Rajinikanth is proving once again why he remains one of the biggest forces in Indian cinema. His upcoming action drama Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Tamil film to cross 2 million dollars in North American advance bookings for its premiere. This record-breaking feat surpasses the benchmarks set by previous blockbusters, including Rajinikanth’s own Kabali, Vijay’s Leo, and Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: I.
The announcement came directly from producer Sun Pictures, who took to social media to share the news along with an enthusiastic message that Coolie is “the first Tamil film to cross 2 million dollars in premiere pre-sales in North America.” The revelation set off a wave of celebration among fans, with social media flooded by messages calling it a “Rajinikanth mass moment” and hailing the superstar as a “record maker and record breaker.”
A Record-Breaking Lead-Up to Release
The numbers speak volumes about Rajinikanth’s enduring global appeal. Until now, Kabali held the top spot for Tamil premiere sales in North America with 1.9 million dollars. Other strong performers like Leo, The GOAT, Ponniyin Selvan: I, and Jailer followed close behind. Coolie has now overtaken all of them even before its worldwide release on August 14, positioning itself as a major box office event.
Why the Hype is So High
Coolie’s storyline, as revealed by the British Board of Film Classification, centres on a mysterious man who rises against a corrupt syndicate exploiting workers in a port town. This marks the first collaboration between Lokesh Kanagaraj and Rajinikanth, a pairing that has fueled massive anticipation among both fans and the industry.
Adding to the excitement is an ensemble cast featuring Nagarjuna, Nimma Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Aamir Khan in pivotal roles. The film promises a combination of high-voltage action, powerful drama, and an emotional core, all set against the backdrop of a socially charged narrative.
A Global and Domestic Box Office Storm Incoming
Coolie is timed perfectly for the Independence Day holiday weekend in India, while also tapping into the summer box office window in international markets. The unprecedented pre-sale figures suggest that the film is likely to open to packed houses worldwide, setting the stage for potential new records in both domestic and overseas markets.
Rajinikanth’s ability to dominate the global box office even decades into his career is a testament to his unmatched charisma and fan loyalty. Coolie’s early numbers show that Tamil cinema continues to expand its footprint internationally, attracting diverse audiences and strengthening its commercial power.
Whether it goes on to achieve the 1000 crore milestone, as some fans are predicting, remains to be seen. But one thing is certain Rajinikanth’s Coolie is already a phenomenon before even hitting the big screen.
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