan-Indian star cameos).'
I need someone from India Twitter to put me on game.
Wtf is Coolie and how is half of a giant theater sold out 5 days out, charging $30 a ticket. Is this your Avengers????
— Mannnnaayyyy (@whereismanny) August 9, 2025
Also read: Coolie review: Rajinikanth elevates Lokesh Kanagaraj's frustrating action vehicle
In another viral tweet, a fan could be seen flaunting customised number plates with the words Coolie and Rajinikanth on their car. In another post, fans were spotted wearing customised shirts featuring Lokesh Kanagaraj's movie poster. Yet another tweet showed fans organising flash dances to the actor's superhit songs. When it comes to Rajinikanth, the actor has always enjoyed strong support overseas, especially in North America, where the diaspora has long showered him with love.
#Coolie Craze in USA 🇺🇸 moving on to next level @rajinikanth 🔥🔥🔥
Coolie Number Plate by @YuviR21 ❤️✨️ Semma brother 🤗#CoolieThePowerHouse#SuperstarRajinikanth #Rajinikanth
— Achilles (@Searching4ligh1) July 18, 2025
Released on August 14, 2025, a day before Independence Day weekend, Coolie clashed with Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR's War 2. Worldwide, Coolie has already zoomed past Rs 320–325 crore in three days, making it the fastest Tamil film ever to hit Rs 300 crore. It's already beaten Rajinikanth's own Vettaiyan (Rs 146.89 crore lifetime), which that released last year, including Ajith's Good Bad Ugly (Rs 180 crore), and even Mohanlal–Prithviraj's L2: Empuraan (Rs 265 crore).
Apart from the United States, Coolie is performing strongly in several international markets — including France, where it sold 8,800 tickets on opening day, surpassing Vijay's Leo (8,500). The film has also established a solid foothold in Singapore, the UAE, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The movie also stars Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and Rachita Ram, plus a surprise cameo from Aamir Khan.
